CUSP Research Roadmap 2026-2032: Informing and advising on the state of the art, gaps, and future needs in micro- and nanoplastic and health research in Europe

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been detected in air, food, water, and in human blood, lungs, and placenta. Emerging evidence shows that these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune disturbances in cell-based or whole animal tests. Yet, significant knowledge gaps remain that hinder the reliable risk assessment of MNPs for humans, particularly regarding the health effects of long-term, low-level exposure and the risks for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and workers. The CUSP Research Roadmap 2026-2032 was developed by five Horizon 2020 projects (AURORA, IMPTOX, PlasticHeal, PlasticsFatE, POLYRISK) dedicated to researching the human health impacts of MNPs. It lays out the critical knowledge gaps and enabling of evidence-based action across 22 priority research needs grouped by timeframe. The CUSP Roadmap is a blueprint for action. It sets clear priorities for research, policy, and outreach, and provides the evidence base needed to guide regulation and innovation. It identifies the need for policymakers, scientists, and industry to work together strategically to reduce risks, accelerate the transition toward safer and more sustainable alternatives, and ultimately protect public health from the harms caused by MNPs. These projects have received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 964827 (AURORA), No. 965173 (IMPTOX), No. 965196 (PlasticHeal), No. 965367 (PlasticsFatE), and No. 964766 (POLYRISK). Lead Authors: Jane Muncke, Raymond Pieters, Tanja Ćirković Veličković, Alba Hernández Bonilla, Mark Morrison, Rudolf Reuther & Roel Vermeulen Contributing Authors: CUSP Principal Investigators & CUSP Working Group Leads