The Big Talk: Plastic Pollution, what progress are we making to solve this global environmental problem?

Roland Levinsky Building
Drake Circus
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 8AA

Tel: 01752 585050

Add The Big Talk: Plastic Pollution, what progress are we making to solve this global environmental problem? to your Itinerary

The Big Talk: Plastic Pollution, what progress are we making to solve this global environmental problem?

Opening Times

Season (25 Sept 2025)
DayTimes
Thursday18:30 - 20:00

Prices

FREE! Booking Essential.

About us

Join us for the 2025 edition of The Big Talk, the flagship lecture of FUTURES, our South West festival of research and discovery.
This year we welcome Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, a pioneering marine biologist whose work has transformed global understanding of plastic pollution.

In this thought-provoking talk, Professor Thompson will explore the origins and far-reaching impacts of plastic pollution, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, and explain how tiny fragments known as microplastics have become a global environmental challenge.

Drawing on decades of research, Richard will share stories from the frontlines of science and offer practical ideas for change. What policies, innovations and lifestyle choices can help protect marine ecosystems? How can we all play a role in reducing plastic pollution?

This is a chance to hear from one of the world's most respected experts in marine conservation. Whether you're passionate about the environment, fascinated by science, or just curious about the state of our seas, this event is for you.

About the Speaker: Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS is Director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth and founder of the International Marine Litter Research Unit. He received the 2023 Blue Planet Prize for his work on microplastics and was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2019. He advises governments and international bodies on ocean health and continues to lead influential research around marine pollution and sustainability.

This event is free, but booking is essential.

Part of FUTURES 2025, a UKRI-funded programme celebrating research across the South West.

Share your images

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Public Transport Directions

Full travel information to the University of Plymouth as well as a campus map is available here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/visit
Please note that the University cannot supply car parking.
Please inform us in advance of any Blue Badge holders to whom we will endeavour to offer parking for the evening on campus.

Recently Viewed

  1. Sip, stitch and unwind.

    Type

    Arts and Culture

    Enjoy gentle stitching, coastal views and treat yourself to a glass of something lovely.

    Join…

  2. Dungeons & Dragons® in a Cave

    Type

    Arts and Culture

    Join us underground at Kents Cavern for Dungeons and Dragons in a Cave: The Island of the Pirate…

What's Nearby

  1. The Box Plymouth

    The Box is Plymouth's major award-winning museum, art gallery and archive – located just…

    0.07 miles away
  2. MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth

    MIRROR is an updated public gallery, events programme and online resource based within…

    0.1 miles away
  1. Cineworld

    Cineworld in Drake Circus The Barcode features 12 state-of-the-art screens including…

    0.25 miles away
  2. Drake Circus The Barcode

    With a 14 screen cinema, indoor adventure golf and a brilliant range of popular…

    0.26 miles away
  3. The Eddystone

    The Eddystone is a large rock topped with a lighthouse aproximately 12 miles off the…

    0.31 miles away
  4. Plymouth Guildhall

    Commanding an imposing position on Royal Parade, Plymouth Guildhall is situated in the…

    0.32 miles away
  5. Messenger

    Messenger is the UK's largest bronze statue, created by the Cornish artist Joseph Hillier.

    0.36 miles away
  6. Theatre Royal Plymouth

    The Theatre Royal Plymouth is the largest & best attended regional producing theatre in…

    0.39 miles away
  7. Sutton Harbour

    Sutton Harbour Marina is in a central sheltered location, and combined with the excellent…

    0.42 miles away
  8. Game of Throwing

    Plymouth's thrilling new family-friendly entertainment centre with five axe-throwing…

    0.43 miles away
  9. The Barbican

    Tucked behind the quayside in converted wharves and warehouses, you will discover…

    0.44 miles away
  10. Plymouth Gin Distillery

    Black Friars Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793, is the oldest…

    0.45 miles away
  11. Plymouth City Centre

    Plymouth is the largest centre for shopping in the South West, outside of Bristol, and…

    0.45 miles away
  12. ClayArt

    We are a charming pottery painting studio located on the historic Barbican, Plymouth.  A…

    0.46 miles away
  13. The Plymouth Athenaeum

    The Plymouth Athenaeum is a charity dedicated to the promotion of learning in science,…

    0.47 miles away
Previous Next

Search What's Nearby

Product Type
Proximity
Within miles