On February 25th, 2025, leading scientists, policymakers, and industry figures gathered at the Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels for the Final Scientific Conference of the European Research Cluster to Understand the Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics (CUSP). Over two days, they debated the latest findings on the risks posed by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and discussed future priorities for research and policy.

The event marked the culmination of four years of collaborative research across five major EU-funded projects—AURORA, IMPTOX, PlasticsFatE, PLASTICHEAL, and POLYRISK. The conference examined what has been learned so far about MNPs in the environment and their potential health impacts, while also acknowledging that significant knowledge gaps remain.

The science behind microplastics and health

The conference opened with remarks from current CUSP coordinators Raymond Pieters (POLYRISK) and Roel Vermeulen (AURORA), followed by a session outlining how research is informing EU policy. Carmen LaPlaza Santos (DG RTD) and Douglas Gilliland (DG JRC) provided an overview of regulatory efforts and stressed the importance of robust scientific evidence in guiding future action.

What the research projects have uncovered

Each of the five CUSP projects then presented key findings (recordings available on YouTube and slides available on the event page):

• AURORA focused on the risks of MNP exposure in early life, looking at how these particles cross the placenta and potentially affect foetal development.
• IMPTOX examined how MNPs interact with environmental contaminants and allergens, exploring their potential role in immune system disorders.
• PlasticsFatE assessed the movement and accumulation of MNPs in the human body, highlighting the risks posed by occupational exposure.
• PLASTICHEAL investigated long-term health effects, including the role of MNPs in inflammation and genetic damage.
• POLYRISK concentrated on the immune system, particularly the risks of inhaling and ingesting microplastics present in everyday environments.

A recurring theme was the urgent need for standardised methods to detect and measure MNPs in biological and environmental samples, a challenge that continues to hinder regulatory progress.

Where do we go from here?

The second day focused on translating scientific findings into meaningful policy action. Steffen Foss Hansen (PLASTICHEAL) introduced the final CUSP policy brief, which sets out key recommendations for reducing exposure and improving monitoring.

Cross-cutting discussions and policy recommendations

Panel discussions explored methodologies for measuring exposure, health risks, and data harmonisation. A session on FAIR data principles underlined the importance of accessible, well-structured data to accelerate scientific progress and policymaking.

In breakout discussions, experts debated how to develop a research roadmap that ensures CUSP findings translate into real-world action. The discussions reinforced the need for stronger links between research and regulation, with industry and policymakers working in tandem. 

How can risks be mitigated?

The conference ended with a panel discussion featuring:

• Garbine Guiu Etxeberria (European Commission, DG RTD)
• Denise Mitrano (Nestlé Research Centre)
• Andy Booth (SINTEF)

Moderated by Jane Muncke (AURORA), the panel explored how industry, regulators, and researchers can work together to mitigate the risks of MNPs. Discussions touched on Europe’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, the feasibility of biodegradable plastics, and the challenges of reducing exposure through regulatory measures.

Filling the gaps in knowledge

It is clear that further research is required. Critical gaps remain in our understanding of long-term health impacts, exposure pathways, and effective mitigation strategies. The need for harmonised detection methods was a recurring theme, and participants called for increased investment in standardised research protocols.

Shaping the Future: Policy, Research, and Next Steps for Microplastics Regulation

The flow of progress continued on February 27th at the CUSP Final Policy and Stakeholder Meeting, held at the European Commission in Brussels. This high-level event brought together policymakers, regulators, scientists, NGOs and key industry representatives to discuss the path forward for MNP research and policy action.

The day opened with insights from current CUSP coordinators Raymond Pieters (POLYRISK) and Roel Vermeulen (AURORA), who set the stage by highlighting CUSP’s achievements and the pressing need for science-driven regulation, alongside Carmen LaPlaza Santos (DG RTD). The first session, State of the Art, provided a deep dive into the latest findings, with discussions on the CUSP Research Roadmap (2026-2030) and the CUSP Policy Brief, delivered by Raymond Pieters, Roel Vermeulen, and Steffen Foss Hansen (PLASTICHEAL). A crucial segment followed, assessing the evolving policy landscape, with Pavlos Mouratidis (DG ENV) and Veerle Vanheusden (DG SANTE) outlining regulatory priorities and gaps.

The second session, Perspectives from Key Stakeholders, gave a voice to diverse viewpoints, with contributions from Dorota Napierska (Zero Waste Europe), Mathias Falkenberg (ECOS), Camilla Carteney (Plastics Europe), and Génon Jensen (Health and Environment Alliance). Their insights fuelled a dynamic panel discussion, where stakeholders debated the practicalities of translating research into regulatory frameworks, ensuring evidence-based policies while balancing industrial and environmental considerations.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, emphasising the need for harmonised risk assessment frameworks, standardised analytical methodologies, and continued collaboration between scientific, regulatory, and industrial communities. With the CUSP Research Roadmap (2026-2030) being finalised, the event underscored a collective commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and steering European policy towards stronger, science-backed mitigations against MNP exposure. Raymond Pieters, Project Coordinator of Polyrisk from the Utrecht University, commented “It was fantastic to see the overview of all lessons learned from the CUSP activities. Guided by these promising outcomes of CUSP, we now have a clearer path to advance our research on the health effects of MNPs.”

Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, recognising that while CUSP’s project cycle is nearing completion, its influence on future policy and research directions is only just beginning. A recording of the full event is available.

This article was originally published on www.cusp-research.eu on March 20, 2025.