The Plastics Recycling and Upcycling GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The growing plastic waste crisis demands urgent action. While plastics are fundamental to our society today, pollution resulting from waste mismanagement poses many ecological and human health challenges. Today’s plastics also rely on fossil fuels as a feedstock, and the production of these polymers is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Virgin plastic production is expected to grow substantially in the coming decades, further exacerbating these issues. Interdisciplinary and international collaboration is key to developing new, creative solutions.
The focus of this inaugural GRS meeting will be to discuss the challenges we face and cutting-edge strategies for a circular and decarbonized plastics economy. Topics will include the deconstruction (mechanical, chemical, and biological), upcycling, and redesign of plastics to reduce waste and carbon emissions. The meeting program will include both oral and poster presentation sessions from young researchers to discuss important contributions to these fields. GRS participants are highly encouraged to apply for the Plastics Recycling and Upcycling Gordon Research Conference that will take place immediately following the GRS.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by April 6, 2025. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
