‘A systems analysis approach to reduce plastic waste in Indonesian societies (PISCES)’ is an interdisciplinary project.
Plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. An investment of £20 million by UKRI will support interdisciplinary research that aims to improve understanding of the impacts of plastic pollution in developing countries. The PISCES project has been funded under this initiative and aims to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on communities and the environment in Indonesia.
The team will be examining socio-economic, behavioural and cultural factors associated with plastic use in Indonesia; developing interventions and assessing their social, environmental and economic benefits. We are working closely with academic partners as well as Governments, NGOs and industry. Project partners include SYSTEMIQ (Project STOP and the Bali Partnership) and The Co-Ordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs National Plastics Action Plan. Indonesia has a rapidly growing economy and the largest archipelago in the world with exceptionally high levels of plastics contaminating its rivers and seas.
PISCES will work along the value chain examining the costs of inaction and benefits of targeted interventions. Our work will mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and aims to enable cleaner, more resilient and productive environments. We aim to promote economic growth, social inclusion and societal wellbeing including environmental sustainability of oceans and coastal areas.
Prof. Susan Jobling - I am deeply interested in understanding and addressing the impacts of exposures to environmental contaminants on ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Urban environments, where the majority of the global population resides, are hotspots for such exposures, and my research has consistently aimed to unravel the pathways and consequences of these interactions. My early work explored how environmental contaminants disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems, leading to significant regulatory advancements. Over time, my focus has shifted toward interdisciplinary approaches to solving environmental pollution challenges, fostering collaborations across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors.
As the Founder and Director of the Institute of Environment, Health, and Societies at 明星八卦, I championed interdisciplinary research, integrating expertise from diverse fields. Currently, I lead the Plastics in Indonesian Societies (PISCES) program, an ambitious initiative to combat plastic pollution through evidence-based solutions and circular economy principles. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers who will drive innovative solutions for a safer and more sustainable planet.