Microplastics researcher named on Nat Geo global leaders list

A University of Queensland researcher whose team designed and implemented the world’s first plastic‑minimised lab has been named on the National Geographic 33 list of global leaders driving bold and innovative change. 

Dr Cassandra Rauert has gained international recognition for her research to better understand the impacts of microplastics and plastic related chemicals on human health and improve global reporting standards. 

As the microplastics lead at the Minderoo Centre – Plastics and Human Health, Dr Rauert oversees a purpose-built laboratory designed to eliminate background contamination that has long impacted the accuracy of microplastics research. 

The laboratory reduces plastic contamination in sample data by up to 100‑fold compared to standard P2C facilities, creating more accurate results and strengthening scientific evidence used to inform public health decisions.  

Dr Rauert and her colleagues at the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science open‑sourced the laboratory’s design to pave the way for other institutions to replicate the model, helping raise global research standards. 

The National Geographic 33 list honours the organisation’s 33 founders and today recognises modern leaders who are expanding knowledge and promoting understanding of the world.