MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health post-doctoral fellowship programme.

Lead Research Organisation: Imperial College London
Department Name: School of Public Health

Abstract

"The environmental sciences are at the brink of a new era in which investigators move from using relatively crude estimate of exposure (e.g., distance based methods, questionnaires, diaries) to sophisticated modelling techniques, biomarkers and personalised 24h measures of exposure from a range of hazards. This advance through the utilisation of high-throughput omic technologies, new miniaturised exposure sensors and application of advanced hybrid exposure models across the lifecourse will be a central focus of the Centre's activity over the next 5 years.

As we move to the next phase of Centre funding we will take advantage of the increasingly rich metadata that are available for our cohorts and we will link these with primary care data records as they become available through the CPRD network. We will further exploit the rich and unique data resources available to Centre researchers afforded by the UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) at Imperial College and the Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King's College, and utilise the improved exposure assessment methods and application of omic technologies for a more integrated approach to environmental health research. This approach across our work programmes will allow us to focus activity around a conceptual framework that examines links from the molecular level through man to populations across the lifecourse and provide outputs to advance understanding and better inform environment and health policy."

Technical Summary

"The environmental sciences are at the brink of a new era in which investigators move from using relatively crude estimate of exposure (e.g., distance based methods, questionnaires, diaries) to sophisticated modelling techniques, biomarkers and personalised 24h measures of exposure from a range of hazards. This advance through the utilisation of high-throughput omic technologies, new miniaturised exposure sensors and application of advanced hybrid exposure models across the lifecourse will be a central focus of the Centre's activity over the next 5 years.

As we move to the next phase of Centre funding we will take advantage of the increasingly rich metadata that are available for our cohorts and we will link these with primary care data records as they become available through the CPRD network. We will further exploit the rich and unique data resources available to Centre researchers afforded by the UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) at Imperial College and the Environmental Research Group (ERG) at King's College, and utilise the improved exposure assessment methods and application of omic technologies for a more integrated approach to environmental health research. This approach across our work programmes will allow us to focus activity around a conceptual framework that examines links from the molecular level through man to populations across the lifecourse and provide outputs to advance understanding and better inform environment and health policy."

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description EC Microplastic Pollution Scientific perspectives and its impacts
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
URL https://ec.europa.eu/research/sam/index.cfm?pg=pollution
 
Description Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada Best Brain Exchange 'Ecological and Human Health Fate and Effects of Microplastics' (2018)
Geographic Reach North America 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact Best Brain Exchanges are one-day, in-camera meetings for decision makers, and researchers with expertise on a topic that has been identified as a high priority by provincial/territorial ministries of health and the Health Portfolio. The objectives of the Best Brains Exchange program are to: •provide the ministry/ Health Portfolio with an overview of the latest evidence from researchers on the basis of their expertise and knowledge on critical issues related to the ministry/ Health Portfolio identified topic; •improve participants' knowledge of and access to research evidence in the topic area that the ministry/ Health Portfolio is or will be facing; •facilitate roundtable discussions that engage both the researchers and decision makers; •enable the ministry/ Health Portfolio to consult with the researchers for their knowledge and perspectives on particular questions. The Best Brains Exchange is an informal forum for interaction, exchange and mutual learning between researchers and decision makers in order to support and facilitate the sharing and use of information on a high priority topic. Unlike other CIHR programs, this is not an open funding opportunity. Best Brains Exchanges are planned based on the identified needs and timelines of the provincial/ territorial ministries and Health Portfolio. CIHR approaches experts to participate in Best Brains Exchanges, as appropriate, based on "fit" with the topic of the session.
URL http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/43978.html
 
Description Evidence to EAC by Stephanie Wright cited by Environment minister George Eustice in response to EAC enquiry
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/14/nment-backs-microbeads-ban-george-eustice
 
Description Oral evidence at Environmental Audit Committee enquiry into microplastics - Frank Kelly
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environmental-audit-commi...
 
Description Quantification of the effects of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on cardiovascular morbidity for the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) work report
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
Impact The work has been tasked with reviewing epidemiological literature on the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular morbidity, and proposing exposure-response coefficients and methods and to be used in quantification studies. This work was motivated by the desire to develop a more complete picture of the contribution of outdoor air pollution to the public health burden of cardiovascular disease in the UK than that provided by studies of mortality alone, and specifically to understand the contribution of air pollution to cardiovascular morbidity and associated health costs.
 
Description Science Advice for Policy by European Academies - A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://www.sapea.info/topics/microplastics/
 
Description Submitted evidence to an Environmental Audit Committee enquiry
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/banning-the-use-of-microbeads-in-cosmetics-and-personal-...
 
Description Written submission to Environment Audit Committee enquiry on microplastics
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/environmental-audit...
 
Description 2018 CIWM Masters Support Programme
Amount £1,500 (GBP)
Organisation Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Description Atmospheric microplastics, their accumulation in vivo and potential toxicity.
Amount £259,738 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/R026521/2 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2020 
End 05/2022
 
Description Atmospheric microplastics, their accumulation in vivo and potential toxicity.
Amount £523,451 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/R026521/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2018 
End 06/2020
 
Description Department for Environment, Forestry and Rural Affairs 'Investigation of Sources and Pathways of Microplastic Pollution into the Marine Environment'
Amount £8,000 (GBP)
Organisation University Of Plymouth Enterprise Ltd 
Sector Private
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2018 
End 04/2019
 
Description Future Leaders Fellowship
Amount £1,198,012 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/S03532X/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2020 
End 01/2024
 
Description Grant awarded to Dr Stephanie Wright starting April 2020 - "Understanding UK airborne microplastic pollution: sources, pathways and fate"
Amount £582,250 (GBP)
Organisation Natural Environment Research Council 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2020 
End 03/2023
 
Description Health Protection Research Unit on Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards at Imperial College London
Amount £3,996,866 (GBP)
Funding ID NIHR 200922 
Organisation National Institute for Health Research 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2020 
End 03/2025
 
Description Public Engagement Small Grant Scheme
Amount £400 (GBP)
Organisation King's College London 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2016 
End 01/2017
 
Description Pump priming
Amount £10,300 (GBP)
Organisation Imperial College London 
Department MRC-PHE Centre for Environment & Health
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2017 
End 09/2018
 
Description RIA - Research and Innovation Action
Amount € 10,000,000 (EUR)
Funding ID SFS-39-2017 
Organisation European Commission 
Department Horizon 2020
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 04/2018 
End 04/2022
 
Description Research Grant
Amount £15,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RG160861 
Organisation The Royal Society 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2017 
End 03/2018
 
Description Royal Society's £15K Research Grants 2017 R1
Amount £15,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RG160861 
Organisation The Royal Society 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2017 
End 03/2018
 
Description The Economic and Social Value of Health
Amount £69,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Health Foundation 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2018 
End 04/2021
 
Description The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development 'Microplastics and Health'
Amount £5,252 (GBP)
Organisation Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development 
Sector Public
Country Netherlands
Start 04/2019 
End 04/2020
 
