Presenting at MICRO2018 International conference
Winnie Courtene-Jones
Scottish Association for Marine Science
In November I attended MICRO2018 International conference, in Lanzarote, an opportunity made possible thanks to the Challenger Society travel award. This biennial conference is focussed on developing understanding and sharing current research on the prevalence and impacts of plastic pollution (including microplastics and nanoplastic) throughout the environment.
I gave a presentation entitled ‘Microplastic pollution in the deep sea ecosystem: a case study from the Rockall Trough’. It was a privilege to share my PhD research on an International stage; it was well-received and led to some fruitful discussions. My PhD research examines microplastics ingested by deep-sea invertebrates and contained within deep waters and sediments. Also, through the utilisation of historical deep-sea invertebrates has tracked microplastic pollution back in time to the mid-1970s (our earliest samples) to explore the long term prevalence of microplastics on the seafloor.
The five-day conference was packed with fascinating talks and it was a challenge to decide which of the parallel sessions to go to – I wish I could have attended them all! The conference supports a number of disciplines all coming together to tackle the complex problem that is microplastics pollution. Sessions ranged from ecotoxicology, physical oceanography and hydrodynamic modelling, ecosystem monitoring, policy, social sciences, science communication and science-art collaborations. Such a range of disciplines made for fascinating discussion and some really inclusive thinking on potential solutions. There were too many interesting presentations and posters to describe in this short-piece, but if you are interested to find out more about the range of topics presented you can check out #MICRO2018 on twitter to see the hot off the press news shared by the microplastics community during the conference.
In addition to the very full scientific programme there were a number of additional evening activities including a science-policy workshop, a short concert from local Lanzarote musicians, a science-communication film, a lecture from Professor Maria Cristina Fossi and a very engaging lecture from Professor Richard Thompson OBE.
Having attended the conference two years ago (MICRO2016), it was fantastic to see the increase in the amount of microplastics research being carried out internationally, attendance was nearly double that of in 2016. Also, to see how the science has progressed, and of course it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with other researchers who I had met at the last conference. During my career I have been fortunate to attend many conferences, but the supportive and inclusive atmosphere at MICRO2018 is unlike at any other conference. Of course, Lanzarote also makes a wonderful location; there’s nothing quite like enjoying your lunch break on the beach in the sun with the new friends you’ve met.
MICRO2018 provided invaluable opportunity to network, meet eminent scientists from across the globe and learn about the latest advances in microplastic science. Being at the very end of my PhD, I truly feel I was able to make the most of such an opportunity, not only to share my research but to make connections for the future. I thank the Challenger Society for their support which enabled me to participate, and also to all of the microplastics community for their enthusiasm which has left me even more motivated and excited for the future.
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Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset
The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) and OceanWise are delighted to invite you to attend our popular free online training workshop: ‘Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset’ on the 19th – 23rd of May 2025.
Workshop on the contribution of UK Arctic Ocean science to the International Polar Year 32/33
12:00 11th June – 16:00 12th June 2025: NOC Southampton (In-person with online option): Registration deadline 16th May
REGISTER HERE
Pre-meeting questionnaire (open to all)
The purpose of this workshop is for the UK Ocean Science community to discuss and then draft a prospectus document outlining the priority Arctic research questions the community would like to address during the run up to, throughout and beyond the International Polar Year 32/33. Additionally, to identify what unique strengths and technologies the UK has to help fill these knowledge gaps.
The second day of the workshop will be dedicated to writing groups, one for each of the priority research questions identified - from both the pre-meeting questionnaire (HERE) and day one discussion. By the end of the meeting, each group will have produced draft text and sourced supporting figures for the prospectus.
Post meeting, the draft will be opened for comments and suggestions from everyone, regardless of whether they were able to attend the workshop or not. It will then be shared with UK funders (UKRI, FCDO, DSIT, ARIA) and potential international programmes with whom we would like to collaborate (e.g. Arctic 2050, Norway). It will form a basis from which wider integration with terrestrial, atmospheric and cryosphere communities can be built, e.g. at the UK Arctic Science Meeting in September in Northumbria.
To ensure balanced community and ECR representation, and to ensure that the size of the writing groups is efficient and effective, if the number of registrations from individual institutes becomes overwhelming, we may contact individuals or teams and ask that each institute selects a smaller number of individuals to attend in-person. Please wait for confirmation of in-person attendance before finalising travel arrangements.
The workshop will be open to hybrid attendance and contributions on both days.
Challenger Society Council Position Vacancy
The Challenger Society for Marine Science (CSMS) are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to support the next generation of ocean scientists and innovators. CSMS are looking for a new Council member to fill the Student Travel Awards and Stepping Stones Portfolio. The successful applicant will administer the travel and research grants available for Early Career Researchers.
The role involves:
- Receiving applications for the two schemes and responding to applicant inquiries
- Soliciting and compiling input from the rest of the Council for assessing the applications
- Communicating with successful and unsuccessful applicants for the two schemes
- Working with the Honorary Treasurer on allocating funds to successful applicants
- Following up with award winners on their reporting requirements
- Attending Council meetings four times a year (in person or online) and contributing to discussions and decision making for CSMS
The usual term for Council members is three years.
For more information about the CSMS Council, please follow this link: https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/The_Council
For more information about our Early Career Researcher grants and awards, please follow this link:
https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/Stepping_Stones
and
https://www.challenger-society.org.uk/Travel_awards
If you are interested in applying or have any questions regarding the role, please contact kathen@bas.ac.uk