International Conference on Microplastics

January 11-14, 2026

Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs & NPs) are a growing environmental and human health concern. These tiny plastic fragments are ubiquitous, contaminating our food, water, and air. While research is ongoing, the potential health risks of human exposure to MPs & NPs remain largely unknown. This interdisciplinary international symposium aims to convene leading scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to address this critical issue. Our focus is on the characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics, methods of measurement, exposure pathways, mechanisms of MPs & NPs-induced toxicity, risk assessment, strategies for intervention and prevention, and the potential for translation from basic bench science to population studies, or public policy. Our objective is to foster coordination, exchange, and disseminate information and to explore MPs & NPs-induced health effects.

Essential Goals of the Symposium

Knowledge Sharing: Providing a platform for researchers to share their latest findings on MPs & NPs exposure pathways, potential health effects, and analytical methodologies.

Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between scientists, health professionals, and policymakers to identify research gaps, develop risk assessment strategies, and create mitigation plans.

Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about MPs & NPs pollution and its potential health impacts to drive change in consumer behavior and encourage policy action.

Target Audience

o Environmental scientists, toxicologists, and medical researchers studying MPs & NPs.

o Public health professionals and epidemiologists.

o Regulatory agencies and policymakers.

o Industry representatives involved in plastic production and waste management.

o Environmental NGOs and advocacy groups.

Hotel Information

Rooms have been set aside on January 11–14, 2026, at a rate of $169.00 and a $35 Amenity Fee, plus taxes per night. Please use the following link below to book your accommodations online. This link is only valid during the specified room block dates.
The date of arrival and departure must be selected from the drop-down menu.
Booking Link: INTERNATIONAL25
Alternatively, individuals may contact our reservations team directly at (800) 988-4455 and provide the group code/name:
Group Code: INTERNATIONAL25
Group Name: International Meeting on Microplastics
Kindly note that the reservation cut-off date is December 12, 2025. Any remaining rooms within the block will be released into the hotel's general inventory after this date.

Call for Abstracts

We invite researchers to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations. This is an excellent opportunity to share your work, network with colleagues, and contribute to the understanding of MPs & NPs impacts.

Abstract Submission deadline 1: October 1 (regular), December 1 (late breaking)
Notification will be sent after 1st submission deadline

Presentation Formats

Oral Presentations: Selected abstracts will be invited for platform presentations within thematic sessions.
Poster Presentations: Dedicated poster sessions will provide ample opportunity for discussion and networking. Guidelines for poster dimensions and setup will be provided upon acceptance.
Poster size: horizontal, 36” x 48”

Presentation Themes
We welcome abstracts related to all aspects of MP & NP exposure and health, including (but not limited to):

Characterization and analytical methods
Exposure pathways (inhalation, ingestion, dermal)
Toxicology and mechanisms of harm
Epidemiology and human health studies
Risk assessment and modeling
Mitigation and prevention strategies
Policy and regulation
Public perception and communication
Plastic additives and associated chemicals
Nano safety principles applied to MPs & NPs

Submit Abstract

Organizing Committee

Organizing Committee

	John Yu	Professor, College of Nursing, Reproductive Toxicology, UNM
	Mathew Campen	Professor, College of Pharmacy, UNM
	Jose Cerrato	Professor, Environmental Science & Engineering, UNM
	Leo Trasande	Pediatrician & Epidemiologist, NYU School of Medicine
	Phoebe Stapleton	Rutgers University
	Aaron Erdely	NIOSH
	Nigel Walker	NIEHS
	Heather Patisaul	NIH, Division of Translational Toxicology
	Flemming Cassee	RIVM
	Julia Cui	University of Washington, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
	Philip Demokritou	Rutgers University, Nano Safety
	Stacey Harper	Oregon State University
	Marcus Garcia	College of Pharmacy, UNM
	Beizhan Yan	Lamont Science, Columbia University
	Susane Brander	Oregon State University
	Katrina Korfmacher	URMC, Rochester

Venue

Conference Location

Eldorado Hotel & Spa

309 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Local Highlights

Historic Landmarks: Explore one of the oldest cities in the U.S., featuring distinctive Pueblo-style architecture and sites like the Palace of the Governors and Loretto Chapel.