Description UK Microplastic material repository
Amount £90,905 (GBP)
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2021 
End 09/2021
 
Description UKRI Rutherford fellowship 'Atmospheric microplastics, their accumulation in vivo and potential toxicity'
Amount £630,159 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/R026521/1 
Organisation Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) 
Department Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2018 
End 10/2021
 
Description UKRI Rutherford/Innovation Fund fellowship - Stephanie Wright - joint programme with Leicester and Liverpool
Amount £630,159 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/R026521/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2018 
End 01/2021
 
Description Waitrose & Partners £1 million grant fund to accelerate action on reducing plastic pollution.
Amount £1,000,000 (GBP)
Organisation Somerset House 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2019 
End 04/2020
 
Title metabolomic assessment of biological aging rate 
Description The tool relies of a penalised regression modelling technique to select variable from almost 100,000 metabolic features to develop a 'metabolomics clock' able to predict participant age and advance biological aging 
Type Of Material Physiological assessment or outcome measure 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact A manuscript is is preparation describing the measure and it relationship to aging risk factors 
 
Title Exposomics child study database 
Description a harmonised database of exposure data, omics, and child health outcomes collected from four European cohorts 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Cord Blood Metabolic Signatures of Birth Weight: A Population-Based Study Journal of Proteome Research journal-article DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00846 Other publications in preparation/ under review. Database access procedures have been developed 
 
Title Exposomics harmonisation 
Description The entire Exposomics database has been enriched by collecting additional covariates, variables have been harmonised. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact This database allows researchers to perform pooled analysis across 13 studies, facilitating a more widespread analysis verses a single cohort and meta analysis approach. This also allows for complete coverage of exposures, confounders, and mediators. 
 
Title NMR based Metabolic age model 
Description A set of algorithms to be applied to Nightingale plasma/serum NMR data to assess the metabolic age of individuals. We find these metabolic age scores to improve prediction of mortality and age-related morbidity over chronological age. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The publication describing these models are currently in preparation. Upon publication these models will be made freely available (and this record will be updated with the DOI) 
 
Description Aircraft Noise and Cardiovascular Outcomes 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC)
Department MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health Studentship Fund
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution This Medical Research Council funded study aims to investigate associations between aircraft noise near major UK airports measured in different ways (noisy events, average noise) and hospital admissions and mortality. Potential pathways and mechanisms will be further explored using cohort data, for which ethics approvals will be sought separately. The project will use aircraft noise measures (average noise, noisy events) using data from the Civil Aviation Authority, routine mortality and hospital admission data from NHS Digital and the Office for National Statistics and analysis of individual data from two well-characterised cohorts: UK Biobank giving national coverage, and the SABRE cohort, which is based in west London. Additional data on air pollution and road noise will be sourced from SAHSU datasets and a measurement campaign will be conducted near Heathrow and Gatwick airports for ultrafine particles.
Collaborator Contribution The project will use aircraft noise measures (average noise, noisy events) using data from the Civil Aviation Authority, routine mortality and hospital admission data from NHS Digital and the Office for National Statistics and analysis of individual data from two well-characterised cohorts: UK Biobank giving national coverage, and the SABRE cohort, which is based in west London. Additional data on air pollution and road noise will be sourced from SAHSU datasets and a measurement campaign will be conducted near Heathrow and Gatwick airports for ultrafine particles.
Impact Transport noise is an under-studied ubiquitous environmental pollutant with important implications for public health, transport policy and urban planning. Aircraft noise already affects more people in the UK than any other European country. While there is a large body of research on annoyance and sleep disturbance from aircraft noise, there is very limited epidemiological evidence on aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease despite good biological plausibility for noise impacts on cardiovascular and metabolic functioning. These include physiological and psychological stress responses affecting metabolic factors (e.g. glucose, insulin, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio heart rate variability (HRV) and inflammatory pathways e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, supported by experimental studies of short-term exposure.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Aircraft Noise and Cardiovascular Outcomes 
Organisation UK Biobank
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution This Medical Research Council funded study aims to investigate associations between aircraft noise near major UK airports measured in different ways (noisy events, average noise) and hospital admissions and mortality. Potential pathways and mechanisms will be further explored using cohort data, for which ethics approvals will be sought separately. The project will use aircraft noise measures (average noise, noisy events) using data from the Civil Aviation Authority, routine mortality and hospital admission data from NHS Digital and the Office for National Statistics and analysis of individual data from two well-characterised cohorts: UK Biobank giving national coverage, and the SABRE cohort, which is based in west London. Additional data on air pollution and road noise will be sourced from SAHSU datasets and a measurement campaign will be conducted near Heathrow and Gatwick airports for ultrafine particles.
Collaborator Contribution The project will use aircraft noise measures (average noise, noisy events) using data from the Civil Aviation Authority, routine mortality and hospital admission data from NHS Digital and the Office for National Statistics and analysis of individual data from two well-characterised cohorts: UK Biobank giving national coverage, and the SABRE cohort, which is based in west London. Additional data on air pollution and road noise will be sourced from SAHSU datasets and a measurement campaign will be conducted near Heathrow and Gatwick airports for ultrafine particles.
Impact Transport noise is an under-studied ubiquitous environmental pollutant with important implications for public health, transport policy and urban planning. Aircraft noise already affects more people in the UK than any other European country. While there is a large body of research on annoyance and sleep disturbance from aircraft noise, there is very limited epidemiological evidence on aircraft noise and cardiovascular disease despite good biological plausibility for noise impacts on cardiovascular and metabolic functioning. These include physiological and psychological stress responses affecting metabolic factors (e.g. glucose, insulin, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio heart rate variability (HRV) and inflammatory pathways e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, supported by experimental studies of short-term exposure.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - measuring microplastics in different environmental compartments 
Organisation UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Leads on Waitrose grant application, which involves measuring microplastics in different environmental compartments (land and air) to determine their sources, pathways and fate, with aim to inform environmental policy. CEH will lead on the land-based and some air-based sampling outside of London and analysis, whilst KCL will lead on London-based air sampling and analysis
Collaborator Contribution Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Leads on Waitrose grant application, which involves measuring microplastics in different environmental compartments (land and air) to determine their sources, pathways and fate, with aim to inform environmental policy. CEH will lead on the land-based and some air-based sampling outside of London and analysis, whilst KCL will lead on London-based air sampling and analysis
Impact Centre for Ecology and Hydrology - Leads on Waitrose grant application, which involves measuring microplastics in different environmental compartments (land and air) to determine their sources, pathways and fate, with aim to inform environmental policy. CEH will lead on the land-based and some air-based sampling outside of London and analysis, whilst KCL will lead on London-based air sampling and analysis
Start Year 2019
 
