GEM Programme Launches Phase-II Research and Global Sampling Campaign
On August 27, 2026, the Global Estuaries Monitoring (GEM) Programme successfully launched its Phase-II research and global sampling campaign. Over 70 collaborators from around the world gathered to witness this significant moment.
The event began with opening remarks from the steering committee members, Prof. Bryan Brooks from Baylor University (USA) and Prof. Alistair Boxall from the University of York (UK). Drawing inspiration from the achievements of GEM Phase-I, they expressed high expectations for the progress and collaboration to be seen in Phase-II.
GEM Phase-II encompasses four research packages. The 1st package focuses on ecotoxicology studies to determine the Predicted No-Effect Concentrations (PNECs) of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in estuarine and oceanic environments. Ms. Ruolan Jia (PhD student at GEM Team) provided insights into this topic, outlining the research progress. Prof. Kenneth Leung, the GEM Programme director, extended a warm invitation to collaborators to contribute to this area, emphasizing the importance of testing on local species for priority pollutants to enhance the accuracy of PNECs across diverse geographical conditions.
The 2nd package centers on global passive sampling using innovative passive samplers. Dr. Demilade Adedipe, a postdoctoral researcher with the GEM Team, presented on the testing and validation of novel samplers for CECs and their deployment methods across global estuaries. Dr. Wu Han, a research scientist from Hong Kong Baptist University, introduced the 3rd package focusing on the collection of estuarine sediments for environmental DNA and CECs analysis. Dr. Chong Chen, the program manager, elaborated on the logical framework and operational details of the Phase-II global sampling campaign, building upon established methodologies from earlier studies.
Engaging discussions ensued between the participants and the GEM team on various intriguing topics and queries. The culmination of these research efforts will feed into GEM Phase II Package 4 research, facilitating the development of solutions for cleaner and safer global estuaries through advanced scientific research moving forward. Anticipating a successful five-year implementation of the GEM Phase-II, we look forward to substantial achievements and accomplishments.
For access to the full webinar recordings, please refer to the following video.
