Imogen Napper

Dr. Imogen Napper is a Visiting Research Fellow at the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth (Faculty of Science and Engineering). As a National Geographic Explorer, her work focuses on plastic pollution sources, microplastic distribution, and cross-disciplinary environmental solutions. She holds a PhD from Plymouth University and has contributed to global policy shifts, including the international ban on microbeads in cosmetics. Her research combines fieldwork—such as the National Geographic 'Sea to Source: Ganges' expedition and the Everest microplastics study—with lab-based analyses to address plastic contamination across marine, terrestrial, and orbital environments.

Education: PhD in Marine Science from the University of Plymouth. Key collaborations include the Zoological Society of London, National Geographic Society, and United Nations SDG initiatives. Research highlights include discovering 700,000+ microfibers shed per wash and revealing the durability of 'biodegradable' plastics over three years in natural environments.

Her work bridges environmental science with policy advocacy, proposing a UN Sustainability Development Goal 18 to address orbital pollution. Outreach efforts emphasize public engagement through presentations and media, advocating for systemic changes in industry and government practices.

• Key Projects: Ganges River microplastic analysis, Everest summit microplastic discovery, biodegradable plastic degradation studies, and space debris policy frameworks.
• Locations: Remote Indian Ocean islands, Himalayan regions, and global river systems.
• Contact: Room 616, Davy Building, Plymouth PL4 8AA.

Awards: Recognized as a National Geographic Explorer for her impactful fieldwork and policy contributions.