About the Conference
The 2027 Microplastics and Nanoplastics Summit is designed to bring people together across the full microplastics and nanoplastics ecosystem, from research and technology to public health, policy, industry, and community. Our goal is to create a space for conversation, collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact across the entire ecosystem. Together, we can move ideas into action.
Four Connected Areas:
Detection & Characterization
Tools, methods, and technologies for identifying and measuring microplastics and nanoplastics.
Health Impacts & Clinical Practice
Research on exposure, toxicology, human health impacts, and connections to clinical and public health practice.
Environment, Exposure & Mitigation
Environmental pathways, exposure sources, mitigation strategies, sustainability solutions, and safer alternatives.
Policy, Communication & Translation
Policy, regulation, public communication, and strategies for turning research into meaningful action.
Conference Schedule
Conference Schedule
May 9-12, 2027 | University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Sunday, May 9: Afternoon check-in & welcome reception
- Monday & Tuesday, May 10-11: Main conference program
- Wednesday, May 12: Morning networking & awards session
This transdisciplinary submit brings together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry leaders, and community partners to explore our shared future of microplastics and nanoplastics research and translational practice.
Featured Speakers
We are pleased to announce the first group of confirmed speakers. Our scientific program continues to grow, and additional speakers will be announced as they confirm their participation.
Plenary Speaker
Matthew J. Campen, Ph.D.
Regents' Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Director, New Mexico Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine
University of New Mexico
Win Cowger, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution
Jane Muncke, Ph.D.
Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer
The Food Packaging Forum
Invited Speakers
Timothy V. Duncan, Ph.D.
Research Chemist, Division of Food Processing Science and Technology
Human Food Program
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Aaron Erdely, Ph.D.
Research Biologist, Health Effects Laboratory Division
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Adjunct Professor, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology
West Virginia University
Editor, Particle and Fibre Toxicology
Nicole Fahrenfeld, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Rutgers University
John Pettibone, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, Nano Materials Research Group
National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce
Phoebe Stapleton, Ph.D., A.T.C.
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute
Rutgers University
Douglas Walker, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health
Rollins School of Public Health
Emory University
Haoran Wei, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Boya Xiong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering
University of Minnesota
Changcheng Zhou, Ph.D., F.A.H.A.
Professor, Division of Biomedical Sciences
School of Medicine
University of California, Riverside
Additional distinguished speakers will be announced soon.
Scientific Advisory Committee
| Name | Affiliation | Expertise |
| Yusong Li, Ph.D. | University of Nebraska–Lincoln | Particle transport and fate, plastic particle release from food-contact plastics. |
| Matthew J. Campen, Ph.D. | University of New Mexico | Toxicology, plastic particle accumulation in human brain tissue. |
| Aaron Erdely, Ph.D. | NIOSH and West Virginia University | Particle toxicology, occupational exposure. |
| John Pettibone, Ph.D. | National Institute of Standards and Technology | Metrology, reference materials for micro- and nanoplastics. |
| Balaji Rao, Ph.D. | Texas Tech University | Environmental occurrence and transport of microplastics. |
| Phoebe Stapleton, Ph.D. | Rutgers University | Developmental and reproductive toxicology of inhaled particles. |
| Douglas Walker, Ph.D. | Emory University | High-resolution mass spectrometry for plastic particles in biological and food samples. |
| Boya Xiong, Ph.D. | University of Minnesota | Plastic particle formation, release, and transport in engineered systems. |
Conference Organizing Committee
Changmin Yan, Ph.D. (Co-Chair), University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Kristin Malek, Ph.D. (Co-Chair), University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Kazi Albab Hussain, Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Yusong Li, Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Kendra Clark, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center
Daisy Dai, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center
Early Bird Registration
Available through February 2027
Faculty / Industry: $495
Students / Postdocs: $195
Full registration and submission details coming soon: Including hotel information, transportation, conference logistics, call for abstract, and program updates.
Interested in attending? Add the conference to your radar and receive occasional updates on speakers, abstract submissions, registration, conference activities, and opportunities to get involved. Click here to Save the Date.
Abstract Submission Open Early Fall, 2026.
Contact the Summit Organizers:
Click here to Reach Out with questions about participation, speaking opportunities, sponsorships, logistics, collaboration ideas, and more.
