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Plastics network

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People at a coastal rock slope carrying ocean plastic

Marine research is one of the three strategic focus areas at UiB. Research, education and innovative solutions around the harmful effects of plastic and how to prevent plastic from ending up in nature are a natural part of this field.

The plastics network will strengthen UiB's position in contributing research-based knowledge about plastics into the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and contribute to UiB's work on sustainability goal 14, Life below water.

Photo: Ole M. Kvamme

UIB’s network for marine plastic pollution ("Plastnettverket") embraces cross-disciplinary research around plastic and microplastic pollution in our oceans. This encompasses the investigation of the presence, spread and effects of plastic pollution in our oceans, as well as its societal, legal and health implications.

Plastic cleanup
Plastrydding på Lisle Lyngøy

Back to the Plastic Island

On September 25th, the University of Bergen (UiB) organized a coastal cleanup for students and staff. As last year, the destination was Lisle Lyngøy, often referred to as “Plastic Island” off the coast of Hellesøy. The day was filled with strong impressions — and some good news for the island’s...

BIO316 student workshop:
Students examined pebbled shores for signs of macro- and microplastic contamination, connecting classroom theory to real-world environmental impact.

Exploring microplastic pollution

On April 8–9, 2025, our team had the pleasure of organizing and participating in a hands-on student workshop on microplastics, hosted at the Espeland Marine Biological Station. Nestled by the coast just a short trip from Bergen, this site provided a perfect setting for students from the BIO316...

Plastic lunch
Dead fish and plastic pollution at beach

Plastic lunch seminar series with an interdisciplinary approach

The Plastics Network (UIB) has launched a plastic lunch seminar series to promote sharing of knowledge on plastics from different scientific perspectives.

Sustainable Oceans
Plastdugnad 2020

Joint drive against plastic pollution

As part of the University of Bergen’s marine research initiative, an interdisciplinary network on plastic pollution has been set up for researchers, PhD candidates and students.

Plastic pollution research
Lisle Lyngøyna

Consequences of plastic pollution - and removal

In a new research project NORCE, The University of Bergen (UiB) and voluntary organizations are collaborating to find out how plastic pollution affects landscapes along the coast - and what happens when the plastic is removed.