Educating for environmental transition: the summer school on microplastics

TL;DR

This paper discusses a summer school program in Geneva that addresses microplastic pollution through interdisciplinary education and collaboration.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel educational model for addressing microplastic pollution through international collaboration and interdisciplinary learning.

Findings

The summer school brought together participants from 15 countries to address microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.

The program emphasized science-policy-innovation linkages and public engagement in tackling microplastic challenges.

Abstract

Plastics are deeply embedded in modern life, but their degradation releases micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into ecosystems. These persistent particles are found everywhere, from oceans to the human body, and raise growing concerns about environmental and human health, biodiversity, and sustainability implications. Despite increasing awareness, effective responses to MNP pollution remain limited by unresolved challenges in scientific monitoring, policymaking, and public engagement. Addressing these challenges, the summer school on "Microplastics: From Environmental Impact to Policy, Innovation, and Public Awareness" held in June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, exemplifies an innovative educational model. The program was multi- and interdisciplinary, action-oriented, internationally collaborative, and rooted in local contexts. Focusing on microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, it brought together participants from 15 countries to explore the nexus of science, policy, governance, innovation, and public engagement. This contribution reflects the summer school’s design and outcomes, highlighting its promise as a model for advancing next-generation environmental education as well as discussing some of the key challenges.

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