The Queen's Anniversary Prize for pioneering research on marine microplastics pollution and its impact on the environment and changing behaviour

Our ground-breaking research into microplastics pollution has received the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a higher education institution

The discovery of microplastics

Nearly two decades of world-leading research into the effects of marine plastics on our environment by Plymouth researchers, led by Professor Richard Thompson OBE, has resulted in repeated scientific breakthroughs which has influenced national and international legislation.

In 2004, the University first described the presence of microplastics in the marine environment, when in a seminal paper published in the journal Science, Professor Thompson and his team showed there had been rising levels of microscopic plastic debris evident in the plankton record since the 1960s.

This inspired a new field of scientific enquiry, with Professor Thompson and his team at the very forefront. They were the first to show the global distribution of microplastics, including in the Arctic and the deep ocean. The first to highlight the ingestion of microplastics by fish and other marine life. Plus, the first to show the role textiles and wastewater play in their source and transmission – with a single wash of clothing releasing more than 700,000 microfibers; and how some facial scrubs could contain up to 2.8 million microbeads.

This ground-breaking research and subsequent policy impact on microplastics pollution in the oceans has once again been recognised – this time with the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a higher education institution – a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

It is the third time that the University has been honoured with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize which celebrate excellence, innovation and public benefit. The last occasion was in 2012 when the University was recognised for the breadth and excellence of its marine and maritime research, teaching and training.

“The award of our third Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a huge honour for the University and recognises the pioneering role that it has played in not only defining a global environmental issue, but working to find solutions to it. Richard Thompson and his team’s work in microplastics, indeed defining the very problem itself, is part of the University’s wider and globally renowned marine and maritime research, which, through a wide range of disciplines, addresses some of the world’s most pressing issues."

– Professor Judith Petts CBE, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth

Professor Judith Petts CBE, former Vice-Chancellor, received the prize from HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the ceremony in London on February 20 2020, accompanied by Professor Thompson. This was followed by a special reception at which the University was represented by a wider delegation of staff and students as well as the University’s Chancellor, The Lord Jonathan Kestenbaum.

Our pioneering marine plastics research

“In 2004, we were the first to describe ‘microplastics’ in the ocean” – Professor Richard Thompson OBE

Saving our seas from plastic

Professor Richard Thompson OBE

Influencing global change around plastic pollution
Coined the term ‘microplastics’ in landmark paper
Research led to UK ban on microbeads
Awarded OBE for over 20 years of service to marine science
Named one of the world's Highly Cited Researchers by Web of Science
Director of the Marine Institute, University of Plymouth
Our founder of Plymouth’s International Marine Litter Research Unit

Get to know the #PlymouthPioneer who is saving our seas from plastic

“The work we have done at the University has had a really major role in raising awareness of the topic, acting as a tipping point for the academic community, as well as for industry, policy and the general public.

"Many people, past and present at the University, nationally and internationally, have made an invaluable contribution to the work we have done over nearly 20 years, and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize is reward for our endeavours, achievements and commitment.”

Influencing global change around plastic pollution – Richard Thompson is a Plymouth Pioneer

Defining solutions for our worldwide litter problem – Our International Marine Litter Research Unit

#EndPlasticSoup – Dr Imogen Napper is influencing a sea-change against plastic pollution

Microplastics research highlighted as one of UK’s 100 best university breakthroughs

More plastic has been produced in the last seven years than in all of the last century. Through greater awareness of the problem, the wider world is waking up to this global challenge and the importance of taking action.

The work of the International Marine Litter Research Unit is featured in a campaign from Universities UK

MadeAtUni: reducing marine plastic litter

Influence the next wave of research at Plymouth

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Video: Professor Richard Thompson OBE describes the variety of marine biology courses available to study at the University of Plymouth

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