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Scientists launch livestream experiment to reveal true timescales for ‘biodegradable’ plastics


In the wake of an evidence review coordinated by AE Cardiff, scientists are conducting a unique public experiment to discover how long biodegradable plastics actually take to break down in the cool waters of Northern Europe – and anyone in the world can watch in real-time.

In this international experiment, hosted by Akvariet i Bergen (Bergen Aquarium), samples of several plastics labelled as being ‘biodegradable’ have been immersed in a tank, in conditions that replicate those found in the fjords of western Norway – from the water temperature, to the types of fish. The aim is to discover how long the biodegradation process takes and whether the location of the samples within the tank makes any difference. A 24/7 webcam at built2biodegrade.eu allows viewers to observe the process happening in real-time.

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Briefing Series: new paper published on biodegradable plastics


The third paper in our Briefing Series, ‘Biodegradable plastics: how do we engage with consumers and society?’ is available now

This briefing paper summarises key themes and ideas discussed at our ‘Biodegradable plastics: how do we engage with consumers and society?’ webinar, held on 21st May 2021. This briefing paper presents the views expressed by our panellists who were members of the SAPEA Working Group and other experts.

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EU policy on biodegradable plastics: experts, policymakers and other stakeholders discuss the issues


This webinar brought together EU policymakers and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in developing a policy framework for biodegradable plastics. Held on 16th June 2021, it was attended by 300 people.

The event was hosted by Mohammed Chahim MEP, Co-chair of the Circular Economy Working Group of the European Parliament Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. It is part of a series of events drawing on the SAPEA Evidence Review Report Biodegradability of plastics in the open environment and the associated Scientific Opinion by the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors.

An overview of the webinar discussions is provided below.

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Biodegradable plastics: how do we engage with consumers and society?


A lively discussion took place at our webinar on 21st May 2021, as a panel of experts shared their ideas on biodegradable plastics and how to engage with consumers and society. Over 200 people joined the online event from 37 countries around the world.

The webinar was organised by SAPEA, in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, as part of a series of events drawing on the Evidence Review Report ‘Biodegradable plastics in the open environment’ and the associated Scientific Opinion by the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors.

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Mapping review on biodegradable plastics published


Specialists in systematic review at Cardiff University have carried out a mapping review of recent research evidence within the field of biodegradability of plastics in the open environment.

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Launch webinar on Biodegradable Plastics



The first SAPEA webinar on Biodegradable Plastics attracted a large international audience of almost 170 on 4th February.  The webinar brought together panellists from the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, SAPEA and the European Commission, to respond to the question, ‘Tackling plastic pollution: are biodegradable plastics the answer?’

The webinar was chaired by Professor Ole Petersen, Vice-President of Academia Europaea and Director of the AE Cardiff Hub.  He outlined the role and purpose of the European Scientific Advice Mechanism, and its two principal elements, the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors and the SAPEA consortium.

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Cardiff Hub oversees completion of Evidence Review Report on Biodegradability of Plastics in the Open Environment



A major new Evidence Review Report entitled ‘Biodegradability of Plastics in the Open Environment’ has been published today by SAPEA. Academia Europaea led the coordination of the Evidence Review Report, with responsibility for management and delivery of the work given to the AE Cardiff Hub.

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Nicole Grobert MAE elected Chair of EU Group of Chief Scientific Advisors


Nicole Grobert, Professor of nanomaterials at the University of Oxford and Member of Academia Europaea, has been elected Chair of the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors.

The role of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) is to provide independent scientific advice to the European Commission across a diverse range of topics to inform policymaking and to provide recommendations to improve the interaction between policymaking and scientific advice.

Professor Nicole Grobert will succeed Professor Rolf-Dieter Heuer, also a member of Academia Europaea.

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Interview Spotlight Series

Explore our collection of interviews, featuring Members of Academia Europaea and colleagues connected with the Academy, as they offer insights into critical research topics.

A collaboration between Academia Europaea and Cardiff University