Cluster 1 - Health: Advancing knowledge on the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on human health

Research Areas: Evidence on the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) exposure on human health, considering living and working environments and different exposure routes (inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure). Focus on realistic concentrations and exposure to a variety of sizes, shapes and chemical compositions of MNPs. Consider recent policy developments, support relevant policy gaps, support standardization of analytical methods. Include several of the following:

• Reproducibility between studies, across labs by means of standardization of analytical methods, methodologies to collect MNPs in the environment and quantify exposure.
• Causal mechanisms of action and pathways involved on molecular, cellular and organism level effects from exposure.
• Drivers of toxicity and other adverse health effects of MNPs.
• Develop better in vivo, in silico and in vitro models, instruments and methods for risk and hazard assessment harmonized across various types of MNPs, including long-term exposure and monitoring models.
• Human biomonitoring studies.
• Long-term impacts on health, MNPs’ fate and systemic effects.
• Approaches for assessment, prevention and mitigation of occupational exposures.
• Health impacts of potential alternative materials developed to replace plastics.
• Interactions between MNPs and other biological agents.
• Delivery mechanisms: the elimination process of MNPs in the human body and the microbiome capacity to degrade (or accelerate degradation of) ingested MNPs.
• SSHRC expertise should be included. 

Total Funding Available: EUR 40M, 5 grants (each EUR 7-8M)

• Call Opening: May 22, 2025
• MPO Deadline: Contact MPO as soon as possible in the project planning stage
• Internal Application Deadline: August 27, 2025 by 4:30 pm CDT
• Agency Application Deadline:
  1. September 2025 (First Stage), 16 April 2026 (Second Stage)