Idowu’s research explores how, through poorly enforced
environmental laws, Africa contributes significantly to global marine plastic
pollution, as well as the contamination of its own freshwater bodies upon which
many rural populations depend for drinking water.
The impacts of plastic pollution are significant. It exposes
animals and humans to microplastics and plastic-derived endocrine-disrupting
chemicals, which can affect reproductive systems and metabolism, his research
shows.
Idowu’s study intends to provide scientific evidence of the
impacts of microplastics, to inform policy and attitudinal changes across the
African continent.
“We congratulate Dr Idowu on his superb submission, which
looks at current issues with microplastics holistically. We are excited about
what his research will tell us about this important topic.
"We also want to thank all 292 participants from 27
countries across Africa this year. It was a tough decision owing to the
exceptionally high quality of the submissions,” says Oppenheimer Generations
head of research and conservation Dr Duncan Macfadyen.
“We are excited about Dr Idowu’s research and look forward
to supporting him throughout the duration of the grant.
This is an annual award and we endeavour to continue to look
for leading scientists who are solving the continent's most challenging
problems,” adds JWO Grant expert panel chair and head of Oppenheimer
Generations Philanthropies Bridget Fury.
“It is the most pleasant and unbelievable thing to have
happened to me in recent times. I feel greatly honoured and grateful to the JWO
panel and the Oppenheimer Generations team,” Idowu says.
Since its inception three years ago, the JWO Grant has
supported groundbreaking African research programmes with the potential to
significantly contribute to the advancement of environmental and allied
sciences through identifying and addressing real-world issues across the
continent.
Hundreds of applications were reviewed by the JWO Research
Grant expert panel, a distinguished panel comprised of internal and external
members with significant experience across academia and research in
environmental science.
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