Logo edificio FUE-UJI
Logo FUE-UJI

International Conference on the Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Mental and Neurological Health
 

Jornada FUE-UJI
 
 

PRESENTATION

 

International Conference on the Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Mental and Neurological Health

 

One of the challenges of today's society is to minimize the impact of anthropogenic environmental pollutants on the environment in general and on human health in particular. This fact has been reflected in the European Research and Innovation Strategy 2020-2024 in two specific objectives: "General objective 1A: European Green Deal" and "General objective 5: Promoting our European Way of Life". Within the framework of the European Green Deal, the Horizon Europe missions inspire transformation in critical areas such as the health of oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters, and healthy soils and food. In relation to general objective 5, the Directorate- General for Research and Innovation of the European Union points out as a top priority to improve and protect the health of citizens at all ages, by developing innovative solutions to prevent, diagnose, control, treat and cure diseases. As part of this strategy, the Spanish Ministry of Health also adopts the concept of “One Health”, a multi-sectoral public health strategy that recognizes the interactions and interdependencies between environmental health, animal health and human health. It is therefore crucial that more in-depth research be carried out to understand the link between exposure to pollutants and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as to develop effective policies to address these problems. The planned congress will provide scientific evidence to assess the magnitude of the problem.

The congress is proposed within the framework of meetings and conferences of the “Mediterranean Neuroscience Society”. This conference aims to promote an in-depth  debate on the impact of environmental pollutants on the development of the nervous system, neurological and mental health. The main objective of the meeting is to promote a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses neuroscience, toxicology, public health and environmental policies. The success of the meeting will depend on the delegates' ability to establish contacts and promote interrelations and collaborations that enrich the groups' capacity to develop their work. The multi- and interdisciplinary approach is also essential to maintain a broad perspective of the magnitude of the problem.

SCOPE

There is significant scientific evidence suggesting that exposure to environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals (aluminium, lead, mercury), pesticides, industrial chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (micro- and nanoplastics), is correlated with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and other mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. This phenomenon not only represents a critical challenge for public health but also raises questions about sustainability and quality of life in our communities.

The congress aims to establish lines of debate in three directions.1.- Biological effects of pollutants with a special focus on the nervous system. 2.- Systems for the evaluation and experimental validation of the effects of environmental pollutants at the molecular,cellular and system level, as well as the final result on behavioral models. 3.- Social impact and environmental policies for the improvement of processes that avoid the  harmful effect of environmental pollution on neurological and mental illnesses. To achieve these objectives, three types of sessions will be proposed: Oral presentations and posters, workshops and round tables.

On the biological effects of pollutants, scientific sessions with oral presentations will be proposed with the following scientific objectives: a) To understand how different air or water pollutants can predispose to the development of phenotypes associated with neurological and mental illnesses. b) To verify whether the affectation of neurological health by environmental pollution is sexually dimorphic. c) To decipher the neuroinflammatory mechanisms induced by environmental pollutants. d) To determine the nature of neuronal plasticity and the activation of neuronal circuits that occur in the brain regions affected by pollutants and neuroinflammation. e) Explore therapeutic procedures to deal with possible neurological and mental disorders affected by environmental pollution.

The evaluation and experimental validation systems will be carried out through workshops in which models of analysis of contaminants depending on the medium and models of analysis of neural function at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels will be presented, as well as in the final analysis of behavior. To this end, two workshops will be held, one on the analysis of pollutants. The other will be a practical workshop on the use of deep learning tools in the analysis of behavior so that attendants will be trained to the basic configuration of AI methods to assess behaviors on normal and pathological conditions.

The social impact of environmental and health policies will be addressed through a round table. This will involve an interactive discussion between researchers, policy makers and health professionals, where the barriers and opportunities in research and the implementation of effective policies will be addressed.

The aim of this congress will be:

• To promote collaboration between scientists, policy makers and the community,creating a network of professionals committed to improving public health.

• To generate a set of recommendations for future public health policies in the EU that incorporate the environmental dimension in the treatment of mental health.

