Workshops

Workshop 1:

Practical Advances in Mercury Analysis: From Metrological Traceability to High-Precision Isotope and Speciation Techniques

Lead Presenter:

David Amouroux, CNRS Research Director, Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physical Chemistry for the Environment and Materials (IPREM)

Co-Lead Presenter (s):

• Rosa C. Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios, Full Professor, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM)
• Akane Yamakawa, Senior Researcher, National Institute for Environmental Studies

Workshop Objective(s)

Bridging Theory and Practice: To provide researchers and students with practical insights into modern mercury analysis, focusing on optimizing analytical performance and troubleshooting for diverse environmental matrices (solid, liquid, biota…).
Ensuring Data Reliability: To discuss the critical role of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) frameworks and the application of reference materials in achieving global data comparability. Exploring Emerging Methods: To share the latest methodologies for mercury isotope signatures, and speciation analysis (including nanoparticles) to reduce uncertainties in mercury biogeochemical modelling and risk assessment.

Description:

This workshop addresses the growing need for high-quality, traceable mercury measurement data, which is fundamental for evaluating the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention. While advanced analytical methods like mercury isotope and classical speciation analysis are becoming more common, researchers often face practical challenges in achieving international comparability and ensuring data reliability across diverse environmental matrices.

To address these challenges, this session focuses on the practical application of metrological principles in the mercury laboratory. The workshop will feature technical discussions on optimizing analytical performance, rigorous contamination control, and troubleshooting for complex samples and new Hg species such as nanoparticles. By bridging the gap between high-level research and laboratory practice, we aim to provide participants with deep insights into both established and emerging technologies.

A key focus of the workshop will be the application of reference materials (RMs) and the implementation of robust quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) frameworks. We will discuss the latest developments in RM characterization and the importance of inter-laboratory consistency. Furthermore, experts will provide insights into high-precision measurements, including mercury isotope signatures and the nuances of speciation in biological and environmental samples.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of:

• How to establish metrological traceability and maintain data quality.
• Technical strategies to overcome common analytical hurdles in Hg measurement.
• Current trends and future directions in mercury isotope and speciation research.

This interactive format is designed to foster dialogue between researchers and technical specialists, ensuring that mercury science is supported by reliable, high-precision analytical foundations.

Workshop 2:

Status of Mercury Policy Development, Research and Implementation in Africa

Co-Lead Presenter (s):

• Dr. Joy Leaner, Director Air Quality Management, DEA&DP Western Cape Government
• Prof. Vernon Somerset, Professor, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Dr. Lynwill Martin, Lead Scientist: Cape Point Global Atmosphere Watch Station South African Weather Service
• Mr. Rico Euripidou, Chemicals and Campaigns Support Coordinator Groundwork
• Dr. Elizabeth Masekoameng, Director, ZABCOR
• Anne Lillian Nakafeero, Principal Environment Officer - Biodiversity and Rangelands, National Focal Point: Minamata Convention on Mercury, National Environment Management Authority, Uganda

Workshop Objective(s)

• To provide informative speakers and engage in discussion with the audience on the subject of staying safe around mercury.
• Highlight and share regional experiences and insights from government, academic, and NGO perspectives on national strategies and challenges.
• Provide an evaluation of how African nations are meeting obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
• Identify gaps and opportunities to effective Hg management and opportunities for capacity building in Africa.
• Chart the way forward for strengthening regional cooperation, policy harmonization, and sustainable implementation.

Abstract:

Mercury pollution poses a significant threat to human health and the environment, particularly in regions where artisanal and small-scale gold mining, industrial processes, and waste management practices contribute to its emissions and releases. In response, the Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted in 2013 as a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from Hg exposure. As of 2026, the Convention has multiple Parties and Signatories worldwide, with African countries being very much engaged in terms of its ratification and implementation.

This workshop brings together government officials, academic researchers, and NGO representatives from across Africa to examine the current status of Hg policy development, research and implementation. We will explore national experiences in translating Convention obligations into domestic legislation, regulatory frameworks, and practical interventions and research. Case studies will highlight advances towards improving Hg monitoring systems, phase-outs of mercury-added products, and strengthened institutional capacity, while also addressing persistent challenges such as limited resources, informal mining practices, and gaps in enforcement.

