Representatives of ALLATRA IPM and Creative Society project took part in international conferences and seminars in Tunisia, dedicated to the problem of nanoplastics
Tunisia, December 10–16, 2025
Representatives of ALLATRA International Public Movement and the Creative Society conducted a series of presentations addressing nanoplastics and their influence on human health and the environment.
The seminars were held at academic institutions and within the framework of conferences, reaching professionals, members of the academic community, and scientists from a wide range of disciplines.
At the events, participants highlighted the topic of nanoplastics as a major threat due to their strong surface electrostatic charges which significantly increase their reactivity, mobility, and ability to absorb and transport toxic substances such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. These charged particles can easily cross biological barriers, accumulate in tissues, and interact with cells, thereby promoting inflammation and oxidative stress.
The seminars and conference presentations emphasised the importance of coordinated research efforts to improve understanding of the electrochemical behaviour of nanoplastics, to enhance detection technologies, and to promote policies that address not only the quantity of plastics, but also the molecular and electrostatic properties that make nanoplastics such powerful and underestimated environmental and health hazards.
The need for a shift of mindset at all levels was also emphasised: citizens, policymakers, and industrialists must adopt more responsible and sustainable practices.
Seminars took place at several academic and research institutions in Tunisia:
Representatives of ALLATRA and the Creative Society project, participating in scientific and educational seminars at the Arab University of Sciences, Tunis
Arab University of Sciences (Tunis)
The event was hosted by Dr. Hajer Sayem, Head of the International Relations Department and Electrical Engineering Department of the Arab University of Sciences (UAS).
The Arab University of Sciences provides higher education in engineering and technological disciplines. Alongside the theoretical academic training, the university is distinguished for its close engagement with the industrial sector and the employment environment.
Representatives of ALLATRA and the Creative Society project took part in a scientific and educational seminar at the National Center for Research in Materials Science (CNRSM), Borj Cédria
National Center for Research in Materials Science (CNRSM), Borj Cédria
The seminar was hosted by Professor Yasser Ben Amor, Chief Executive Officer of CNRSM Technopark in Borj Cédria.
The National Center for Research in Materials Science is a leading research institution located in the Technopole Borj Cédria, Tunisia, and dedicated to advancing materials science through innovative research and development initiatives.
Espima Business School (EBS)
The seminar was hosted by Mr. Mohamed Draoui, Expert Professor and Digital Transformation Specialist, and Dr. Salma Dammak, Head of Espima Business School.
Since its establishment in 2013, Espima Business School has developed a specific educational model based on strong core values: innovation, openness, responsibility, and excellence. Its pedagogy focuses on experiential learning, fostering creativity, and critical thinking.
The conference “Be Ready When Disaster Strikes. Threat of Nanoplastics: Solutions and New Technologies”, hosted by: Dr. Essaid Laatar, Dr. Zied Ghoumma, and Dr. Kamel Laribi (Tunis).
Representatives of ALLATRA and the Creative Society project, participating in the conference "Be Ready When Disaster Strikes. Threat of Nanoplastics: Solutions and New Technologies”, Tunis
- Dr. Essaid Laatar — Chief Executive Officer of the Tunisian Order of Engineers (OIT) and general engineer in higher education and mining geology;
- Dr. Zied Ghoumma — Founder of Tunisian International Center of Arbitration and Mediation;
- Dr. Kamel Laribi — President of the International Arab-African Arbitration Court.
The conference focused on the escalating impact of natural disasters on society, with particular attention to the increased seismic activity worldwide and in the Mediterranean region, as well as the potential of technological innovation supporting adaptation strategies and societal resilience.
Participants of the Creative Society also had the opportunity to lead a workshop on the topic “Nanoplastics: Trap for Humanity”.
27th International Forum on Applied Sciences and Innovation (Monastir) hosted by Dr. Ahmed Rhif, Director of the National Center for Scientific Promotion and Innovation (CNPSI), Tunis
Representatives of ALLATRA and the Creative Society project at the 27th International Forum on Applied Sciences and Innovation ASI-Monastir 2025 in Tunisia
The ASI-Monastir 2025 Forum in its French-language edition was organized by the National Center for Scientific Promotion and Innovation (CNPSI), in collaboration with the American Center: Sciences & Innovation (S&I), with the aim of creating an environment for exchange and collaboration between professionals, industrialists, startups, and academic researchers. The forum included conferences, workshops, and social activities.
Feedback from Participants and Event Organizers on the Nanoplastics Sessions
In the context of the event at the National Center for Research in Materials Science, Professor Yasser Ben Amor stated: “The proceedings of this event highlighted that nanoplastics pose a major threat due to their strong surface electrostatic charges, which significantly increase their reactivity, mobility, and ability to absorb and transport toxic substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. These charged particles can easily cross biological barriers, accumulate in tissues, and interact with cells, thereby enhancing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Discussions emphasised the importance of conducting coordinated research to improve our understanding of the electrochemical behaviour of nanoplastics, enhance detection tools, and promote policies that consider not only the quantity of plastics, but also their molecular and electrostatic properties, which make nanoplastics a potent and frequently overlooked environmental and health hazard.
The event also emphasised the need for a change in mindset at all levels: citizens, policymakers, and industrialists must adopt more responsible and sustainable practices. In this context, the CNRSM is seeking to strengthen scientific cooperation with international platforms such as ALLATRA and the Creative Society project, to promote multidisciplinary exchange, mobilise scientific knowledge globally and support concrete action.”
Participants of the conference “Be Ready When Disaster Strikes. Threat of Nanoplastics: Solutions and New Technologies” concluded that the escalating climate crisis and the pervasive accumulation of plastics in the biosphere, particularly micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), pose severe environmental and public health risks. These risks arise from the ability of plastic particles to enter living organisms, causing cellular damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and neurocognitive impairment. Participants emphasized the urgent need for coordinated global action to address these challenges.
Meeting of the participants of ALLATRA and the Creative Society project with Mabrouka Khedir, a well-known Tunisian journalist and public figure, Tunis
Scientific and Public Dialogue and Engagement with Global Media
A meeting was also held with the renowned Tunisian journalist and public figure Mabrouka Khedir, during which participants discussed the growing contamination of the biosphere with nanoplastics and the urgent need for joint efforts to protect both human health and the environment.
Participation in Round Tables and Academic Discussions
Representatives of ALLATRA IPM and its partner project, the Creative Society, participated in academic round tables and discussions focused on opportunities for further collaboration. These discussions aimed to enhance the dissemination of information about hazardous properties of nanoplastics which pose a threat to human life and have detrimental impact on the environment, and focused on how to explore ways of applying this knowledge within specific fields of expertise.
About ALLATRA International Public Movement
ALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent, volunteer-based organization dedicated to conducting large-scale research in geodynamics and environmental issues. ALLATRA IPM is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of natural disasters, its promotion of international scientific cooperation, and its commitment to advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA International Public Movement received an Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.
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