Shaw Institute’s Dr. Charlie Rolsky Selected to Chair Sessions
BLUE HILL, ME – The Shaw Institute is proud to announce the acceptance of two session proposals for the prestigious Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe 36th Annual Meeting in Maastricht, The Netherlands, in May 2026.
This achievement underscores the Institute’s growing influence across critical areas of environmental science and communication, which has seen it secure numerous speaking opportunities; published papers; top-level research partners, such as Harvard, NYU, and ASU; and coverage of research in some of the most influential media outlets, such as Time, Forbes, ABC News, Bloomberg, the Washington Post and more.
“It’s great to know that the work we’re doing at Shaw institute is ending up on a global stage,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director and Senior Research Scientist at the Shaw Institute. “We’ve worked so hard to be in the position to serve the needs of the scientific world and it’s great to see that pay off.”
Focus 1: Beyond Fear-Mongering, Towards Trustworthy Microplastics Science
Executive Director, Dr. Charles Rolsky, a globally recognized expert on plastic pollution, has been selected to chair one of the accepted sessions, titled: “Microplastics Research: Beyond Fear-Mongering, Towards Trustworthy Science.”
This session aims to elevate the quality and public perception of plastic pollution research by leading a critical discussion on major challenges facing the research community. Dr. Rolsky and his co-chairs—including Shaw Institute research consultant Dr. James Brown and two other experts from Germany and Austria—will explore how to move beyond sensationalism and focus on rigorous, credible science. This includes tackling issues like characterization errors, sampling biases, and the urgent need for more transparent scientific communication.
The abstract highlights the importance of “embracing the outlier” by confronting uncomfortable truths in research. It will invite scientists, policymakers, and communicators to identify common analytical errors and propose best practices for data reliability. Furthermore, the discussion will advocate for a more balanced narrative about plastics, fostering collaborative solutions instead of fear by acknowledging both environmental challenges and the material’s societal benefits.
“This confirms what we’ve believed all along,” said Rolsky. “There needs to be better transparency in science, especially as it relates to plastic pollution research, and there’s a real need for more resources around science communication.”
Focus 2: Empowering Scientists as Compelling Communicators
The Shaw Institute’s second accepted session focuses on the critical topic of scientific communication. Its goal is to transform how scientists understand and engage with their own research when communicating to diverse audiences.
This session will address the lack of incentives for scientists to hone their communication skills, particularly to non-science audiences. It is designed to equip researchers with the tools and mindsets to translate complex research into compelling, palatable information for both their scientific peers and the general public.
Participants will dive into innovative approaches that move beyond traditional presentations, embracing storytelling, visual communication, art, and interactive methods to spotlight the under-explored and embrace the unexpected in their findings. The session will feature professionals who have successfully communicated their scientific research, while also focusing on individuals who might struggle with this concept. The ultimate goal is to empower scientists to reshape the narrative of science and unlock its full potential for connection and collaboration, ensuring that evidence-based understanding informs the critical decisions facing our planet.
Rolsky added: “I strongly believe that if we invest in better science communication, we have the chance to educate and empower communities around the world.”
The SETAC Europe conference is a prestigious international event that brings together environmental scientists, academics, and industry professionals. The acceptance of both sessions underscores the Shaw Institute’s leadership in steering the field toward more accurate, responsible, and effectively communicated research.
About the Shaw Institute: The Shaw Institute is a non-profit scientific research organization based in Blue Hill, Maine. Founded in 1990 by renowned ecotoxicologist Dr. Susan Shaw, its mission is to discover and expose environmental threats to people and wildlife through innovative science and to engage in local and global partnerships to improve human and ecological health.
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