Looking forward, the workshop will consider Africa’s trajectory in advancing Hg Science and Management. Key themes will include:

• Regional collaboration
• Integration of mercury policies into broader sustainable development agendas
• The role of scientific research in guiding evidence-based decision-making, i.e., Hg Science and Management

Participants will gain practical insights into preparing competitive research proposals, understanding evaluation criteria used by funding agencies, and effectively communicating research ideas. The workshop will also introduce the peer review process, highlighting how constructive reviews contribute to maintaining scientific quality and integrity.

Participants will discuss how African countries can leverage international support mechanisms, enhance stakeholder engagement, and build resilience against mercury-related risks.

By situating Africa’s progress within the global context of the Minamata Convention on Hg, this session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of where the continent stands today and where it is heading. Ultimately, the workshop seeks to foster dialogue that strengthens Africa’s collective voice in global mercury governance and accelerates the transition toward a Hg-free future.

Workshop 3:

Lichen-based biomonitoring of mercury pollution

Lead Presenter:

Sanjeeva Nayaka, Chief Scientist & Professor (AcSIR), CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India

Co-Lead Presenter (s):

• Farishta Yasmin, Associate Professor, Nagaon University, India
• Debajyoti Paul, Professor, Department of Earth Science, Indian Institute of Technology – Kanpur, India

Workshop Objective(s)

• To highlight recent advancement in lichen research on mercury pollution
• To enhance the understanding of how mercury as pollutant affects the structure and growth of lichens.
• To understand analytical methods of mercury detection in lichens
• To promote interdisciplinary collaborations

Description:

Lichens are symbiotic organisms that have long been recognised as indicators of environmental pollution. Their distinctive morphology and physiology make them effective tools for investigating various aspects of pollution including uptake, accumulation and tolerance of pollutants. Both naturally occurring pollution-tolerant species and transplanted lichens are capable of accumulating pollutants including mercury. Hence, lichens can be served as environmental marker for monitoring and mapping mercury pollution in urban and industrial areas. But, challenges persist in determination of trace amounts of mercury in lichens. Although element-specific spectroscopic methods have been employed to identify mercury molecular speciation in plant leaves, such analyses are yet been carried out in lichens.

The workshop will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange. Students, early career researchers, industry professionals, environmental scientists and ecologists will have the opportunity to share their insights on lichen-metal interactions, innovative monitoring approaches, ecological implications of mercury accumulation in lichens.

The workshop also aims to foster collaboration among lichenologists, scientists, institutes with advanced instrumentation facilities, technical experts and interdisciplinary peers to advance research on lichens as a potential tool for biomonitoring mercury pollution.

Workshop 4:

Open Science in Mercury Research: Building and Contributing to Community-Driven Databases

Lead Presenter:

Helene ANGOT, CNRS, Institute of Environmental Geosciences, France

Workshop Objective(s)

1. Promote Open Science Principles: Introduce participants to the value of open, collaborative databases in mercury research.
2. Hands-On GitHub Training: Teach attendees how to use GitHub for data submission, version control, and collaborative workflows.
3. Database Engagement: Demonstrate how to interact with existing databases.

Description:

Community Building: Foster connections among researchers to encourage ongoing contributions and improvements to the databases.

Mercury research increasingly relies on large, harmonized datasets to address global challenges. However, the full potential of these datasets is only realized when they are openly accessible, well-documented, and continuously updated by the scientific community. This workshop will focus on two community-driven databases:

1. The Consolidated Database of Mercury Observations for Permafrost Regions https://zenodo.org/records/18483492
2. The Harmonized Global Database of Mercury and Methylmercury in Litterfall and Throughfall https://zenodo.org/records/17816917

Participants will learn how to contribute to these databases using GitHub—a powerful platform for version control and collaborative development. The session will cover:

1. The importance of open science in mercury research;
2. Step-by-step guidance on submitting data via GitHub (forking, pull requests, and issue tracking);
3. Best practices for documentation and metadata to ensure reproducibility;
4. Alternative submission methods for non-GitHub users (e.g., email templates)

By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped to contribute to these living databases, ensuring their research is part of a global, transparent, and evolving knowledge base. This workshop is ideal for researchers, students, and professionals interested in mercury science, data management, and open science practices.

