MOMENTUM 3.0 Kick-Off: Launching the Next Phase of Microplastics Research

The MOMENTUM 3.0 project officially launched with a two-day kick-off event in Utrecht, marking the start of the new four-year research project on the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). The event brought together researchers, partners, and stakeholders to align on goals, foster collaboration, and explore integrated approaches to risk assessment and mitigation.

Informal Networking and Team Building

The kick-off began on the evening of 23 February with an informal dinner at Restaurant Oudaen designed to strengthen connections among participants. Through interactive icebreaker activities, such as sharing the stories behind their key(chain)s, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, setting a collaborative tone for the project ahead.

Project Launch and Scientific Presentations

On 24 February, the formal kick-off commenced with welcoming remarks from Juliette Legler, as project leader, and Frank Pierik, who highlighted ZonMw’s role in supporting the project within the broader Microplastics & Health programme. Next, Juliette introduced the project’s goals, including the focus on risk assessment of MNPs in indoor air, as this was identified as a main exposure route in earlier MOMENTUM phases.

Juliette then presented Work Package 5, which focuses on creating impact through the development of the MOMENTUM Collaborative Network, followed by co-coordinator Emma Kasteel, who introduced MOMENTUM NextGen, highlighting opportunities for early-career researchers.

The morning continued with a keynote lecture by Barbro Melgert, who presented insights on microplastics and lung health, noting potential negative effects on lung function, particularly in women, and the need for further research into this gender disparity.

After the keynote, the remaining work packages were introduced:

• Work Package 1 (Risk Assessment): Led by Bart Koelmans, this package aims to develop an integrated risk assessment framework to address the complexities of plastic pollution, which Koelmans described as a “wicked problem.”
• Work Package 2 (Health Effects): Alexander Remels and Emma Kasteel outlined plans to investigate the health impacts of MNPs on the lungs and brain.
• Work Package 3 (Microbial Risks): This package, led by Nikki Thie, will explore airborne exposure to MNP-pathogen complexes and their potential role in the spread of respiratory infections.
• Work Package 4 (Exposure and Interventions): Luke Parker and Irene Maltagliati introduced the work package focusing on quantifying indoor and occupational MNP exposure and co-creating interventions to reduce risks, with exposure scientists collaborating with social scientists.

Breakout Sessions and Stakeholder Engagement

After a group photo and a nice lunch, the Partner’s Assembly convened, with representatives from each participating organization. Concurrently, attendees not involved in the assembly enjoyed a walk through Utrecht’s city center.

The afternoon featured two rounds of breakout sessions, designed to encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue and stakeholder engagement:

• Cross-pollination between Work Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4, to integrate perspectives on risk assessment, health effects, indoor air exposure pathways and interventions.
• Discussions on stakeholder engagement in the context of the MOMENTUM Collaborative Network Working Groups on Risk Assessment (led by Monique Groenewold) and Health effects (led by Nienke Vrisekoop).
• A MOMENTUM NextGen session focused on supporting and training early-career researchers.

Each breakout group shared their reflections in a final plenary session, synthesizing key insights and action points. The day concluded with closing remarks from Juliette Legler.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again on our stakeholder meeting on 9 and 10 July!