Nano and microplastics pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time - and global experts will meet in Adelaide to discuss advanced solutions to curb destructive plastics pollution.
Following the success of last year's inaugural Nano & Microplastics Australian Conference, a larger contingent of leading scientists, policy makers and industry experts will attend the second Nano & Microplastics Australian Conference at Flinders University's City Campus (Festival Tower, North Tce, Adelaide) on March 20-21.
Last year's conference led to the development and broad circulation of a call-to-action document outlining the critical threats posed by nano and microplastics pollution
This year, the conference will build on that momentum by fostering stronger industry collaborations, thanks to the presence of more industry partners and stakeholders at the conference.
The conference is being hosted by the Nano and Microplastic Research Consortium (NMRC) at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering, which is driving efforts to establish standardised analytical methodologies, enhance monitoring strategies and drive policy development.
A major feature of this year's conference is the Agilent Workshop, highlighting key advancements in standardised microplastics analysis that could shape future regulations, plus a deep dive into infrared spectroscopy - specifically Agilent's 8700 LDIR and its role in supporting regulatory directives through fast and automated analysis.
International speakers Professor Bruno Grassl, Professor Stephanie Reynaud and Professor Javier Jimenez-Lamana (IPREM, CNRS, University of Pau, France) will discuss the occurrence of nanoplastics in environmental compartments and analytical challenges.
Keynote speakers will include Professor Kevin Thomas (Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland), Professor Brad Clarke (Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, The University of Melbourne), Dr Marina Santana (Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University) and Dr Patrick Reis Santos (The University of Adelaide).
Flinders University marine biologist Elise Tuuri will present the results of her PhD investigation of ocean plastics across Australia, while Flinders PhD student Hayden Gillings will explain his research about nanoplastics in kidneys.
Key regulatory and industry challenges will be analysed in panel discussions. Suzanne Toumbourou (Australian Council of Recycling), Cip Hamilton (Australian Marine Conservation Society), Dr Sam Gaylard (EPA SA) and Dr Helen Prifti (EPA NSW) will discuss the main actions that should be undertaken by government toward a Plastic-Free Horizon.
Gaps in nanoplastics knowledge and technology will be discussed by Professor Andy Ball (Solving Plastic Waste CRC), Dr Melita Keywood (CSIRO), Dr Julia Jaeger (Eurofins) and Dr Catherine Rees (Melbourne Water).
"The conference will provide a platform for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to share insights, foster new collaborations, and drive actionable solutions for reducing plastic pollution," says Dr Anastasiia Snigirova, from NMRC at Flinders.
"With a stronger industry presence, expanded technical sessions, and high-level policy discussions, this year's event is set to make a significant impact in shaping the future of nano and microplastics research and regulation."
Conference sponsors Agilent Technologies, Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp, Bruker and QuarkPhotonics will showcase cutting-edge technologies and contribute to discussions on advancements in microplastics analysis, regulatory developments and innovative solutions.
