Microplastics and maritime cyber expertise showcased in Parliament

Academics from the International Marine Litter Research Unit and Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group took part in Evidence Week
Academics from the International Marine Litter Research Unit and Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group took part in Parliament’s Evidence Week

Researchers from the University of Plymouth were among the experts invited to brief politicians and parliamentary staff on latest evidence that could be used to inform future policymaking in Parliament.
Academics from the International Marine Litter Research Unit and the Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group took part in Parliament’s Evidence Week.
They met with a number of MPs and peers to make them aware of recent research carried out by the two research groups and its potential impact at a national level.
Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit, and Associate Research Fellow Miss Florence Parker-Jurd provided insights into the current challenges posed by plastic pollution, and some of the solutions they are developing to address them.
Professor Kevin Jones, Executive Dean of Science and Engineering, and Lecturer in Cyber Security Dr Kimberly Tam also spoke about their pioneering work to understand and address the threats posed by maritime cyber-attacks, including research being carried out in the University’s world-leading Cyber-SHIP Lab.
The event formed part of ongoing activity by the University to engage directly with policy makers and ensure its research has the widest possible impact.
Academics from the International Marine Litter Research Unit and Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group took part in Evidence Week
Academics from the International Marine Litter Research Unit and Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group took part in Evidence Week
Academics from the International Marine Litter Research Unit and Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group took part in Evidence Week
Evidence Week, now in its sixth year, is run by the charity Sense about Science and the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST), in partnership with the House of Commons Library, House of Lords Library, Ipsos, and the Office for Statistics Regulation.
During the week, MPs meet with leading scientists to get the latest insights on pressing issues covering topics as varied as housing, food supplies, energy, health and inequality.

From farming to urban traffic, the quality of research and evidence used affects whether policies and laws make sense. We are delighted that MPs had the opportunity to learn from University of Plymouth about making better use of research evidence at Evidence Week in Parliament. Connections with cutting edge research are important for MPs who have to pass laws, check up on government and understand the issues that are affecting their constituents.

Tracey Brown, Director of Sense about Science

Read more about our research linked to this initiative

Plastic litter washed up on beach with tree

International Marine Litter Research Unit
Maritime cyber security ship simulator

Maritime Cyber Threats research group
Close-up wave

Marine Institute