Description ENDOTOX II, Detection and characterisation of inflammatory agents associated with bioaerosol emitted from biowaste and intensive agriculture 
Organisation Cranfield University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Dr Pippa Douglas a research fellow at The MRC/PHE Centre for Environment and Health has contributed to the research input as a collaborative partner into the detection and characterisation of inflammatory agents associated with bioaerosol emitted from biowaste and intensive agriculture.
Collaborator Contribution The impact of this proposal falls into three categories from the RCUK typologies: Improving health & wellbeing The results from this research will be used to improve current bioaerosol dispersion modelling protocols, allowing improved predictions of downwind concentrations and the duration of exposure to bioaerosols from composting. This research will provide a significant step towards defining clear exposure limits for environmental exposure to bioaerosols. Evidence based policy-making and influencing public policies The Environment Agency (EA) based its first position statement on bioaerosols from composting in 2001 on the limited bioaerosols information available at the time at a time of unprecedented growth in the UK composting industry. The EA had to strike a balance between: the precautionary principle (in the absence of a strong evidence base); the commercial needs of a burgeoning industry; and the national requirement to divert organic waste from landfill. Whilst the evidence base has been significantly strengthened in the past ten years, there is a way to go before regulatory policy on bioaerosols in ambient air could be considered stable (the fact that the current position statement is referred to as "interim" guidance indicates that regulation is expected to change as new information becomes available). The EA currently has no formal position statement on bioaerosols from intensive agriculture and it needs one. The research consortium has strong links with the EA. The key impact of this research will be improvements in the EA's ability to regulate composting and intensive agriculture, as well as influencing the planning and design of control mechanisms for bioaerosols, essential for improving the health and wellbeing of UK citizens. This research will provide the scientific evidence to support regulatory decision making and provide confidence to the public that these facilities can be safely operated. Enhancing the research capacity, knowledge and skills of public, private and third sector organisations This research will benefit the site operators by developing and testing novel methods for monitoring bioaerosols; provide insights into the mechanisms that influence dispersal of bioaerosol emissions; and support the development of procedures to reduce their impacts on the environment. Additionally, the novel science generated may reduce the requirement for expensive monitoring regimes and so provide economic benefits to site operators. Other potential beneficiaries include industry bodies who are providing information to their members regarding bioaerosols, and who have experienced difficulties due to the lack of information in this area. These include the Renewable Energy Association, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and the NFU. We also anticipate commercial opportunities arising from the research. We have strong links with Droplet Measurement Technologies who are developing the WIBS and with Lonza who make endotoxin detection kits.
Impact To date (part way through year 3) we have made measurements of bioaerosols using a novel real-time bioaerosol monitor. This gives a new continuous picture of the emissions from composting facilities where previously we only had samples that represented snapshots in time. We have completed tests in laboratory controlled conditions for compost and poultry bedding and a set of tests at composting facilities. The findings are of use to the environmental regulators in developing their policy on regulating waste management facilities and intensive agriculture facilities
Start Year 2016
 
Description Exposomics consortium 
Organisation Barcelona Institute for Global Health
Country Spain 
Sector Multiple 
PI Contribution I work on the existing Horizon 2020 funded Exposomics project, specifically analysing omics data generated within the project
Collaborator Contribution Omics data was generated at IARC in samples provided by birth cohorts coordinated by the above institutions and related to child health and exposures (including air pollution) collected by partners
Impact Cord Blood Metabolic Signatures of Birth Weight: A Population-Based Study Journal of Proteome Research. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00846
Start Year 2016
 
Description Exposomics consortium 
Organisation International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I work on the existing Horizon 2020 funded Exposomics project, specifically analysing omics data generated within the project
Collaborator Contribution Omics data was generated at IARC in samples provided by birth cohorts coordinated by the above institutions and related to child health and exposures (including air pollution) collected by partners
Impact Cord Blood Metabolic Signatures of Birth Weight: A Population-Based Study Journal of Proteome Research. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00846
Start Year 2016
 
Description Exposomics consortium 
Organisation University of Crete
Country Greece 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I work on the existing Horizon 2020 funded Exposomics project, specifically analysing omics data generated within the project
Collaborator Contribution Omics data was generated at IARC in samples provided by birth cohorts coordinated by the above institutions and related to child health and exposures (including air pollution) collected by partners
Impact Cord Blood Metabolic Signatures of Birth Weight: A Population-Based Study Journal of Proteome Research. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00846
Start Year 2016
 
Description Exposomics consortium 
Organisation University of Hasselt
Country Belgium 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I work on the existing Horizon 2020 funded Exposomics project, specifically analysing omics data generated within the project
Collaborator Contribution Omics data was generated at IARC in samples provided by birth cohorts coordinated by the above institutions and related to child health and exposures (including air pollution) collected by partners
Impact Cord Blood Metabolic Signatures of Birth Weight: A Population-Based Study Journal of Proteome Research. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00846
Start Year 2016
 
Description Global Neurodegeneration Proteomics Consortium (GNPC) 
Organisation Janssen Research & Development
Country Global 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Data from Chariot Pro study. Members of steering and analysis comittees
Collaborator Contribution Provision of proteomics analysis. Consortium infrastructure for data sharing
Impact No outputs yet -Further cohorts being invited to join consortium
Start Year 2022
 
Description Global Neurodegeneration Proteomics Consortium (GNPC) 
Organisation University College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Data from Chariot Pro study. Members of steering and analysis comittees
Collaborator Contribution Provision of proteomics analysis. Consortium infrastructure for data sharing
Impact No outputs yet -Further cohorts being invited to join consortium
Start Year 2022
 
Description HELIX consortium 
Organisation Barcelona Institute for Global Health
Country Spain 
Sector Multiple 
PI Contribution I contribute to analyses within the FP7 funded HELIX project. I have submitted a personal grant proposal to the Wellcome Trust involving data generated within the project
Collaborator Contribution The partners within the consortium has provided data for the analyses
Impact Assessment of metabolic phenotypic variability in children's urine using 1H NMR spectroscopy Scientific Reports 2017 | DOI: 10.1038/srep46082 A systematic comparison of statistical methods to detect interactions in exposome-health associations Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source 2017 | journal-article DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0277-6 Sir Henry Dale Fellowship application
Start Year 2016
 
Description In-vitro microplastic toxicity 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC)
Department MRC Toxicology Unit
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Prof Anne Willis and Prof Marianne MacFarlane (MRC Toxicology Unit) and Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Matthew White and Prof Tim Gant (PHE) - Are collaborating with Dr Stephanie Wright on her current fellowship work package on in-vitro microplastic toxicity.Dr Stephanie Wright conceived the study, with input and guidance from Prof Anne Willis and Prof Marianne MacFarlane (MRC Toxicology Unit) and Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Matthew White and Prof Tim Gant (PHE) . Prof Anne Willis and Prof Marianne MacFarlane are providing overall guidance and advice, MW is an expert in aerosol science/exposure, RS and TG in respiratory particle toxicology. Dr Stephanie Wright will perform the work, analysis, and lead writing of any resulting manuscripts, with input from AW, MM, RS, MW and TG.
Collaborator Contribution Prof Anne Willis and Prof Marianne MacFarlane are providing overall guidance and advice. Dr Stephanie Wright intends to do the work at PHE labs with Dr Rachel Smith, Dr Matthew White and Prof Tim Gant, as PHE have an air-liquid interface cell culture system.
Impact Dr Stephanie Wright will perform the work, analysis, and lead writing of any resulting manuscripts, with input from AW, MM, RS, MW and TG.
Start Year 2019
 
