Great Lakes Microplastics Research Symposium: Integrating Environment and Health

Event Details

The Great Lakes Microplastics Research Symposium: Integrating Environment and Health will be held on June 18, 2026, in Rochester, NY. 

This interdisciplinary event will bring together experts and trainees in microplastics toxicology, analytical chemistry, aquatic ecology, biomedical, social, and environmental science, as well as private sector, government, and community stakeholders, to discuss emerging findings and prioritize needs for future work.

The Research Symposium will feature presentations, posters, and discussion broadly related to microplastics and health, with a primary focus on the Great Lakes environment (e.g., nearshore air, wastewater, soil, plant material, fish and other aquatic organisms) and implications for human health.  In addition to environmental and biomedical research, topics may also include (but are not limited to), analytical approaches, social context, and solutions.

Co-Sponsored by the University of Rochester Institute for Human Health and the Environment (IHHE) and the Environmental Health Sciences Center (P30ES001247), with support from the National Science Foundation (OCE-2616082) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (R13ES038760). Hosted in partnership with the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center and the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health.

Hosted in partnership with the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center  and the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health.

Keynote Speakers

Trainee Travel Awards

The Trainee Travel Awards selection process has ended.

Logistics, lodging, and other events

Parking and transportation: There are several parking lots adjacent to the Memorial Art Gallery.  Attendees should use the main Memorial Art Gallery entrance off University Ave.  The Memorial Art Gallery is a short distance from the Rochester train/bus station and approximately 15 minutes by car from the airport.

Lodging: Because this is a one-day event with a regional focus, we have not reserved a block of rooms for attendees. There are numerous hotels and short term rental apartments near the MAG.

University of Rochester: Although the Memorial Art Gallery is part of the University of Rochester, it is located across town (10 minutes by car) from the main University campus.

Jazz Festival: The 23^rd Rochester International Jazz Festival runs June 19-27.  If you’re coming to town for the Symposium, consider staying for the RIJF!  Please be aware…lodging in Rochester may book up in advance due to this event.  

International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology (ISSST) Running June 16-18, 2026 in Rochester, NY, ISSST may be of potential interest to GLMP attendees. In their 33rd year, ISSST is one of the longest-running research conferences on sustainability at the intersection of technology, policy, and behavior. Check out their website for more information!

Accessibility and Policies

The University of Rochester (URochester) meeting facilities, including the Memorial Art Gallery, meet the federal requirements for accessibility. Attendees are invited to provide information about additional needs, including accessibility support (including American Sign Language interpretation), by May 1, 2026, via email to: IHHE@URMC.rochester.edu.

If attendees need family care during the event, contact Care.com (URochester is a member) to arrange appropriate services.

The University of Rochester is committed to providing a safe environment, free of harassment and discrimination. Participants in URochester programs and activities, including the Workshop on 6/17 and Symposium on 6/18, must comply with URochester's Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy and Code of Conduct. The University of Rochester’s Code of Conduct is intended to guide the University community in adhering to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. This Code addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault. It provides clear and accessible means of reporting violations of the Code, and addresses the investigation and enforcement processes. This Code can be found on the URochester’s Policies and Procedures webpage.

Additionally, detailed information regarding URochester's non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, as well as how to report any violations of these policies, how to make a complaint, and how any complaints will be resolved, can be found on the Safety Plan page. Individuals who have questions, concerns, or complaints related to harassment are also encouraged to contact the conference organizers.

Posters and Tables

The call for Oral Presentations is now CLOSED.

Late-breaking Poster Abstracts is now CLOSED.

A limited number of Display Tables are available for non-profit partner (e.g. academic, government, community) displays (see “Sponsorships” for private sector organizations).  Please email IHHE@urmc.rochester.edu by May 1 if you are interested in table space (brief description of your organization and display).  We’ll let you know by May 15 if we have space.

Sponsorship

For information on Sponsorship, please email IHHE@urmc.rochester.edu 

Contact

For questions about this event, email: IHHE@urmc.rochester.edu