Abstract ID: 28.7404 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | 2025-02-27 15:30 - 15:45 | Ágnes‐Heller‐Haus/Small Lecture Room

The growing concern about environmental pollution from plastics, especially micro- and nanoplastics, requires innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborative strategies to tackle the complex challenges. The COST Action CA20101 “Plastics Monitoring Detection Remediation Recovery” (PRIORITY) provides a unique platform to foster a robust European network of experts dedicated to advancing microplastic and nanoplastic research. PRIORITY is funded by COST, and brings together a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, life sciences, engineering, economics, and law, to address the diverse scientific, technological and societal aspects of this issue. By emphasizing collaboration, scientific exchange, and innovation, PRIORITY facilitates the harmonization of analytical methods and European regulations while enhancing research capacities and citizen science efforts. This network also bridges knowledge gaps by promoting hazard assessment, advancing detection technologies and implementing remediation and recovery strategies. An important focus of PRIORITY is to build cross-sector synergies, strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, and policy makers, and support young scientists through training and mobility opportunities. By addressing critical areas such as ecosystem protection, food safety, and public health, PRIORITY contributes to sustainable solutions to the environmental and societal impacts of plastic pollution. This Action not only promotes scientific excellence, but also strengthens Europe’s position as a global leader in microplastics and nanoplastic research.