Description LIFEPATH consortium 
Organisation Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF)
Country Italy 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution As a member of the Horizon 2020 funded LIFEPATH project, I contribute to the database building and analysis plans of the project, and present and participate at meetings. I am specifically analysing epigenetic and metabolomics data in relation the socio-economic indicators and biological age.
Collaborator Contribution HuGeF listed above has generated the epigenetic data, while other partners within the consortium have data from cohorts
Impact The biology of inequalities in health: The LIFEPATH project Longitudinal and Life Course Studies. 2017 . DOI: 10.14301/llcs.v8i4.448 Socioeconomic status and the 25 × 25 risk factors as determinants of premature mortality: a multicohort study and meta-analysis of 1·7 million men and women The Lancet 2017. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32380-7 Social adversity and epigenetic aging: A multi-cohort study on socioeconomic differences in peripheral blood DNA methylation Scientific Reports. 2017 |DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16391-5
Start Year 2016
 
Description Lifepath: air pollution and socioeconomic status 
Organisation Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF)
Country Italy 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We are furthering the aims of Lifepath by investigating the role that socioeconomic position (SEP) has on exposure to air pollution and its effect on risks for non-communicable diseases. This has lead to the collection and harmonisation of air pollution data that exist in Lifepath to be used for further data analysis to be conducted by me and my team.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are providing support for the statistical analyses and role of biomarkers that may mediate these relationships.
Impact The collaboration has just begun, expected outputs are published papers and the results may support outreach and policy practices.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Lifepath: air pollution and socioeconomic status 
Organisation Paul Sabatier University (University of Toulouse III)
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We are furthering the aims of Lifepath by investigating the role that socioeconomic position (SEP) has on exposure to air pollution and its effect on risks for non-communicable diseases. This has lead to the collection and harmonisation of air pollution data that exist in Lifepath to be used for further data analysis to be conducted by me and my team.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are providing support for the statistical analyses and role of biomarkers that may mediate these relationships.
Impact The collaboration has just begun, expected outputs are published papers and the results may support outreach and policy practices.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Lifepath: insights into causal mediation 
Organisation Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF)
Country Italy 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution In efforts to determine the relationship between socioeconomic health disparities, dietary mediators and mortality I am working on the application of counterfactual mediation analysis in the Lifepath project. In collaboration with Hugef we are implementing factor analyses, structural equation modelling.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborators as Hugef have provided data, worked on harmonisation of new variables needed for my project. Together, we are working on factor analysis, to which the partners trained me in, and the application structural equation modelling for mediation analyses.
Impact -Invited Talk at Hugef: Laine JE, "Some Insights Into Causal Modelling Applied to Epidemiology". Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, December 2017 (Turin, IT)- multidisciplinary seminar with bench scientists, epidemiologists, and statisticians. -Accepted Abstract for the European Congress of Epidemiology. Laine JE, V. Baltar, P. Vineis "Comparison of mediation methods for causal inference of socioeconomic status, diet, and mortality." - -Manuscript in Preparation.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Microplastic emissions from composting facilities 
Organisation Imperial College London
Department MRC-PHE Centre for Environment & Health
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Dr Pippa Douglas (PHE) - microplastic emissions from composting facilities - Dr Stephanie Wright and Dr Pippa Douglas conceived and co-supervised an MSc project (2018) on microplastic emissions from industrial composting. Dr Stephanie Wright trained and supervised the student at KCL. Dr Pippa Douglas and Dr Stephanie Wright wrote the manuscript (on which I am final last author).
Collaborator Contribution Dr Pippa Douglas (PHE) - microplastic emissions from composting facilities - Dr Stephanie Wright and Dr Pippa Douglas conceived and co-supervised an MSc project (2018) on microplastic emissions from industrial composting. Dr Stephanie Wright trained and supervised the student at KCL. Dr Pippa Douglas and Dr Stephanie Wright wrote the manuscript.
Impact Dr Pippa Douglas and Dr Stephanie Wright wrote the manuscript reporting the collaborative study findings.
Start Year 2018
 
Description PEACE 
Organisation Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital
Country China 
Sector Hospitals 
PI Contribution I lead the research project by designing the study protocol, recruiting study participants, collecting and monitoring air pollution data, advising on health and biological data collection, and developing statistical analysis methods.
Collaborator Contribution The local research partners are contributing to the project by providing guidance on recruitment, assit in biological/health data collection and analysis, data storage and management.
Impact A conference poster has been accepted by International Society of Environmental Epidemiology - Europe Chapter conference for young researchers 2018. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary as it invloves experts from exposure assessment, epidemiology and respiratory medicine. Updated on February 2019, a manuscript titled 'Air quality improvement during 2013-2017 and hospitalisations for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing, China' is under reviewed in Lancet planetary health.
Start Year 2018
 
Description PEACE 
Organisation University of Hong Kong
Country Hong Kong 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I lead the research project by designing the study protocol, recruiting study participants, collecting and monitoring air pollution data, advising on health and biological data collection, and developing statistical analysis methods.
Collaborator Contribution The local research partners are contributing to the project by providing guidance on recruitment, assit in biological/health data collection and analysis, data storage and management.
Impact A conference poster has been accepted by International Society of Environmental Epidemiology - Europe Chapter conference for young researchers 2018. This collaboration is multi-disciplinary as it invloves experts from exposure assessment, epidemiology and respiratory medicine. Updated on February 2019, a manuscript titled 'Air quality improvement during 2013-2017 and hospitalisations for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing, China' is under reviewed in Lancet planetary health.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Prenatal air pollution exposures and birth outcomes in the ALSPAC cohort 
Organisation University of Leicester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Dr Cai supervised this Master of Public Health project in summer 2018. The student moved to University of Leicester after finishing the course and continue to working on this project while Dr Cai acts as an external adviser.
Collaborator Contribution The partner is working on data analysis and write-up of the results.
Impact One abstract has been submitted to International Society of Environmental Epidemiology annual conference 2019 and manuscript is due to complete in summer 2019.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Pulmonary microplastic exposure and uptake 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC)
Department MRC Toxicology Unit
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Dr John le Quesne and Leah Wood - MRC Toxicology Unit - Dr John le Quesne is MRC Tox Unit collaborator on the current fellowship of Dr Stephanie Wright's work package dealing with pulmonary microplastic exposure and uptake. Dr John le Quesne will provide advice, guidance, and access to pulmonary tissue and some imaging facilities. Dr Stephanie Wright conceived the study, with input from JLQ and LW, Dr Stephanie Wright will perform the work, analysis and write any resulting manuscripts, with input from JLQ and LW.
Collaborator Contribution Dr John le Quesne will provide advice, guidance, and access to pulmonary tissue and some imaging facilities,Leah Wood - MRC Toxicology Unit will provide training and assist in some of the sample prep
Impact Dr Stephanie Wright will perform the work, analysis and write any resulting manuscripts, with input from JLQ and LW.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Rapid monitoring of bioaerosols in Urban, Agricultural and Industrial Environments RAMBIE 
Organisation Cranfield University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research Fellow Dr Pippa Douglas, supported by the MRC/PHE Centre for environment and Health at Imperial has contributed as a collaborative partner to the research into the rapid monitoring of bioaerosols in urban, agricultural and industrial environments
Collaborator Contribution Cranfield University lead this project which aims to develop novel techniques for the rapid and responsive wide-area real-time monitoring of bioaerosols across urban, agricultural and industrial environments. The project will produce a database of microbial volatile organic markers for the rapid characterisation of bioaerosols from different sources linking specific organic markers to identified microorganisms by DNA sequencing. The project will also provide a better understanding of the impact of bioaerosols from different sources on human exposure.
Impact The collaborative research project developed robust and rapid monitoring methods for bioaerosols in urban, agricultural, and industrial sites via: High-throughput sampling Next generation sequencing technologies Chemical marker analysis Statistical design Network systems A database including the concentrations of MVOCs, VOCs and PLFAs present at each site in winter and summer has been created. Some of the data can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.17862/cranfield.rd.5593474 The methods have been validated through an extensive analysis of samples collected from the sampling campaigns of the project
Start Year 2015
 
