MOMENTUM 3.0 awarded funding to advance research on microplastics and human health

MOMENTUM 3.0 has been awarded funding through the ZonMw Microplastics & Health programme, enabling the consortium to continue and expand its research on the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). As the fourth phase in the MOMENTUM research programme, MOMENTUM 3.0 builds directly on the scientific insights, methods, and collaborations developed in MOMENTUM, MoreMOMENTUM and MOMENTUM 2.0.

The consortium brings together partners from universities, hospitals, research institutes, and industry to further investigate how MNPs may affect human health by focusing on key research themes including toxicology, microbial risks, risk assessment, and interventions. These priorities align with the needs identified in the Knowledge Agenda 2025 Microplastics in our body, developed through a broad stakeholder consultation coordinated by ZonMw.

A central objective of MOMENTUM 3.0 is the further development of an integrated risk assessment framework for MNP exposure. With growing evidence that inhalation, particularly in indoor environments, is a major route of exposure, the project places specific emphasis on indoor air exposure and on identifying interventions that could help reduce this exposure.

The knowledge generated in MOMENTUM 3.0 will strengthen the foundation laid by earlier phases of the programme and support future research, policy development, and practical action. To enhance collaboration and accelerate knowledge exchange, MOMENTUM 3.0 will also support the development of the MOMENTUM Collaborative Network, aimed at connecting stakeholders nationally and internationally across science, policy, and practice. Interested parties are invited to indicate their interest in joining the Network by contacting the coordination team. More information about the MOMENTUM Collaborative Network will follow soon.

MOMENTUM 3.0 is funded through the ZonMw Microplastics & Health programme, with a budget of €2.26 million. With additional investment from the 17 partner organisations, the total budget of the project is about €3 million The project will start latest 31 December 2025 and will run until 31 December 2029.