Every day, more microplastics (< 5 mm) are introduced into the aquatic environment, but where do they end up and do they influence natural processes? Increasing microplastic concentrations threaten ecosystems and the navigability of our waterways, as microplastics likely increase the settling of sediments by ‘gluing’ them together. This project will shed light on this aggregation process, by combining laboratory experiments, field studies and computer models. Ports will be used as practical examples, as they are heavily polluted. The results will inform scientists, practitioners and politicians on how to tackle plastic pollution of our rivers, ports and seas.

On October 8, 2025, a symposium in Leiden will bring together scientists to explore historical Dutch coastal data, such as maps, measurements, and logbooks. These sources reveal how the coastline has changed over centuries, often due to human activity. By combining this knowledge with modern tools, we can better address sea level rise and flood risks. The data also holds value for heritage and local communities.

Accumulation of microplastics (<5mm) in rivers poses a potentially significant environmental risk. To better assess this risk, exposure and impact need to be further investigated. The exposure depends on the transport behavior of microplastics, which is still poorly understood for rivers. Especially the effect of biofouling on the transport of microplastics has not yet been quantified. Through physical experiments we quantify the influence of biofouling on microplastic transport in rivers. This knowledge will be implemented in models that predict microplastic accumulation sites. In doing so, we are taking an important step in mapping the risks of microplastics in rivers.

The NCR days are the annual scientific meeting of the Netherlands Centre for River studies (NCR). The NCR is a formal cooperation between several Dutch institutions, and its objective is to establish cooperation between the major knowledge suppliers and knowledge users in the Netherlands in the field of river studies. The ultimate aim is to reinforce the knowledge potential and thereby promote the international position of Dutch river research, and strengthen the education and scientific research at Dutch universities, to better design and manage Dutch rivers.

This research focuses on the role of trade unions and informal workers organisations as strategic actors for inclusive development in Ghana and Benin by investigating their political leverage over decent work for informal workers. It analyses why the latter has been difficult, and investigates the conditions under which, and the possible coalitions through which, informal workers organisations and trade unions can be more effective in this field. The outcomes of this interdisciplinary multi-stakeholder research will assist our intermediate target group in creating effective support structures and enable trade unions and informal workers organisations to fulfil their roles as strategic actors for inclusive development by the effective promotion of decent work for all workers. When rolled out, the research will impact on the wider Ghanaian and Beninese societies, by improving both income and non-income dimensions of wellbeing, through effective decent work policies that substantively include informal workers.