GB Row Challenge’s lead science partner, the University of Portsmouth, has been recognised for the crucial role it is taking in the global battle against plastic pollution.
The University’s Revolution Plastics initiative, which is a collaboration of leading researchers, academics and scientists at the University of Portsmouth, has been shortlisted for a significant new award at the 2023 Times Higher Education Awards.
The awards are widely known as the ‘Oscars of higher education’.
Revolution Plastics has been shortlisted in the ‘Environmental Leadership’ category, a new award this year that celebrates providers’ leadership on environmental issues.
It has also received a nomination for ‘Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team’, recognising the role the initiative has played in helping the University of Portsmouth become one of the UK’s leading universities in environmental sustainability.
Revolution Plastics brings together colleagues from across the University and assembles teams of researchers, business-leaders, campaigners and citizens who share the commitment and ambition to end plastic pollution.
GB Row Challenge is one of the partners working with the University of Portsmouth on real-world research to preserve marine environments and wildlife.Using a range of sensors and equipment attached to their boats, rowers collect samples of microplastics, environmental DNA (eDNA), temperature, noise and salinity, during a 2,000 mile race around Great Britain. Researchers from the University of Portsmouth then analyse the samples to produce an annual map of ocean pollution around Great Britain’s coastline.
Professor Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The groundbreaking partnership we have with GB Row Challenge shows the remarkable synergy between human endurance and scientific innovation. It’s a strong collaboration committed to tackling one of the most pressing issues of our time – ocean pollution.”
The Times Higher Education Awards is a highly regarded event, recognising the often groundbreaking work by individuals and teams at British universities and other institutions. The 2023 ceremony will be held in Liverpool on 7 December.
Image shows University of Portsmouth scientists with rowers from Team Ithaca
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