Description Road traffic noise, air pollution and metabolic outcomes project 
Organisation Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Country Norway 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I am leading the epidemiological aspect of this work in UK Biobank and also overseeing the analyses with the other two cohorts. I will also write up the manuscripts for publication and represent the team at various conferences for presentation.
Collaborator Contribution The partners, from Norway and the Netherlands, will analyse their own cohort data, and will report the results to me.
Impact This collaboration is multi-disciplinary, involving epidemiologist, clinicians and exposure scientist. An abstract will be submitted to the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) annual meeting 2019, with an aim to submit a full manuscript for peer-review by August 2019.
Start Year 2018
 
Description Screening sarcoid tissue for the potential inclusion of microplastic particles 
Organisation Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Dr Muhunathan Thillai (Royal Papworth Hospital) - Dr Stephanie Wright conceived a pilot study to screen sarcoid tissue for the potential inclusion of microplastic particles, as both evidence of exposure, accumulation in vivo and a potential mechanism of harm.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Muhunathan Thillai will provide whole tissue sections on a collaborative basis, following the Royal Papworth tissue bank and Human Tissue Act conduct.
Impact Dr Muhunathan Thillai and Dr Stephanie Wright with Co-author any scientific papers
Start Year 2019
 
Description UCLEB consortium 
Organisation University College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I have proposed analysis and am conducting an analysis of metabolomics data in around 30,000 individuals in adult cohorts harmonised with the UCLEB consortium
Collaborator Contribution The partners provide data for analysis
Impact A collborative project proposal has been agreed. The collaboration combines social sciences and molecular biology
Start Year 2017
 
Description UCLEB consortium 
Organisation University of Bristol
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I have proposed analysis and am conducting an analysis of metabolomics data in around 30,000 individuals in adult cohorts harmonised with the UCLEB consortium
Collaborator Contribution The partners provide data for analysis
Impact A collborative project proposal has been agreed. The collaboration combines social sciences and molecular biology
Start Year 2017
 
Description UCLEB consortium 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I have proposed analysis and am conducting an analysis of metabolomics data in around 30,000 individuals in adult cohorts harmonised with the UCLEB consortium
Collaborator Contribution The partners provide data for analysis
Impact A collborative project proposal has been agreed. The collaboration combines social sciences and molecular biology
Start Year 2017
 
Description application of pyrolysis-GC/MS for microplastics analysis 
Organisation Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Dr Barbara Scholz-bottcher (Carl von Ossietzky University, Germany) - pyrolysis gc/ms - PhD student visited BSB's lab for a week-long placement to train in the application of pyrolysis-GC/MS for microplastics analysis. During this time, some air samples were run, and we intend to co-author a publication including these results
Collaborator Contribution Dr Barbara Scholz-bottcher (Carl von Ossietzky University, Germany) - pyrolysis gc/ms - PhD student visited BSB's lab for a week-long placement to train in the application of pyrolysis-GC/MS for microplastics analysis. During this time, some air samples were run, and we intend to co-author a publication including these results
Impact Dr Barbara Scholz-bottcher (Carl von Ossietzky University, Germany) - pyrolysis gc/ms - PhD student visited BSB's lab for a week-long placement to train in the application of pyrolysis-GC/MS for microplastics analysis. During this time, some air samples were run, Dr Stephanie Wright will co-author a publication with Dr Barbara Scholz-bottcher including these results.
Start Year 2018
 
Description research programme in airborne microplastics/human exposure/health 
Organisation University of Queensland
Department Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences
Country Australia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Dr Stephanie Wright (MRC Centre) collaborated with Prof Kevin Thomas (Director of Queensland Alliance for Environment and Health Sciences, Australia) during her PhD. Prof Kevin Thomas is establishing a research programme in airborne microplastics/human exposure/health and wants Dr Stephanie Wright to act as a formal adviser for his student. Dr Stephanie Wright will apply for a travel grant to visit Prof Kevin Thomas laboratory, as they perform pyrolysis-GC/MS andneed to view his applications and methods for cross-comparison with BSB above. We also hope to collaborate on a research project assessing health impacts of microplastics.
Collaborator Contribution Prof Kevin Thomas (Director of Queensland Alliance for Environment and Health Sciences, Australia) - Dr Stephanie Wright collaborated with KT during my PhD. KT is establishing a research programme in airborne microplastics/human exposure/health and wants me to act as a formal adviser for his student. I have applied for a travel grant to visit KT's laboratory, as they also perform pyrolysis-GC/MS and I want to see applications and methods for cross-comparison with BSB above. We also hope to collaborate on a research project assessing health impacts of microplastics, following a visit.
Impact Dr Stephanie Wright (MRC Centre) collaborated with Prof Kevin Thomas (Director of Queensland Alliance for Environment and Health Sciences, Australia) during her PhD. Prof Kevin Thomas is establishing a research programme in airborne microplastics/human exposure/health and wants Dr Stephanie Wright to act as a formal adviser for his student. Dr Stephanie Wright will apply for a travel grant to visit Prof Kevin Thomas laboratory, as they perform pyrolysis-GC/MS andneed to view his applications and methods for cross-comparison with BSB above. We also hope to collaborate on a research project assessing health impacts of microplastics.
Start Year 2018
 
Description "Biological age clocks in children". Athlete Project Epigenetics and Ageing meeting. ISGlobal, Barcelona, 15/12/2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presented work on developing multi-omic biological clocks in children, to the European Athlete consortium working group on epigenetics. Contributed to development of other ongoing research in the project.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://athleteproject.eu/
 
Description "Health inequalities and the role of the urban exposome". INMA Scientific Day. Gipuzkoa, Spain. 05/09/2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Event bringing together researchers, participants and local authorities related to the Spanish national INMA birth cohort. I was invited as the first plenary speaker to discuss my work on the "urban exposome" and health inequalities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL http://www.proyectoinma.org/presentacion-inma/en_index.html
 