Art and Culture: Immerse yourself in numerous museums and galleries, including the renowned Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

Outdoor Exploration: Discover nearby national parks, hiking trails in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument.

Sustainability: Connect with Santa Fe’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with the conference’s focus.

World-Class Skiing: January is prime ski season! Ski Santa Fe is just 16 miles from downtown, boasting an average annual snowfall of 225 inches. Enjoy deep, consistent snowpack, ideal temperatures, and fewer crowds for a fantastic skiing experience.

Travel Information

More information coming soon.

Program

Program Overview

The symposium program will feature a dynamic mix of presentations and discussions designed to foster collaboration and advance our understanding of microplastics and nanoplastics. Expect:

Keynote Speeches: Insights from leading researchers, policymakers, and industry pioneers.
Research Presentations: Cutting-edge studies on MNP detection, health effects, and exposure pathways.
Panel Discussions: Multi-stakeholder dialogues on key challenges and solutions.
Workshops: Interactive sessions focusing on methodologies, frameworks, and outreach.
Poster Sessions: Opportunities for emerging researchers to showcase their work.

Session Themes

Panel Discussions: Risk assessment and regulatory challenges.
- Strategies to mitigate MP & NP pollution.
- Public health communication and education.
- Evaluating the combined effects of plastics and hitchhiker chemicals.
- Multi-omics integration and biological pathways mapping.
Workshops: Standardized methods for MP & NP analysis.
- Development of risk assessment frameworks.
- Community outreach and engagement.
- Lessons from nano safety research applied to microplastics.
- Polymer toxicology and impact of plastic additives.
- Cross-species modeling and human health extrapolation.
- Pro-con debate on quantification methods and measurement techniques.
Poster Sessions: Exposure pathways: food chain contamination, inhalation, ingestion, etc.
- Potential health risks at the cellular and organismal level.
- Analytical techniques for MP & NP detection and characterization.

Detailed Schedule

The detailed conference schedule, including session times and speaker information, will be announced closer to the date. Please check back for updates.

Invited Speakers

Confirmed keynote and invited speakers will be listed here.

Registration

Registration Information

Join leading experts and stakeholders in Santa Fe for this critical discussion on microplastics, nanoplastics, and human health.

Registration Fees & Categories

Registration fees and categories (e.g., Early Bird, Standard, Student, Low/Middle-Income Country) will be announced soon. Please check back for details.

Early bird registration and deadline of November 1, 2025:

Regular registration fee - $795
Student registration fee - $395

Late registration and deadline of December 1, 2025:

Regular registration fee - $895
Student registration fee - $495

Registration Portal

A link to the online registration system will be provided here when registration opens.

What's Included

More information coming soon

Visa Information

More information coming soon

Cancellation Policy

More information coming soon

Sponsoring

Partner with Us

Support this vital international symposium and gain visibility among leading researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals in the field of microplastics and nanoplastics. Your contribution will help foster collaboration and advance solutions to this global challenge.

Why Sponsor?

Showcase your organization's commitment to environmental health.
Network with key opinion leaders and decision-makers.
Gain brand visibility within a targeted scientific community.
Support critical research and dialogue on MPs & NPs.

Sponsorship Opportunities

More information coming soon

Contact for Sponsorship

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact: TBD

Contact

For all inquiries regarding this conference, please email HSC-Microplastics@salud.unm.edu

Code of Conduct

Commitment to a Respectful Environment

The organizers of the International Conference on Microplastics & Nanoplastics are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality, or religion.

Expected Behavior

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers are expected to:

Treat everyone with respect and consideration.
Communicate openly and thoughtfully, valuing diverse perspectives.
Be mindful of their surroundings and fellow participants.
Respect the rules and policies of the conference venue.

Unacceptable Behavior

Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or disruptive behavior in any form will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to:

Offensive verbal comments related to personal characteristics.
Sexual images in public spaces.
Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
Harassing photography or recording.
Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
Inappropriate physical contact.
Unwelcome sexual attention.

Reporting

If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please report it immediately to a member of the organizing committee or conference staff. All reports will be treated seriously and handled confidentially.

Consequences

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. The conference organizers reserve the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the conference without warning or refund, and prohibition from attending future conferences.