PlasticUnderground Winter Workshops
The winter workshop is a network-wide event hosted by the University of Birmingham, UK. The workshop was scheduled from 29th January to the 2nd February, with the first course taking place at the University of Birmingham and the second half of it at the company Polymateria in London.
ATC 1: Microplastic sampling and extraction techniques (Host UoB)
This course will focus on training in different microplastic sampling techniques in aquatic and terrestrial environments, including soil and sediment extraction and microplastic identification. This course will address the need for standardised methodologies, while providing hands-on training in novel analytical techniques such as the use of Nile Red and TGA-FTIR-GCMS. It will also focus on critical aspects of contamination, repeatability and reproducibility in microplastic quantification, as well as protocol versioning and integration into SciNote.
ATC 2: Entrepreneurship and Innovation – The Innovation Pipeline (Host: PolyM)
This will address how scientists can utilize scientific innovations as a basis for successful business ideas, through organizing resources and translating research results into practical tools and services. The ATC will focus on improving innovation capabilities, team-based innovation, and innovation management and will build upon ideas provided by the DCs. The leading role of non-academic partners and decision makers in delivering this ATC will ensure that the impact of the DN will be of highest practical relevance, including use of communication plans to increase visibility of research findings among non-academic stakeholders.