Description 2022 UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship Annual Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Poster presentation of work to date on fellowship
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description A poster presentation was given in the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) . 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A poster presentation was given in the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) with title: The association of food-related anaphylaxis admissions with temperature and pollen counts in England
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description A preliminary study on microplastic emissions from an industrial composting facility - Presentation to Funders 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact Stephanie Wright and Pippa Douglas will be presenting results of a preliminary study on microplastic emissions from an industrial composting facility to the organization Chartered Institution of Wastes Management on the 27th of Feb 2019. The CIWM provided funding some to conduct this research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description A presentation was given in EAACI Congress 2020 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A poster presentation with voice over has been given in EAACI Congress 2020 with title: Seasonal trend of food-related anaphylaxis hospital admissions in England
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Air pollution and lung function in the ALSPAC cohort 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I presented this study at the annual meeting of International Society of Environmental Epidemiology 2018 at Ottawa, Canada, with an international audience from the field taking parts of.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/isesisee.2018.P03.1140
 
Description Artist collaboration 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Ongoing collaboration with MOVO-awarded Central St Martins graduate Hannah Scott, who is communicating climate change and plastic pollution issues through art works. I have provided scientific advice to Hannah, and Hannah has taken samples for me from the Arctic during a residential working cruise.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.hannahscott.com/
 
Description Biological age exhibit at Great Exhibition Road Festival 2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interactive exhibit on biological ageing: "How old am I really?" in collaboration with a network of FLF researching ageing, to engage, inspire and educate the public on the science and social implications of ageing. It was part of the first ever Adult Zone at the Great Exhibition Road Festival. Almost 2500 people walked through the doors at the Royal Geographical Society building (RGS) over the weekend. The organizers report "The atmosphere at the RGS was lovely and visitors all seemed super engaged in their conversations with you"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/
 
Description Brighton Science Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Workshop 1: Plastic to Plankton with Artist Nick Sayers; audience: families. Activities: participants made plankton out of plastic straws; groups were informed about the issue of plastic litter in the sea, its breakdown to microscopic pieces (microplastics), about microplastics entering the food chain and impacting the health of ecologically important species; >20 people.

Workshop 2: De-plastic your life with Project Developer and Fundraiser Carrina Gaffney; audience: families/young adults. Activities: Washing you face with plastic - highlighting microplastics in cosmetics; highlighting the environmental and human health issues of microplastics with examples and handheld microscope; DIY exfoliating, plastic-free cosmetics; >50 people.

Evening talk + film screening + live Q & A link up to a Plastics Expedition in the Caribbean (Pangaea Explore); audience: adults. Talk about my research (past and present); 10 people.

Citizen Science Beach Clean; families/young adults. Activities: Organised beach clean (following transects); cataloguing the litter back in the gallery; saving 'treasure' for an art workshop (Sun); 30 people.

During all activities, there was 2-way dialogue and conversation. Participants asked lot's of questions and engaged in discussion.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description CHE Webinar: Microplastics: An Emerging Threat to Global Ecology and Public Health 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CHE Webinar from The Effects of Plastics on Health Series: Microplastics: An Emerging Threat to Global Ecology and Public Health. Dr. Chelsea Rochman, Assistant Professor in Ecology at the University of Toronto, discusses the state of science relevant to the sources, contamination, and impacts of microplastics, focusing most on how microplastics impact wildlife. Dr. Stephanie Wright, UKRI Rutherford Fellow in the Medical Research Council-Public Health England (MRC-PHE) Centre for Environment and Health (CEH), King's College London (KCL) and MRC Toxicology Unit, discusses the potential pathways of microplastic exposure for humans, their potential kinetics following exposure, and what the consequential health effects of microplastic exposure might be. January 30, 2019.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-PQU72Twxk
 
Description Comments in news article 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Gave expert opinion for a Reuters news feature on plastic pollution.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-global-environment-oceans-waste/plastic-to-outweigh-fish-in-the-se...
 
Description Dr. Stephanie Wright, Brighton Science Festival 19 & 20th February 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Two workshops aimed at families, a talk aimed at adults and a beach clean aimed at families:

Plastic Free Your Life and discussion hosted by Stephanie Wright & Carrina Gaffney
•No need for microbeads: drop-in DIY face cream workshop
•Microbeads under the microscope: what's in my toothpaste? Why does it matter? Come and use our hand-held microscope to find out.
•Good vs. bad plastic - is there such a thing as good plastic? Why are some plastics better or worse than others?
•How can we eradicate single use plastic?
•The fundamentals of citizen science projects - come and get inspired prepared for Saturday's beach clean!

Talk about her work on marine plastics and their impacts on the health of invertebrates and humans.

A citizen science beach clean with hand-held microscope and GPS tracking software.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://onca.org.uk/pastexhibitions/trash-or-treasure/
 
Description Drowning in plastic with Liz Bonnin 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Science and wildlife presenter Liz Bonnin examines one of the biggest environmental threats facing the modern world. As science reveals the full extent of the ocean plastic crisis, she investigates the obstacles that must be overcome as a matter of urgency to solve it.

The reaction to the plastic crisis by the British public has been remarkable. But as a consumer Liz wants to explore what needs to be done to turn off the plastic tap at the source. Why is only 11% of plastic recycled globally? Why are billions of dollars still being invested in new plastic factories around the world? How does plastic in our food web affect human health?

Liz gathers a panel of experts to explore these and other issues with an aim to shed light on how we can all play a part in stopping the plastic tide. On the panel are:

Professor Richard Thompson, Director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth, whose work on marine plastics has led him to consult with G7 nations on the monitoring of marine litter and has informed new legislation by the UK government on the use of microplastics in cosmetics.

Dr Stephanie Wright from King's College London, whose research focuses on the impact of microplastics, from atmospheric and food sources, to human health.

David Newman, founder of Bio Based and Biodegradable Industries Association UK, who has 20 years of experience in the waste management sector, has collaborated with the UN's Environmental Assembly and is working to develop innovative materials for the UK market.

Sian Sutherland, entrepreneur and co-founder of A Plastic Planet, a social impact non-profit organisation working with global brands, retailers, educators, legislators and governments to reduce the use of plastic packaging in food and drink.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
 
Description ECETOC / CEFIC LRI Human Health and Exposure Science Review & Scoping Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact talk 'Microplastics and Particle Toxicology' at ECETOC/Cefic LRI 2019 Human Health & Exposure Science Progress Review & Scoping Meeting (Jan 30th-31st 2109). ECETOC provides a collaborative space for top scientists from industry, academia and governments to develop and promote practical, trusted and sustainable solutions to scientific challenges which are valuable to industry, as well as to the regulatory community and society in general.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Exhale and Exchange workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Patients, carers and/or patient groups
Results and Impact The Exhale & Exchange workshop used poetry and creative language to explore breathing and lung health. The audience of approximately 15 people was a mix of respiratory patients, carers, researchers in respiratory health and members of the public. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together respiratory researchers, respiratory patients and members of the public to exchange experience, knowledge and stories about breathing and lung health.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Featured on national news 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Investigation into the contamination of mussels by microplastics around the Kent coast. Co-created a mini research project with an Inside Out journalist, the results of which featured on the BBC news with a short video.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-41512057
 
Description Imperial Christmas Fringe "Walking in the Air" event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact About 100 members of the general public, including schools, visited the Imperial Christmas Fringe event, where I presented the research of the MRC_PHE centre for Environment and Health, specifically on effects of air pollution and how to mitigate personal exposure. The were many questions and discussion and participants were very interested in our work and how they could reduce their personal exposure
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/eventssummary/event_12-10-2017-15-53-1...
 
