Meet the jury: The influence of nanoplastic pollution on plankton diseases, and its implications for aquatic ecosystem functioning, by prof. Justyna Wolinska

You are kindly invited to the Meet the jury lecture on ‘The influence of nanoplastic pollution on plankton diseases, and its implications for aquatic ecosystem functioning‘, by prof. Justyna Wolinska, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany

Date: 2 October 2025, 9h30-10h30
Venue: Rega, Aula 06.B204

Register here: https://forms.gle/DjccwwuEp4YZKGAW6

About the lecture
Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution is increasing at an alarming rate, raising concerns for both ecosystems and human health. While much research has examined their direct toxicological effects on individual organisms, the consequences for ecological interactions remain poorly understood. This seminar will highlight how studies on Daphnia and cyanobacteria reveal the complex ways in which micro- and nanoplastics alter species interactions, with a particular focus on host-parasite dynamics. Research findings shed light on the often-overlooked, yet potentially far-reaching, impacts of plastic pollution on freshwater plankton communities. Prof. Wolinska will present recent results and outline key research gaps that must be addressed to better understand and predict the ecological consequences of these emerging pollutants.

About the speaker
Prof. Justyna Wolinska is Research Group Leader (“Disease Evolutionary Ecology”) at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany and Professor for Aquatic Evolutionary Ecology, Freie Universität Berlin (FU).
She leads the Disease Evolutionary Ecology research group, which studies how parasitism shapes ecological and evolutionary processes in aquatic ecosystems. Their work focuses on uncovering the links between host–parasite coevolution and broader ecological dynamics, particularly under the pressures of global environmental change. In addition to this research, prof. Wolinska serves as Deputy Equal Opportunity Officer at the Leibniz institute, advocating for diversity and inclusion as essential drivers of both a vibrant workplace culture and high-quality science. Outside academia, she enjoys endurance sports such as open-water swimming and ultra-trail running – an ideal match for an aquatic ecologist and nature enthusiast.

Contact: Anna Maria Krzynowek