Workshop 5:

Professional Skills for Early Career Researchers in Mercury Science: Proposal Writing and Communication on the Science-Policy Interface

Co-Lead Presenter (s):

• Jagannath Biswakarma, Honorary Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol, UK
• Ari Feinberg, Ramón y Cajal Fellow, Blas Cabrera Institute of Physical Chemistry, Spain
• Dr. Mi-Ling Li, Assistant Professor, School of Marine Science and Policy at the University of Delaware
• Dr. Nguyen Ly Sy Phu, Lecturer/Researcher, Faculty of Environment, VNUHCM - University of Science, Vietnam
• Dr. Malgorzata Alicja Stylo, United Nations Environment Programme
• Krushna Vudamala, Senior scientist, CSIR-National institute of oceanography, Goa, India.

Workshop Objective(s)

• Provide tips on writing competitive research proposals, particularly for postdoctoral fellowships and early career funding opportunities.
• Introduce participants to constructing clear and compelling narratives in scientific writing.
• Discuss the role of science communication in linking research with environmental policy, including how scientific research can inform policymakers involved in international agreements such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Description:

Early career researchers (ECRs) play a critical role in advancing mercury science and addressing global environmental challenges. However, many professional skills essential to scientific careers, such as proposal writing and engagement with policy processes, are hardly addressed in formal academic training.

This workshop will provide an interactive platform for students and postdoctoral researchers to build key professional skills that support successful research careers. The session will focus on two core themes:

1. proposal writing for postdoctoral fellowships and early career funding opportunities
2. the role of science communication in linking research with environmental policy

Participants will gain practical insights into preparing competitive research proposals, understanding evaluation criteria used by funding agencies, and effectively communicating research ideas. The workshop will focus on experiences of facilitators from different continents (Asia, Europe, and North America).

In addition, the session will explore the concept of science diplomacy and the growing role of scientists in informing environmental policy and international agreements, including the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Workshop 6:

Mercury Safety and Exposure: Best practice, latest technologies, case studies and compliance

Lead Presenter:

Dr Jay James, Picoyune LLC

Co-Lead Presenter (s):

• David Hunter, Hg Ops GmbH

Workshop Objective(s)

To provide informative speakers and engage in discussion with the audience on the subject of staying safe around mercury.

Abstract:

This workshop is aimed at anyone who may come in contact with mercury during the course of their work or wish to gain understanding of, or discuss mercury from an occupational exposure perspective.

The workshop will focus on:

• Dangers of mercury to workers
• Where can exposures happen?
• Unique aspects of mercury and exposure vectors
• Latest technology to monitor mercury vapour exposure
• Biomonitoring of mercury in workers
• Correct PPE for the job
• Case studies
• Open discussion

Workshop 7:

Zeeman AAS (ZAAS) for direct mercury determination in samples with complex matrices

Lead Presenter:

Alvin Johnson, Lumex Instruments Canada

Workshop Objective(s)

The workshop will introduce to the theory of atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman correction for non-selective background absorption and its applications for determining mercury in natural environments and various materials. A range of portable, laboratory, and online mercury determination instruments based on ZAAS will be presented. The method capabilities for the real-time analysis of air and hydrocarbon gases; direct pyrolysis of liquid and solid samples of complex composition; determination of mercury thermal speciation by programmable pyrolysis.

Description:

During workshop, Lumex specialists will demonstrate real-time determination of mercury in air using portable analyzers and monitors. Using examples of complex samples, such as coal, oil, hair, fish, and others, the capabilities of the direct pyrolysis method will be demonstrated. In addition to rapid determination of total mercury, the determination of mercury thermoforms using programmable pyrolysis will be demonstrated

Workshop 8:

Learning from Minamata: Storytelling Activities, Human Resource Development, and Photographic Archives

Presenter (s):

• Kumamoto Prefecture Team

Background:

Minamata Disease is a pollution-related disease that caused severe health damage and significant social impacts. Its history and lessons continue to serve as essential knowledge for global mercury management. Kumamoto Prefecture has supported various initiatives, including storytelling activities that convey the history of Minamata Disease, international human resource development in mercury research, and the preservation and utilization of photographic materials.

Workshop Objective(s)

To promote understanding of the historical development and impacts of Minamata Disease.

To share initiatives at Prefectural University of Kumamoto related to international human resource development in mercury research.

To introduce efforts for the preservation and utilization of photographic materials related to Minamata Disease and highlight the importance of record succession.

Contents：

• Storytelling session by a narrator from the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum
• Research presentations by international mercury students and an introduction of Kumamoto Prefecture’s initiatives toward achieving a mercury-free society
• Introduction of photographic preservation efforts by “Minamata: The Photographer’s Eye”