Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research

04/15/2026

01/14/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Win Cowger as the new Executive Director of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research 🌊

Win brings a powerful blend of scientific rigor, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to turning research into real-world impact. As Research Director, he helped advance the Institute’s leadership in plastic pollution science, data transparency, and open-source innovation, ensuring our work remains both credible and actionable.

Trained as an environmental scientist with a PhD focused on plastic pollution, Win is widely respected for developing tools and standards that strengthen how microplastics are measured, understood, and communicated across the field. Beyond academia, he’s a connector and builder, bridging science, communities, and decision-making to drive practical solutions. Known to many as “Dr. Trash,” he brings both expertise and humanity to this work.

As Executive Director, Win will guide Moore Institute into its next chapter, strengthening scientific excellence while expanding our reach and impact.

Please join us in welcoming Win into this new role! 🎉

10/21/2025

The Moore Institute has identified a significant need in the microplastic research and lab community for workshops to introduce people to high-throughput methods. As an ELAP-accredited microplastic research lab that has processed samples for dozens of clients, we know that every second and every percent of accuracy and precision counts. We have developed methods for every step from sample collection to analysis to streamline microplastic workflows. More details in the attached description. Our goal is for this in-person 5-day workshop to catalyze your work, we hope to see you in Long Beach, CA at our lab.

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFVbTa9RBHJI6cZehK-D0iP5d0p3m64dKevHzotUUjLipb2g/viewform

08/13/2025

We are thrilled to announce the release of this publication! Congrats to Victoria (Tori) McGruer, Macy Gustavus, Win Cowger, and all who participated.

Trash and plastic are everywhere in our world, even in the most remote places. It's time we do better!

Download your free copy while you can: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X2500474X

06/12/2025

San Diego friends — next Tuesday, don’t miss the chance to watch The Great Pacific Garbage Patch documentary and meet the legendary Captain Charles Moore in person. It’s sure to be an eye-opening and informative evening!

02/27/2025

The Moore Institute was in the news this morning!

California will soon become first state in U.S. to require testing drinking water for microplastics

12/20/2024

Moore Institute and Algalita’s pre-holiday celebration!!!

12/16/2024

https://www.ocregister.com/2024/12/04/a-small-nonprofit-in-long-beach-wins-some-battles-in-the-long-war-on-plastics-pollution/?share=2st0itocgtln2c4nwbos

In a Long Beach shopping center near where the San Gabriel River empties into Alamitos Bay, researchers, educators and activists are stepping up the fight against plastics pollution.

12/11/2024

Want to know more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch or the Moore Institute? Meet our staff and see the documentary this Friday at the new Sports Basement in Long Beach. We would love to see you! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-great-pacific-garbage-patch-documentary-tickets-1090244734349?aff=oddtdtcreator