Naples - April 10, 2025 

IRCEnv (CIRAm) grants moral patronage to the fourth edition of the initiative for the dissemination of scientific culture ‘Plastics, Biology, Environment’ at the Department of Biology of the University of Naples Federico II

https://www.unina.it/it/w/plastica-biologia-e-ambiente-il-c.i.r.am.-al-fianco-delle-nuove-generazioni

At the "Plastics, Biology and Environment" event, promoted by the Department of Biology to bring schools closer to the world of research, IRCEnv (CIRAm) – Interdepartmental Research Center for Environmental of the University of Naples Federico II – delivered its institutional greetings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between science, schools, and active citizens in addressing the environmental challenge of plastic.

"It is a great pleasure for me," said Professor Giulia Guerriero, Director of IRCEnv, "to participate in an event that represents a valuable opportunity to disseminate scientific culture, especially to younger generations. The topic of plastic is emblematic: a useful and economic resource, but also a growing cause of environmental pollution and impacts on health and ecosystems. Addressing it requires knowledge, awareness, and collaboration. And our Center can and wants to make a concrete contribution to this."

Thanks to its interdisciplinary vocation, IRCEnv combines expertise ranging from biology to chemistry and engineering, from the circular economy to environmental regulation, to develop an integrated vision of environmental issues. Specifically, with regard to plastics, the Center is actively engaged on multiple fronts: studying microplastics and their impact on biodiversity and health; monitoring environmental contaminants, in collaboration with organizations and institutions; researching alternative and biodegradable materials to reduce the impact of conventional plastics; and promoting environmental education, with a special focus on engaging schools and young people.

"What is closest to our hearts," continued Professor Guerriero, "is building connections: between disciplines, between institutions, between generations. No real transformation is possible without the active involvement of those who are being educated today and will lead change tomorrow. This is why we turn to our students with confidence and hope: their curiosity, their ability to ask questions and imagine new solutions is what can truly make a difference."

IRCEnv reaffirms its commitment not only to research for soil and water recovery, but also to scientific dissemination and the education of new generations, so that events like this can represent the beginning of a journey of awareness and, perhaps, even a future scientific vocation.