We invite you to contribute to a European study identifying and prioritising research questions, opportunities, and challenges concerning the role of citizen science in macro-, meso-, micro-, and nanoplastic-pollution research.
The study is part of PLASTIMPACT: Fate and Impact of Plastics – from Macro to Nano – on Planetary Health, an ENLIGHT European Thematic Network supporting interdisciplinary research, education, outreach, and collaboration on plastic pollution.
The study uses a modified Delphi process. Questions submitted during Survey 1 will be anonymised, reviewed, grouped, and presented to participants for prioritisation in Survey 2 (expected dates September 28th to October 9th, 2026). A final online workshop will discuss and refine the resulting priorities (expected dates October 29th and 30th, 2026).
In Survey 1, we ask you to propose between one and ten priority research questions, drawing on your knowledge and experience. The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Before starting the survey, we encourage you to reflect on and, if possible, note the research questions concerning the role of citizen science in plastic-pollution research in Europe.
To capture participants’ independent knowledge, experience, and professional judgement, please develop and submit your questions without using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Participation is voluntary, and Survey 1 may be completed without providing your name or email address. Please read the Participant Information Sheet before deciding whether to participate.
Complete Survey 1 here: https://nuigalway.questionpro.eu/PLASTIMPACT
Closing date: September 16th, 2026, 11:59 pm CEST
Your expertise will help ensure that the priorities identified reflect the needs and experience of researchers working in this field across Europe.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to other researchers whose expertise in plastic pollution, citizen science, or related fields may be relevant to the study.
Thank you for considering this invitation.
Kind regards,
Dr Ana Mendes
University of Galway
ana.mendes@universityofgalway.ie
On behalf of the project research team