Polymer
Science Discussions on polymer science happening within microplastics and how it influences their behavior in the environment. ———— TOPICS Learn more Environmental
Chemistry Surface phenomena in microplastics and how they influence the interaction with other substances. ———— TOPICS Learn more Impacts of
Microplastics SPSAS will discuss the impacts of microplastics and their derivatives on the environment. ———— TOPICS Learn more Our Actions
on Microplastics What have we done or can do to combat the plastic pollution crisis? ———— TOPICS Learn more
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The SPSAS on Microplastics is an interdisciplinary forum designed to help students understand one of today’s most urgent environmental challenges through a structured, science‑driven lens.

Applications are closed

September 1st to 11th,
2026

When

Unicamp and CNPEM
Campinas, Brazil

Where

March 20th
to April 10th

Enrollment period

Advanced Discussions on

Microplastics

By exploring microplastics from the inside out—examining their polymer chemistry, surface interactions, ecological impacts, and the global policies shaping solutions—participants gain a uniquely comprehensive view of this pollutant.

If you want to deepen your scientific expertise, engage with cutting‑edge research, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on environmental stewardship, enroll for this opportunity!

The SPSAS (São Paulo School of Advanced Science) Microplastics project is divided into 4 areas that we consider essential for organizing discussions around this pollutant. See the boxes for more information.

About the School
Speakers
+ 0
Days of Learning
0
Students
0
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Interior

Discussions on the polymer science happening within microplastics and how it influences their behavior in the environment

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Interior

Discussions on the polymer science happening within microplastics and how it influences their behavior in the environment

  1. Polymer formulation, from its necessity to the environmental impact of chemicals of concern;
  2. Diffusion in polymeric materials and their research bottlenecks in environmental sciences;
  3. Mechanical properties and impacts on fragmentation dynamics in micro- and nanoplastic formation processes;
  4. Degradative processes involved in weathering processes.
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Surface

Surface phenomena in microplastics and how they influence the interaction with other substances

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Surface

Surface phenomena in microplastics and how they influence the interaction with other substances

  1. Partitioning of substances on the surface of microplastics and the effect of environmental change;
  2. Sorption of pollutants and potential influence of organic matter;
  3. Leaching of additives;
  4. Dynamics of formation and impacts of biofilms/plastispheres formed on the surface of microplastics.
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Exterior

We will discuss the impacts of microplastics and their derivatives on the environment

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Exterior

(Impacts)

We will discuss the impacts of microplastics and their derivatives on the environment

  1. Mechanical ecotoxicity of microplastics in digestive system clogging and tissue damage;
  2. Transport between and within terrestrial, atmospheric, and aqueous environments;
  3. Ecotoxic impact of additives and degradation products on the environment and human health;
  4. Identification and characterization of microplastics.
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Beyond

What have we done or can do to combat the plastic pollution crisis?

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Beyond

What have we done or can do to combat the plastic pollution crisis?

  1. Multilateral Regulation and the case of the Global Treaty against Plastic Pollution;
  2. Public Policies with extended producer responsibility and chemical transparency as a human right;
  3. Science diplomacy;
  4. Open Science. 
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Between 1 and 2 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year, contributing directly to microplastic contamination

Why microplastics

matter

Microplastics are the most pervasive facet of plastic pollution. They are complex materials made mainly of a polymer embedded with a diverse mixture of chemicals coming from the intended formulation of the plastic product it once was, the weathering reactions, and the pollutants the microplastic met along its journey. This complex fragment has an extraordinary transport potential through air, water, and soil, and a variety of chemical and physical ways of interacting with its surroundings. All these complexities must be studied and understood to make it possible to tackle the issue and inform the public debate around plastic pollution with evidence-based science.

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science (SPSAS) on Microplastic was conceived to address the microplastic complexities dividing the problem into four frameworks:

Inside the microplastic: dealing with the polymer and chemicals added to or coming from the plastic

On the microplastic: exploring what happens on the surface of microplastics

Around the microplastic: discussing the interaction dynamics with the several media where the microplastics are

Regulatory framework: the public debate and the viable actions stemming from evidence-based science toward regulatory policy

More information

Expert

Lectures

The lectures delivered by renowned speakers, including international and Brazilian experts, will provide participants with access to knowledge and integrated discussions that will contribute to their interdisciplinary training.

The School will also help students establish important connections for their careers, offering an excellent opportunity for networking and professional development.

Learn more

An intensive and interdisciplinary program training early-career scientists to address the challenges of plastic pollution through research, critical thinking, and evidence-based policy

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Expand knowledge
Gain field experience
Meet researchers
Do networking
Share your research
Reach insights
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What are

SPSAS?

The São Paulo Schools of Advanced Science (SPSAS) are supported by FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) and bring together scientists and students in short courses to analyze advanced topics in various areas of research, in addition to seeking to promote the attraction of young talents, committed to academic excellence.

The SPSAS on Microplastics was conceived as an intensive and interdisciplinary theoretical-practical course, focused in training young scientists and fostering collaboration between Brazilian academia and global leaders on the topic, thus helping to prepare Brazil to be a relevant actor on the matter and supporting governmental and diplomatic efforts against plastic pollution. The program covers the science of micro/nanoplastics, their impacts, and current regulatory efforts.

Learn more

News

about the event

Partners & Support

Who helps the SPSAS Microplastic School happen

Funding

Organizers

Support