Overview
The 2026 Trans‑NIH Workshop on Micro[nano]plastic Measurement for Population Studies is a two‑day, hybrid meeting taking place July 9-10, 2026, that will bring together researchers and stakeholders to examine the current state of the science related to micro[nano]plastic (MNP) measurement techniques applicable to population science research, including epidemiologic studies. The workshop will provide a forum for scientific exchange focused on challenges, gaps, and future directions in measuring MNPs in human and environmental samples.
Workshop Goals
This workshop will:
- Assess the current state of the science regarding MNP measurement techniques applicable to population-based epidemiologic research
- Evaluate approaches for obtaining accurate, valid, and reliable measurements of MNPs in human biological samples including protocols for sample collection, transport, storage, and analysis
- Evaluate approaches for obtaining accurate, valid, and reliable measurements of MNPs across key environmental domains including air, water, and food, spanning the full continuum from sample collection through transport, storage and analysis
- Prioritize the development and application of scalable, cost effective, and high-throughput methods to support large-scale population research studies
- Explore innovative methodologies, including machine learning and other artificial intelligence approaches to improve the estimation, characterization, and interpretation of MNP exposures relevant to population science
- Highlight and examine ongoing human studies investigating MNP exposures and their associations with chronic disease outcomes
- Highlight lessons learned from major ongoing initiatives and large-scale studies of MNPs
Scientific Planning Committee
- Somdat Mahabir, PhD, MPH, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS)
- Pothur Srinivas, PhD, MPH, NCI, DCCPS
- Tram K. Lam, PhD, MPH, NCI, DCCPS
- Ronald Johnson, PhD, NCI, Division of Cancer Biology
- David Balshaw, PhD, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Division of Extramural Research & Training (DERT)
- Lingamanaidu (Ravi) V. Ravichandran, PhD, NIEHS, DERT
- Damali N. Martin, PhD, MPH, National Institute on Aging (NIA), Division of Neuroscience
- Richard Kwok, PhD, NIA, Division of Neuroscience
- Beena G. Sood, MD, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Division of Lung Diseases
- Martin Playford, PhD, NHLBI, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences
- Elizabeth Barr PhD, NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH)
- Raven Hardy Richard, PhD, NIH ORWH
Questions
For questions regarding the workshop content, please contact nciepicommunications@mail.nih.gov.
Accessibility
If you require special arrangements or reasonable accommodations to fully participate in this meeting, please contact Jennifer Schaefer at least 10 business days before the meeting to discuss your needs.