This conference will have three main foci to help early career researchers become more knowledgeable in the field of environmental microplastics studies and be better equipped to be competent and confident researchers in the future. These include 1) key-note lectures by experts highlighting the state of the art in the field, 2) interactive sessions between students and experts for more in-depth scientific discussions and increased networking amongst participants and 3) student development sessions, where lectures are given to help students have the information and tools they need to work in the field of academic science.

1. Key-Note lectures – state of the art in the field:

On the opening evening of the conference, and at the start of each day of the conference, leading experts in the field will present their overarching perspective on various topics. The goal will be to provide engaging and informative talks for those who are studying (micro)plastics in their current work but increase the breadth of their understanding in different aspects of the field. See current schedule for speakers, but some examples of these key-note lectures include:

• Lay of land – current status of microplastic research
• Public perception of (micro)plastics – how does science inform citizens?
• Plastic policies – new developments to reduce (micro)plastic pollution around the globe
• Analytical method developments to quantify microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial systems
• Ecotoxicology and plastics: nanoplastics, microplastics and plastic added chemicals
• Fate and transport of microplastics: important considerations for aquatic systems
• Impacts of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems
• Modeling microplastics in the environment: materials flow modeling and fate modeling
• The future of microplastics research – driving open questions in the field

2. Interactive Sessions:

We aim to foster a very open and inclusive environment where students have the opportunity to discuss with experts at length, which they may be unable to do in a typical, large conference format. Therefore, the close knit community feeling which is possible at the Monte Verita conference venue is ideal for this type of activity. These novel aspects to a conference format highlight the inclusive aims of our conference and will yield maximum participation of all attendees.

Discussion sessions:

There will be 6 rounds of discussion sessions of 50 minutes each, split across two days of the workshop. At the time of registration, students can select topics which are of interest to them (see list of topics below) and they will be split up into groups accordingly, where each group will have one expert and approximately 6 students. Experts will give a short introduction to the topic (e.g. 3 - 6 slides) to get the conversation started and will lead students through discussions based on research topic at hand. This can include designing experiments, methodology challenges, how to present results, and open research questions/gaps associated with topic. There will also be an opportunity for the students to ask questions to the experts, but all participants should ideally be involved in the discussion (i.e. not simply a question and answer session hosted by the expert). We specifically envision inviting experts who are outgoing and we personally know are capable of leading group discussions in a productive, interactive, and engaging way.

1. Aqueous environments: Particle dynamics and measurements
2. Soils and sediment: Particle dynamics and measurements
3. Ecotoxicity: Exposures, particle characterization, endpoints, additives
4. Characterization methods: spectroscopic vs thermal, size evaluation, mass
5. Nanoplastics
6. Reference materials / test materials
7. Physical and chemical aging processes
8. Plastic (bio)degradation in the environment
9. Fate and risk modeling
10. Macroplastic
11. Plastics policy and public outreach

Peer-editing Writing Café:

Students will be randomly assigned into small groups (4 - 5 ) and the writing samples of all students in the given group will be shared. Prior to the conference, the students will read and revise the text of other students and be prepared to discuss the format, clarity, and scientific content of the writing sample in peer-editing circles. At the workshop, three hours will be dedicated to peer-editing circles after an introductory lecture of best practices for scientific writing. Experts will also join the circles to help moderate discussions and provide additional advice and tips. This will not only allow students to learn more about different research fields, but provide them with the opportunity to act as a peer reviewer (potentially for the first time), allowing them to better understand how their own writing could be improved. This will also give each individual significant feedback for improvement on their own writing style. 

Communication Café:

After a morning session focused on presentation skills and communication approaches to both scientific and public audiences, in the afternoon students will be broken up into small groups to give previously prepared 10 -12 minute oral presentations on their research topic and results. Beyond scientific questions, the audience will also provide feedback on didactics, slide clarity, presentation style, etc. Experts will also join the circles to help moderate discussion and provide additional advice and tips. Here again the students will be able to learn about new areas of research, but also have the opportunity to give constructive criticism to their peers and receive valuable feedback for improving their own oral communication style.

Poster Sessions:

Over the course of two sessions, students will have the opportunity present their work in a poster fair. Posters should be printed at the home institute and be brought with the student to the workshop venue to be displayed on poster boards. This will allow the students to 1) have an additional venue to present their own work and 2) learn more about the work of others which they did not yet meet during the writing café and communication café sessions

3. Student development sessions:

Beyond laboratory work, there are many skills which are necessary to become a successful scientist even though these areas of professional development often receive much less attention than obtaining scientific results. Therefore, we will have several development sessions to help students hone their skills in different areas of scientific and personal development, ideally providing them with a toolbox for them to use in their daily work at their home institute. These skills development include:

• Experimental design
• Laboratory habits and cleanliness
• Understanding the world of academic publishing – journal types, peer review, and metrics
• Scientific writing (approaches and best practices for writing manuscripts)
• Oral Communication (approaches and best practices for an engaging presentation)
• Communication with the public
• Career Outlook (what’s next after the Ph D)