Plastic Inside and Out

Name: Plastic Inside and Out
Start: 2025-11-13T18:00:00+1100
End: 2025-11-13T19:30:00+1100
Location: Level 2, Field Building, Cradle Coast campus

Thu, 13 Nov, 6pm - 7:30pm AEDT

Level 2, Field Building, Cradle Coast campus

Burnie TAS, Australia

· Accessibility info

University of Tasmania

1252 followers · Contact host

Event description

Plastic Inside and Out

Plastic isn’t just polluting our environment; it’s in our bodies.

Most of us understand plastic as a waste problem. Something to keep out of oceans, out of landfill, and away from future generations. But science is revealing a more immediate reality.

Microplastics have been found in our blood vessels, lungs and digestive systems. Chemical additives used in plastics are turning up in food, water and soil. These substances may be affecting our immune systems, brains, hormones, and health in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

As researchers uncover these impacts in real time, policy and governance is slow to respond. The systems meant to protect us are falling behind the science.

Secure free tickets and learn how serious the problem is, and what it will take to respond. Because this isn’t just about the planet. It’s personal.

The expert

Dr Jack Auty, Lecturer in Medical Sciences, University of Tasmania

About the expert

Jack studies the health impacts of microplastics. His research identified plasticosis, a disease caused by plastic ingestion in seabirds, marked by gut scarring and immune damage. His work raises critical questions about similar effects in humans routinely exposed to microplastics through food, water and air.

Pre-event refreshments

Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

Parking

Free parking, including accessible spaces, is available at the venue.

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Find out more

Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania's Island of Ideas public talks series? Catch-up on past events, register for upcoming talks or get in touch with us via our Island of Ideas webpage.

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

Hostinformation

University of Tasmania

1252 followers

Contact host

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Welcome to the University of Tasmania

Changing the world is not simple. It takes thought, time, persistence, and insight. But most of all, it takes something extraordinary. So at the University of Tasmania, we’ve made the pursuit of the extraordinary a never-ending commitment. It influences everything we do. The way we teach. The way we research. The way we learn. And the way we live.

An environment made for learning

Welcome to one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments. Framed by beaches, snowfields and wilderness, from our stunning island home in Tasmania we’re free to think on a bigger scale. Whether it’s in our teaching, research, or even student lifestyle, this unique landscape has prepared us to connect to the world. We’re also fortunate to be right in Tasmania’s vibrant cultural heart. From our MONA inspired arts boom to our established food, wine and coffee culture, Tasmania’s towns and cities are as cosmopolitan as anywhere in Australia. Friendly, vibrant and always changing, Tasmania’s as good a place to live, as it is to learn.

From the bottom of the world, to the top

Our ranking in the top two per cent of universities worldwide reflects our willingness to constantly challenge ourselves. We’ve never been afraid to take on the world – something we pass on to each of our more than 29,000 local, national and international students. Throughout their careers, this underpins the success of the 130,000 alumni we have spread across more than 120 countries.

Internationally recognised teaching programs and research institutes like the Australian Maritime College (AMC), Menzies Institute and Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies have built our reputation. With their vision and success, we’re standing out as an educational beacon and a global voice of learning.

Our commitment to the extraordinary tells the world one thing. Wherever you’re from – and wherever you’re headed – at the University of Tasmania you have the opportunity to use education to become whoever or whatever you want.