NEWS: Slovenia and Europe for Clean Waters: An Event Highlighting Efforts to Reduce Aquatic Plastic Pollution in Slovenia
On October 14, the National Institute of Biology hosted the event “Slovenia and Europe for Clean Waters: Innovations and Solutions Against Plastic Pollution.”
The event was organized by the National Institute of Chemistry and the National Institute of Biology within the framework of the TETHYS4ADRION, PREVENT, and ADRIPLAST projects. Its main purpose was to bring together experts who, through various projects and initiatives, address the issue of water plastic pollution in Slovenia.
Dr. Maja Ravnikar, Director of the National Institute of Biology; Dr. Blaž Likozar, Head of the Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering at the National Institute of Chemistry; and Anamarija Lukenda from the National Contact Point for EU Missions, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, opened the event with their welcome speeches, highlighting the importance of such gatherings.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Joao Frias from the Atlantic Technological University (Ireland). His presentation focused on the Waves of Change project, illustrating through two examples how art and music can serve as bridges between science and social change.
Twenty-two projects currently being implemented in Slovenia, within international or national partnerships, all addressing the issue of plastic pollution in water, were showcased through three sessions. The first session focused on projects introducing innovations in plastic waste detection. The second was devoted to projects dealing with micro- and nanoplastic pollution and the development of new methods. The concluding session showcased projects that highlight the impact of water pollution on industry, agriculture, the environment, and food.
It was important to create a space for participants to meet and network. This was further encouraged not only through informal social breaks but also by the networking workshop. The workshop was designed to motivate participants to approach one another and, in small groups or pairs, discuss the challenges they face in their work, the solutions they propose, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
More than 70 participants attended the event, including scientists, professors, representatives from the private and public sectors, the media, and other interested individuals.
The high turnout at the event demonstrated the relevance and timeliness of the topic, especially among scientists. It was emphasized that, in addition to research into the core of this issue, the key to long-term and sustainable success lies in connecting scientists with representatives of the private sector and the wider public, to ensure that scientific findings are put into practical use.
We would like to thank Dr. Jernej Stare from the National Institute of Chemistry for the wonderful photographs capturing all the moments from the event “Slovenia and Europe for Clean Waters.”
This has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The content of the website is the sole responsibility of TETHYS4ADRION project and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and/or IPA ADRION programme authorities.