Dear colleagues and friends!

The issue of microplastics is one of the most serious “deferred” environmental problems of the 21st century. Population growth, and the resulting increase in polymer consumption, along with a low level of environmental education and insufficient infrastructure for the collection and processing of polymer waste, is leading to an increase in the accumulation of discarded plastic in the environment which, given its prolonged decomposition, results in a vast quantity of microscopic particles.

The appearance of these particles poses a large number of interdisciplinary challenges related to the detection, characterization and study of the impact of microplastics on human health. The significance of these studies at an international level is confirmed by the UN Environment Assembly 5 (UNEA 5.2) Resolution 5/14 of March 2, 2022 on the need to prevent plastic pollution and to conclude a legally binding international treaty in this area.

The development of such an agreement takes place as part of the work of an Intergovernmental Committee, and is based on modern, scientifically proven data. However, polymer scientists have so far been less involved in resolving problems associated with microplastics. This conference will try to fill this gap, and become a platform for interdisciplinary communications on microplastic issues.

The work of the conference’s scientific programme will be divided into five sections:
● Modelling in microplastic research
● Analysis and characterisation of microplastics
● Microplastics in environmental and earth sciences
● Microplastics in biology, pharmacology, and medicine
● Research and industrial strategies for the prevention and reduction of microplastics.

Sincerely,