Description Imperial College press release 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact This was an Imperial College press release on 31 May 2017 relating to one of my publications in the European Heart Journal, titled'Long-term exposure to road traffic noise, ambient air pollution, and cardiovascular risk factors in the HUNT and lifelines cohorts'. It aimed to convey the public health message as implicated from this study to a wider audience including the policy-makers. This news was subsequently picked up by other news outlets across the world and the paper itself was highlighted in 'The year in Cardiology 2017: the prevention' in the same journal which listed some of influential studies in the field of Cardiology in 2017.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_31-5-2017-17-37-1
 
Description Imperial Fringe: Walking in the Air 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact 'Walking in the Air' is one of the Imperial College's Fringe series of public evening events, held in December 2017, aimed to showcase the science from Imperial reseaerchers whose works are relating to the air. As part of the School of Public Health team, we set up a Christmas tree for kids to display their pledges on reducing air pollution, as well as two posters on the Centre's recent work on air pollution in Oxford street, and an air pollution quiz. We managed to get 97 school childrens to display their pledges and general public to come to see the poster and discuss their perspectives with us.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Imperial Science Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presented at a stall explaining the 'exposome' and the effects of air pollution at this science fair event. Many interested members of the public were reached
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.imperial.ac.uk/festival
 
Description Interview for national news 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This news piece was published by The Times, in which traffic noise was described as an emerging urban threat on health. It generated much interest from the public about the health effects of traffic noise from their own experiences. One local authority approached to request for more details about the published study with an aim to inform their policy on local planning.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/traffic-noise-revealed-as-new-urban-killer-9jfj7sdjd
 
Description Interview for national news 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This is a news piece published by the Guardian which investigated the effects of noise on people's life on a daily basis and the general health effects of noise that might pose. The piece has sparked lots of attention and discussion about the topic. It was shared by almost 1400 social account users and received more than 2000 comments about people telling their 'noise' story and health concerns.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jul/03/sonic-doom-noise-pollution-kills-heart-disease-...
 
Description Interview with Dr Stephanie Wright, King's College London, about research into plastic fibres being found in the air featured on the BBC's 'War on Plastics with Hugh and Anita' June 17 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr Stephanie Wright, King's College London, appeared on "War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita" on Mon, June 17, 2019 to discuss the potential for microscopic plastic particles (microplastics) to impact human health via inhalation and diet. Dr Wright is interested in whether microplastics are airborne; whether air quality measurement instruments can be applied to monitor microplastics; what the sources of airborne microplastics are; whether humans are bioaccumulating microplastics; and the potential human health impacts associated with microplastic exposure.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL http://www.pressdata.co.uk/viewbroadcast.asp?a_id=18502399
 
Description Invited presentation to ISEE annual conference 2018 "Prenatal, early life and lifetime exposure to air pollution and childhood lung function and asthma: The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) Cohort Study 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited oral presentation to International Society of Environmental Epidemiology annual conference; one of the primary annual scientific conferences and forums for reporting and disseminating study results for epidemiologists internationally.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/isesisee.2018.P03.1140
 
Description Led parallel session "The exposome of childhood obesity: from the scientific evidence to public health policy" at the policy symposium " Future directions for nutrition and physical activity policies to prevent NCDs across Europe" 16/06/2022 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Symposium led to development of policy proposal to combat obesity
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.worldobesity.org/news/policy-symposium-on-ncd-prevention-future-directions-for-nutrition...
 
Description MRC Festival of Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Annual event which showcases the Centre research to the public via interactive science exhibitions and talks.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017
 
Description Mission leader for Sperry x Pangaea Explore 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I ran a 5 day Ocean Plastics workshop for a group of international influencers, onboard a research yacht. This resulted in each participant using social media to communicate plastic pollution issues, with participants having up to 384,000 followers on social media.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Oral Presentation SETAC Europe 2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Platform presentation at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry annual European meeting in 2017.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Oral Presentation at 6th UK & Ireland Exposure Science Meeting.24th-April 2018, London, UK 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact A presentation of research results to scientific community. Questions and discussion were invited after the presentation regarding the results presented "Using a dispersion model to estimate biological air pollution exposure from outdoor composting activities in England between 2005-14".
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Plastics & Us: A Relationship Gone Bad? 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Plastic is an extraordinarily versatile material. It is cheap, durable, low-weight and versatile, and our building and construction industry, industrial and agricultural machinery, transportation, electrical goods, textiles, medical supplies and packaging are all dependent on its various forms. The accumulative amount produced since mass production began in the 1950s - 8.3 billion tonnes - is roughly equivalent to the entire weight of the human beings living on the planet, and almost half the items made from it are for single use. This results in huge amounts of detritus, which is polluting our landmasses and contaminating our oceans, affecting over 700 marine species. More recently, the presence of minute 'microplastics', less than 5 mm across and often invisible to the human eye, has been causing grave concern. These are ubiquitous in habitats as diverse as the deep Indian Ocean floor to Arctic sea ice. They can cause harm to marine invertebrates if ingested, and potentially carry a cocktail of chemicals. Recently, their presence in foods destined for human consumption has prompted concern regarding possible human health effects, which are still unknown. Tonight's speaker Stephanie Wright is an environmental health scientist, researching this particular aspect of the problem in the Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences Department of King's College London. She will discuss the whole issue with us, including what can be done to limit the damage and re-align our relationship with plastic through smarter use and better waste disposal of this essential material.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018,2019
URL https://www.mondediplofriends.org.uk/category/2019/
 
Description Presentation at Conference on Policy Solutions for Childhood Obesity: From science to policy implementation 17/11/21 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Conference on Policy Solutions for Childhood Obesity: From science to policy implementation provides the latest insights into the results of two European projects - STOP and JA Best-ReMaP - on reducing obesity in children
Childhood obesity has become one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time. In 2017, 29% of boys and 27% of girls aged 6-9 years in Europe were overweight or obese and Covid-19 has contributed to the increased obesity trends in children. These children are likely to stay obese in adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Therefore, scientists, healthcare professionals and health policy-makers joined forces to identify, evaluate and implement effective approaches to prevent childhood obesity and reduce disease risk.

As the side event of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a high-level event on food policy eas organised online on 17th and 18th of November 2021. The conference will link two projects, the Science & Technology in childhood Obesity Policy (STOP) Horizon 2020 research project, and the Joint Action on Best Practices in Nutrition (JA Best-ReMaP), both aiming at the reduction of obesity rates with special focus on children and adolescents. The conference of the two projects was organized as a joint high-level event, based on the idea to facilitate the translation of research knowledge into policy implementation.

