By Abdullahi Lukman
Leading scientists, policymakers, and industry experts will gather in Adelaide on March 20-21 for the second Nano & Microplastics Australian Conference to discuss solutions to the growing environmental issue of plastic pollution.
Hosted by Flinders University’s Nano and Microplastic Research Consortium (NMRC), the conference will build on last year’s inaugural event, which resulted in the creation of a call-to-action document highlighting the severe threats posed by nano and microplastics.
This year’s conference will feature a larger industry presence and aims to foster stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
Experts will focus on advancing analytical methodologies, improving monitoring strategies, and supporting policy development.
A key part of the conference will be the Agilent Workshop, which will explore breakthroughs in standardizing microplastics analysis, particularly through infrared spectroscopy and its role in shaping regulatory frameworks.
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International experts such as Professor Bruno Grassl, Professor Stephanie Reynaud, and Professor Javier Jimenez-Lamana will discuss the challenges and prevalence of nanoplastics in the environment. Keynote speakers, including Professor Kevin Thomas and Dr. Marina Santana, will share their insights on the impact of nano and microplastics on ecosystems and human health.
Additionally, researchers from Flinders University, including Elise Tuuri and Hayden Gillings, will present their findings on ocean plastics and nanoplastics in marine organisms.
Panel discussions will address regulatory and industry challenges, with participants such as Suzanne Toumbourou from the Australian Council of Recycling and Dr. Sam Gaylard from EPA SA discussing actions needed to work toward a plastic-free future.
Dr. Anastasiia Snigirova of NMRC emphasized that this year’s conference will provide a crucial platform for collaboration and innovation, setting the stage for actionable solutions to reduce plastic pollution.
The conference will also feature sponsors like Agilent Technologies and Bruker, who will showcase the latest technologies in microplastics analysis and regulatory development.
