ATLANTIS Members Lead Two Events on Plastic Pollution

Earlier this month, members of the ATLANTIS project took part in two events related to plastic pollution. These events brought together researchers, PhD candidates, and the public to explore the impact of plastics on the environment and highlight the need for urgent interventions.

The MAPLE Project in the Spotlight

On the 1st of October, the MAPLE project, led by Francesca Verones, took center stage in an engaging popular science dissemination event at Young Researchers at Dokkhuset, Trondheim. Francesca, along with the four PhD candidates – Jenny, Gabrielle, Jakob, and Ahmed – presented their research in a style that made complex scientific ideas accessible to a broader audience. Each PhD project was shared through a popular science lens, sparking lively conversations about the global plastic crisis.

The event wasn't just confined to the room; it was livestreamed online, allowing a wider audience to tune in and participate. The event ended with a Q&A session, focusing on the pressing concerns of plastic pollution and how it affects our environment. The audience, both online and in-person, left with a greater understanding of the issue and the ongoing research to combat it.

Workshop on Plastic Research and Innovation

The following day, on the 2nd of October, more than 20 researchers from the ATLANTIS, MAPLE, and SWEETSPOT projects gathered at Gløshaugen for an intensive workshop. This collaborative event aimed to foster the exchange of ideas and explore potential collaborations across various fields related to plastic pollution.

Presentations covered a range of topics, including the transport and degradation of plastic, the impacts of plastic on marine ecosystems, plastic flows and circular economy models, and innovations and interventions to tackle the plastic crisis.

One of the highlights was a group discussion focused on the future – exploring new research avenues, sharing methodologies, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. The workshop concluded with a dinner, where participants continued to exchange ideas in a more informal setting, laying the groundwork for future joint efforts.