About the Shaw Institute | 30 Years of Environmental Impact Research:
Improving human and ecological health through innovative science and global partnerships
The Shaw Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit scientific research organization based in Maine and New York. Founded in 1990 by environmental health scientist Dr. Susan Shaw, its mission is to discover and expose environmental threats to people and wildlife through innovative science and to engage in global partnerships to improve human and ecological health. Over three decades, our research on plastics, ocean pollution, flame retardants, and climate change has informed public opinion and fueled policy, impacting millions of people in the U.S. and around the world.
The Hidden Danger of Plastic in a World on Fire
As the official US Liaison to the Plastic Health Coalition, Dr. Susan Shaw was invited to give an on-stage speech at the first-ever Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam before a livestream audience of more than 300 million. 'When Plastics Burn' explores the human health impact of burning plastics; an emerging threat caused by the convergence of climate change-fueled wildfires and global plastic pollution. Named "the most powerful speech of the Summit" by event director Maria Westerbos, "When Plastics Burn" is an urgent call-to-action for our time.
Don't miss: Dr. Shaw's soundbite remarks from the Plastic Health Summit, courtesy of Plastic Soup Foundation.
Focus Areas
Through its focused initiatives, the Institute addresses critical health and environmental issues related to toxic chemical exposure among people and wildlife. From ocean plastics to human and wildlfie exposure, we strive to bring science-based solutions to these priority concerns.Human Exposure
Plastics and
Microplastics
Marine Wildlife Exposure
Oil Spill Response
Maine Coast Monitoring
Lecture Series
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