Microplastics: An issue that concerns us all!

Support opportunities

Framework

Microplastics are small pieces of plastics that are increasingly reported in the news. In the Deheyn lab at Scripps Oceanography, the microplastics we study are the very small ones, ranging from about 1 to 100 microns (for perspective, a human hair is about 100 microns). These microplastics are so small that they are spread by air/wind around the world, infiltrate waterways, and enter foodwebs. Their effects on organisms or cells remain evasive, and their quantification and characterization through their “cycle of life” still difficult to assess, mostly because of the lack of uniformity in research methodology around the world.

In the Deheyn lab, we tackle this global problem by developing a cross-continental network of citizen scientists that are trained to collect and process samples “the same way,” for global uniformity. This approach gives us a realistic picture of how microplastics are produced, and how they disperse across ecosystems worldwide.

The problem – Where we need your help

Under the current administration, the funding that traditionally supports this kind of research has been sharply reduced, sometimes down to nothing for certain plastic research programs. However, this topic is so important for the generations to come that there is a humanitarian need to continue the research, provide answers to people, industries and policy makers alike, educate and train our next generation of leaders as well as formulating solutions.

Please help and consider providing financial support to our research. This is a tax-deductible donation via the BEST Initiative at Scripps Oceanography.

What is the BEST Initiative?

The BEST Initiative was started in 2015 by Dr. Dimitri Deheyn, together with the Innovation & Technology Commercialization Department of UCSD. Based on the blueprint of the Agile Center of Excellence, The BEST Initiative promotes cross-disciplinary research at the interface of industry and societal interest, on a donation basis. In essence, the BEST Initiative is a platform that can receive donations from individuals, philanthropists and/or industries, to conduct research in specific fields of interest to the donor. The donation is tax-deductible and the full amount of it is allocated to the research (there is no university overhead). The BEST Initiative thus promotes academic research to be developed for the specific interest of citizens, foundations, eco-enthusiasts, and/or industries seeking fundamental research and development in area not subject to intellectual property.

Please donate to your favorite project or for an area of your specific interest. Contact Dimitri Deheyn (ddeheyn@ucsd.edu) if you prefer a direct bank wiring.

Any amount would help our community, but also yours! Thank you!