State University Of Campinas Opens Global Applications For São Paulo School Of Advanced Science In Microplastics

Apply by April 10 for the São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Microplastics. 100 fully funded spots available for global early-career scientists.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 7:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Addressing A Pervasive Environmental Crisis

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science (SPSAS) in Microplastics has announced its 2026 session, aimed at tackling one of the most urgent ecological threats of the modern era. Hosted at the Institute of Chemistry at UNICAMP, the program serves as a theoretical and practical intensive for young scientists to study the extraordinary transport potential of microplastics through air, water, and soil. Organizers describe microplastics as complex materials composed of polymers embedded with diverse chemical mixtures, and the school intends to provide the scientific foundation necessary to support the upcoming Global Plastic Pollution Treaty.

Four Pillar Framework For Scientific Inquiry

The curriculum is structured around four distinct frameworks designed to deconstruct the complexity of plastic fragments. The first two pillars, "Inside the microplastic" and "On the microplastic," examine the internal chemical formulations and surface reactions of the materials. The latter half of the program, "Around the microplastic" and the "Regulatory framework," explores the interaction dynamics within various media and the translation of evidence-based science into public policy. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants understand both the molecular behavior of pollutants and the diplomatic efforts required to mitigate their impact.

World Class Expertise And International Collaboration

Participants will engage with a prestigious lineup of keynote speakers from global institutions, including Scott Coffin from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Peter Kershaw from the United Nations advisory body GESAMP. Other notable experts hail from the Technical University of Munich, the University of Zaragoza, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. These researchers will present state-of-the-art findings on nanoplastics and chemical leaching, providing students with a global perspective on marine environmental protection and the bioeconomy.