Grant calls Microplastics & Health: risk assessment and action perspectives on micro- and nanoplastics

ZonMw is publishing two calls for proposals for research into the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics. The calls focus on exposure, effects, risks, standardisation and the influence of behaviours and interventions. Both calls will be further explained during an information meeting on 3 April. Please note: the grant calls are closed.

What are the possible risks of micro- and nanoplastics and how can we reduce exposure to these?

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) are found in the air, our food, drinking water and our bodies. However, the risks of exposure to MNP posed to human health are as yet unknown. Too little is known about how we can reduce exposure to plastic particles as well. To acquire more insight into this, two calls for proposals have been published within the programme Microplastics & Health: one open call for proposals and one call at the invitation of the MOMENTUM consortium. 

The aim of both calls is to describe the risk of exposure to MNP and explore the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing exposure. Harmonisation between projects in both calls is important as the joint results must contribute to an overview of the potential risks, possible solutions and any knowledge gaps still remaining.

Call upon invitation: MOMENTUM consortium

A large part of the Dutch research field in the area of health effects of MNP participates in the public-private consortium MOMENTUM. Since 2021, the consortium has been investigating the health effects of MNP. They have also proposed solutions to minimise the potential impact on our health. The consortium parties will be invited to submit a grant proposal to strengthen the MOMENTUM project and expand it into specific areas of interest. Within the call, the consortium is requested to realise a health risk assessment using knowledge from projects in the ZonMw programme Microplastics & Health.

Read more about the aims and conditions that the project proposal from MOMENTUM must satisfy.

Open call for proposals

This call for proposals is also open for researchers who are not yet members of the MOMENTUM consortium. We invite any interested persons to submit a grant proposal for one of the four themes specified below:

  • Microplastics in our environment
  • Consumer behaviour
  • Interventions
  • Standardised research methods.

An amount of 300,000 euros is available for each project and a total of 7 projects may be awarded funding.

Read more about the aims and conditions that project proposals for the open call for must satisfy.

Online information meeting on 3 April

Join the online information meeting on Monday, 3 April 2023, which will be held in English. Here, a more detailed explanation about both calls for proposals will be provided, you will be able to get to know the various MOMENTUM consortium parties, and the desired alignment between future projects will be explained. Registration is not possible anymore.

Interested?

If you have an idea for a research proposal into the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics and would you like to submit a proposal, please see more information about the aims and conditions of:

Please note: the deadline for submitting a proposal is Tuesday, 9 May 2023, at 14:00 hours CEST.

Healthy living environment

Knowledge about micro and nanoplastics in our living environment can improve people’s health. Read more about this on our theme page about the health effects of microplastics.