Descripción

In 2026, from 29th June to 2nd of July, the first PLASTIMPACT Summer School was successfully held in Groningen, focusing on the Fate and Impact of (Micro- and Nano-) Plastics on Health.

The programme combined problem‑based learning with interdisciplinary training, bringing together participants from different partner universities and external institutions.

Participants worked in groups to address real‑life challenges proposed by five “clients”, developing solutions on topics such as the improvement of a device for citizens to measure microplastics in air, the selection of sustainable gloves for laboratories, the reduction of plastics in the university canteen, the creation of an app to identify plastic content in products, and mechanisms to support teaching microplastics to students.

Throughout the week, participants attended lectures covering key aspects of micro‑ and nanoplastics and health, including exposure and emission pathways, developmental toxicity, planetary health law, health psychology and communication, and graphic medicine. Most lectures were followed by short integrative activities to reinforce learning.

Several workshops were also organised, addressing citizen science, research storytelling, mindfulness in research, and research impact, further supporting the development of transversal skills.