Groningen, Netherlands

Interdisciplinary Perspective on Micro- and Nano-plastics

Micro- and nano-plastics are pieces of plastic of a size between 5 millimeters and 1 nanometer that have infiltrated everything on earth, including the top of mount Everest and the air we breathe. Microplastic problem is getting more and more attention: from alarming news articles to Doctor Who episodes. But what do we know about microplastics' causes? How can we solve the problem?

Complex global challenges such as microplastics need an interdisciplinary approach. By joining this summer school you will have a 360 education on the topic of microplastic. You will learn about causes and solutions from the perspective of different disciplines: medicine, environmental sciences, social sciences, political sciences, philosophy, waste engineering and the creative industry. Additionally, you will be trained on practical skills, like how to work in interdisciplinary teams and how to design effective interventions.

Micro- and nano-plastics are pieces of plastic of a size between 5 millimeters and 1 nanometer that have infiltrated everything on earth, including the top of mount Everest and the air we breathe. Microplastic problem is getting more and more attention: from alarming news articles to Doctor Who episodes. But what do we know about microplastics' causes? How can we solve the problem?

Complex global challenges such as microplastics need an interdisciplinary approach. By joining this summer school you will have a 360 education on the topic of microplastic. You will learn about causes and solutions from the perspective of different disciplines: medicine, environmental sciences, social sciences, political sciences, philosophy, waste engineering and the creative industry. Additionally, you will be trained on practical skills, like how to work in interdisciplinary teams and how to design effective interventions.

Course leader

Dr. Josefine Geiger, Faculty: Campus Fryslan

Irene Maltagliati, Sustainability Programme

Target group

This summer school is designed for Bachelor students (2nd year and above), Master students, practitioners interested in this topic.

Sufficient command of the English language is necessary to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.

Course aim

After this course you will be able to:

- Describe the characteristics of micro- and nano-plastic and identify the causes of the problem
- Describe the effects of microplastics to human health and the environment
- Identify relevant political decision-making processes, product characteristics and psychological factors related to microplastics problem and solutions
- Critically reflect on a complex topic form the perspective of different disciplines
- Develop skills for interacting and collaborating with students and experts from different backgrounds
- Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to plan and/or assess (preventative or remedial) policies, strategies and interventions

Credits info

2 EC
- Preparation summer school: 16 hours
- Lectures and discussions: 36 hours
- Preparation Group Presentation: 4 hours

Upon successful completion of the programme, the summer school offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 56 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.

Fee info

EUR 300: (including lunches, coffees, 2 group dinners and 2 excursion)
EUR 200: (including lunches, coffees, 2 group dinners and 2 excursion) - Fee for students of University of Groningen and ENLIGHT universities

Scholarships

2 full scholarship are provided, and a € 100 course fee applies for participants from low-income economies