Plymouth scientists earn international accolade for world-leading microplastics research
Professor Richard Thompson and Professor Penelope Lindeque are among those awarded the 2023 Blue Planet Prize
Scientists from the South West of England have been presented with a prestigious international award for their research into the presence and impact of plastic pollution.
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Professor Penelope Lindeque and Professor Tamara Galloway OBE have been awarded the 2023 Blue Planet Prize for their work to demonstrate the existence of microplastics in the ocean.
The award, sponsored by the Asahi Glass Foundation, is presented to individuals or organisations who have made significant contributions to the resolution of global environmental problems.
This year, more than 180 researchers from 41 countries were put forward for the prize, representing fields including ecology, environmental economics and policy making, and environmental ethics.
Professor Thompson (Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at University of Plymouth), Professor Lindeque (Head of Science for Marine Ecology and Biodiversity at Plymouth Marine Laboratory), along with Professor Galloway (Head of the Ecotoxicology Research Group at the University of Exeter) have been collaborating since 2007.
Through their research, they have charted the presence of microplastics from the deep ocean to the highest mountains, as well as tracking the sources and how they are broken down in the environment.
They have pioneered techniques to reveal how microplastics are ingested by zooplankton and other marine species, and shown the potential for microplastics to significantly impact marine life and the health of marine ecosystems.
Their research, and further collaborations with industry and other authorities, has explored potential solutions framed around the circular economy and they have evaluated novel methods for reducing the leakage of plastics into the environment and the potential for natural and mechanical measures to remove plastic waste.
The work has also been central to international government legislation, including influencing the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, signed by 175 nations in March 2022.
Crown Prince of Japan, Prof Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Prof Penny Lindeque
Professor Thompson, who led the first ever study into the presence of marine microplastics in 2004, said: “I am deeply honoured to be selected as a recipient of the 2023 Blue Planet Prize. The award further recognises the global environmental challenge of plastic pollution and the work done with Professor Galloway and Professor Lindeque, and my team at the University of Plymouth, to help evidence the issue. Around 25 years ago I became curious to discover the smallest items of plastic in our ocean. Working with students we found pieces smaller than grains of beach sand, showed their abundance had increased over decades and that these fragments – which I described as microplastics – were readily eaten by marine life. As awareness of the problem has increased, my focus has turned to identifying and evaluating the solutions needed to solve this global environmental crisis and that remains one of the biggest challenges that both scientists and society face today.”
Professor Lindeque added: “I’m deeply honoured and extremely grateful to the Asahi Glass Foundation for this award. Receiving the 2023 Blue Planet Prize highlights the plastics issue which continues to present an increasing threat to our marine life and ecosystems. As someone who is passionate about understanding the impact of plastic pollution and finding new ways to tackle it, I do believe there are huge opportunities for industry and society to start turning the tide on plastic pollution, supported by science. But, to achieve that, we need concerted action at local, national and international level, not least in terms of the Global Plastics Treaty that is the subject of ongoing UN talks. Plastic is a huge benefit to society, and we can continue to use it if we are much cleverer in the way we design, use and manage it. Levels of plastic pollution are growing every day so time is really of the essence if we want to ensure a sustainable Ocean for future generations. Receiving the Blue Planet Prize is such wonderful recognition of my ongoing work, and that of all my colleagues and students, without whom this would not have being possible. The prize will allow us to continue our important work to evidence the impact of plastic pollution and to work towards more sustainable use of innovative plastics and solutions.”
This is the second time in a year that the scientists have been recognised through an international accolade, after they received the Volvo Environment Prize 2022.
Their Blue Planet Prize was officially presented at an Award Ceremony attended by the Crown Prince of Japan and a number of international dignatories on Wednesday, October 4 at Tokyo Kaikan. Commemorative lectures were be given at the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.
ENDS