Rising Stars in Marine Pollution: 2026

Marine pollution stands as one of the most complex and urgent environmental challenges faced by our planet, demanding diverse insights, creative solutions, and a commitment to innovation. In recent years, the field has witnessed an exciting wave of emerging research, from deciphering the subtle impacts of novel microcontaminants to pioneering new restoration and policy interventions. Across this dynamic landscape, early-career researchers are often at the forefront, driving forward sophisticated monitoring techniques, unveiling bold hypotheses, and asking fresh questions that reshape our collective understanding. Yet, the visibility and influence of up-coming scientists remain limited within a broader dialogue, despite their critical role in forging our future response to the evolving threats of aquatic and marine pollution.This Research Topic aims to shine a spotlight on the outstanding work of early-career marine pollution researchers, whose passion and ingenuity are redefining what is possible in this field. By providing a prestigious platform for these rising stars, we seek not only to amplify their voices, but also to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, encourage risk-taking, and accelerate the translation of emerging ideas into practical, lasting change. Key objectives include: highlighting novel methods and conceptual advances; uncovering new trends and underexplored challenges addressed by early career scientists; and encouraging open, global dialogue around the pressing questions and far-reaching solutions that will shape the future of marine science.This Research Topic is dedicated to early-career researchers across the entire spectrum of marine pollution, with the goal of capturing both depth and breadth of innovation. Manuscripts may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Next-generation pollutant detection and monitoring technologies• Cumulative and emerging impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems• Cross-scale dynamics of pollutant fate, transformation, and transport• Interdisciplinary community-based as well as cross-border strategies for pollution prevention and remediation• Novel policy proposals, socioeconomic studies, and stakeholder engagement in pollution management• Computational advances, risk assessment models, and big data approaches• Explorations of equity, justice, or inclusion within marine pollution researchEligible submissions must be led by early-career researchers (within 10 years of PhD). We welcome original research, reviews, methods, perspectives, and brief reports. Join us in celebrating the innovative vision and impact of the next generation, and in building a more vibrant, resilient future for marine environments worldwide. Topic editors: Hans Uwe Dahms, Ilaria Corsi, Jiang-Shiou Hwang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80321/rising-stars-in-marine-pollution-2026