The STOP project is aiming to generate scientifically sound and policy-relevant evidence on the factors, that have contributed to the spread of childhood obesity. They also examine the effects of alternative policy options available to address the problem, such as food reformulation and limiting food marketing. A range of key actors in the health and food sector in the EU is contributing to this work.

JA Best-ReMaP brings together food authorities and other relevant stakeholders of the Member States. It is working with good practices in the areas of food reformulation, reducing food marketing to children and public procurement of healthy food in public settings. By adapting, replicating and implementing effective health interventions they would like to contribute to an increased offer of healthier food options available to children in EU markets.

The joint conference - building on the synergies of the two projects - contributed to the recommendations addressed to national authorities and the European Commission for future policy actions to effectively decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://bestremap.eu/conference-on-policy-solutions-for-childhood-obesity/
 
Description Presentation at EMR-IBS conference, Jerusalem 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation of our paper (Boulieri et al, Biostatsitics 2018) at the International Biometric Society (IBS) conference 2018. The talk was followed by discussions with statisticians and practitioners who showed interest in using our methods.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Presentation by Dr Areti Boulieri on "Detecting life expectancy anomalies in England using a Bayesian hierarchical model" at the 62nd ISI World Statistics Congress 2019 in Malaysia from 18th to 23rd August 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation by Dr Areti Boulieri on "Detecting life expectancy anomalies in England using a Bayesian hierarchical model" at the 62nd ISI World Statistics Congress 2019 in Malaysia from 18th to 23rd August
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL http://www.isi2019.org/
 
Description Presentation by Dr Jessica Laine on "Cross-omics mediation in epidemiology: moving beyond biomarkers and into molecular mechanisms" - 2019 Annual meeting of the Society for Epidemiological Research (SER) in Minneapolis, USA 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation by Dr Jessica Laine on "Cross-omics mediation in epidemiology: moving beyond biomarkers and into molecular mechanisms" - 2019 Annual meeting of the Society for Epidemiological Research (SER) in Minneapolis, USA
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://epiresearch.org/annual-meeting/2019-meeting/
 
Description Presentation by Dr Stephanie Wright at the Society for Free Radical Research Europe (SFRRE) Annual Meeting 19-21 June, Ferrara, Italy on "Redox Homeostasis: From Signalling to Damage" 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Presentation by Dr Stephanie Wright at the Society for Free Radical Research Europe (SFRRE) Annual Meeting 19-21 June, Ferrara, Italy on "Redox Homeostasis: From Signalling to Damage"
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Presentation of the results of a preliminary study on microplastic emissions from an industrial composting facility 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact On the 16th of Jan 2019, Stephanie Wright and Pippa Douglas will be presenting results of the micro-plastic composting work conducted as a preliminary study on micro-plastic emissions from an industrial composting facility. The results will be presented to the waste site workers where the sampling campaign was conducted
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Research by Dr Stephanie Wright featured in ITV's Tonight 'Plastic: The unhidden truth' on 24/10/2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Research from our lab showed that the average person swallows at least 50,000 particles of microplastic a year and breathes in a similar amount, according to the first study to estimate human ingestion of plastic pollution.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description SET for Britain poster competition - Stephanie Wright & Liza Selley 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact SET for Britain (now STEM for BRITAIN) is a poster competition and exhibition in the House of Commons which exists to raise the profile of Britain's early-stage researchers at Westminster by engaging Members of both Houses of Parliament with current science, engineering and mathematics research being undertaken in the UK, especially that by their local constituents and in their local University. Few of them have science or technology degrees, but the event usually has around 100 Parliamentarians attending during the day. Mr Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chairman of the STEM for BRITAIN organising group of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, sponsors the event at the House of Commons during British Science Week.

In order to encourage maximum participation by early-career researchers and Members of Parliament the competition is divided into five subject areas:

Biological and Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Physics
Engineering
Mathematics
There are 3 poster exhibitions and judging sessions during the day, each ending with a reception and prize-giving. The competition currently attracts around 500 entrants, of whom approximately 35% are selected to present their work in Parliament. STEM for BRITAIN Awards are made on the basis of the very best research work and results by an early-stage or early-career researcher together with their ability to communicate their work to a lay audience.

Participants are encouraged to invite their own MPs to attend, Liza Selley's MP Tom Brake attended.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.setforbritain.org.uk/index.asp
 
Description Short feature on the radio 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Briefly spoke about my research on a panel in the context of a Government-proposed ban on the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics and cleaning products. Increased nationwide awareness of my research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Stakeholder meeting - The Ferrero Foundation, Alba, Italy 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presentation of LIFEPATH project results and discussion with Sodalitas (an Italian umbrella organization of companies engaged in promoting social corporate responsibility)to support and collaborate on the aims of rethinking working careers, working conditions and unhealthy behaviours for enhancing lifelong employability There was a lively discussion and genral interest in our research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.csreurope.org/sodalitas
 
Description Stephanie Wright on The Jeremy Vine Show (BBC Radio 2) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Dr. Stephanie Wright, King's College London, briefly spoke about her research on a panel in the context of a Government-proposed ban on the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics & cleaning products.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07p13sj
 
Description Stephanie Wright, London Ocean Group, September 26th 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Dr. Stephanie Wright, King's College London "A plastic diet: biological impacts of microplastics in the sand"
Raising the profile of her research being undertaken within the Centre/established potential future collaborations.
Mainly undergrads/postgrads/researchers & academics in Engineering/Environmental Sciences & Geography.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.engineering.ucl.ac.uk/london-ocean-group/meetings/
 
Description Stephanie Wright, Speaker at Packed Lunch: Microplastic, Wellcome Collection 12th October 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Stephanie Wright, Research Associate King's College London, Speaker at Packed Lunch: Microplastic, Wellcome Collection 12th October 2016.
Microplastics - tiny pieces of thrown-away plastic - have been found throughout the natural environment from the poles to the equator, from the ocean's surface to its bed, and even in the guts of fish on the shop floor.
How do microplastics affect human health?
Hear from environmental scientist Stephanie Wright about her plans to investigate the under-researched area of what microplastics mean for human health.

Speaker: Stephanie Wright, environmental scientist, King's College London
This FREE event.
People told the hosts they had really enjoyed it.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://wellcomecollection.org/events/packed-lunch-microplastic
 
Description Wellcome Collection's Packed Lunch 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A conversational lunchtime talk from a scientist to the general public, held monthly at the Wellcome Collection and also publicly available as a podcast.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://wellcomecollection.org/files/packed-lunch-12-oct-2016-microplastics-wellcome-collection
 
Description eXXpedition 'Meet the Scientist' 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact As part of eXXpedition, I led one of the on-board research projects for the crew to conduct whilst sailing the entire coast of the UK and raising public awareness about plastic pollution. A mini-interview is featured on the website.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://exxpedition.com/2017/08/20/meet-exxpedition-scientist-stephanie-wright/