• To increase the visibility of research on the relationship between pollution and mental health, promoting the inclusion of these issues in the political and scientific agenda.

• To inspire new generations of researchers and professionals to address environmental health as a key component of human well-being.

The activity will be developed 29, 30 and 31 October 2025 in the city of Castellón de la Plana SPAIN.

The congress will be supported by the Mediterranean Neuroscience Society (MNS).

ABsTRACTS

Abstracts should focus on the relationship between environmental exposures and neurological or mental health, and are welcome from disciplines such as neuroscience, toxicology, psychology, psychiatry, environmental science, and public health

Abstract Guidelines:

- Abstracts must be written in English. -

-Maximum length: 250 words (excluding title and authors).

-Structure:

  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion

- Please indicate your preferred format:

  • Oral presentation (talk)
  • Poster presentation

-During submission, you must select the main topic that best fits your abstract from the following list:

Topics of Interest:

  • Neurotoxicology and environmental exposures
  • Air and water pollution impacts on mental health
  • Vulnerable populations and health disparities o Advances in biomonitoring and diagnostic tools
  • Policy responses and public health strategies
  • Others

All abstracts will undergo peer review by the Scientific Committee. The final presentation format will be based on scientific quality, relevance to the conference, and scheduling considerations. Notifications of acceptance will be sent via email.

 

REGISTRATION

 

 

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Francisco Olucha Bordonau

Universitat Jaume I Spain

Esther Castillo Gómez

Universitat Jaume I Spain

Liana Fattore

Centro Nationale Della Ricerca, Italy

Marc Landry CNRS,

Université de Bordeaux France

Anne Louise Ponsomby

Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health,Melbourne Australia

Jacques Noel

Université Côte d'Azur-CNRS France

Mohamed Benis

Université Cadi Ayaad Marrakech Morocco

Olfa Masmoudi

University of Tunis El Manar Tunez

Walid Hleihel

University Saint Spirit of Kaslik Lebanon

Juana Mari Delgado

Universitat Jaume I Spain

 

LOCAL COMMITTEE

Francisco Olucha Bordonau

Universitat Jaume I

Rosa de Llanos Frutos

Universitat Jaume I

Isis Gil Miravet

Universitat Jaume I

José Hidalgo Cortés

Université de Bordeaux

Sandra Sánchez Sarasua de la Bárcena

Université de Bordeaux

Aroa Mañas Ojeda

Universitat Jaume I

Mohamed Zahran

Université Cadi Ayaad

Zineb Bouargane

Universitat Jaume I

Marwen Ben Fdilen

Université de Tunis El Manar

Mónica Navarro Sánchez

Universitat Jaume I

Rocío Cejudo Marín

Universitat Jaume I

 

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

 

Wednesday 29 October 2025

9:00

Plenary Lecture. The impact of Bisphenol A on social recognition and social behavior.

Anne-Louise Ponsomby.
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

9:45

Coffee Break

10:15

Official Opening

10:45

Scientific Session 1: The neuroinflammatory reaction to external compounds, including pollutants.

Chair, Jacques Noel

12:45

Poster Session

13:15

 Lunch

15:15

Scientific Session 2: Heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity.

Chair, Amira Zaki

17:15

 Coffee Break

17:45
to
19:00

Workshop 1 "Methods for Detecting Contaminants in Water, Soil, and Air"

Juana Maria Delgado Saborit.
Universitat Jaume I

 

 

Thursday, 30 October 2025

9:00

Plenary Lecture 2

To be proposed

9:45

Coffee Break

10:15

Session 3. Metabolic Effects Induced by Contaminants. Nervous System-Visceral Systems Interaction.

10:45

Scientific Session 1: The neuroinflammatory reaction to external compounds, including pollutants.

Chair, Jacques Noel

12:15

Poster Session

13:00

 Lunch

14:15

Workshop 2: Methods for Analyzing the Effects of Pollution on Behavior throughAI tools Deep-Lab-Cut and SIMBA

Mohamed Zahran and Monica Navarro-Sánchez,
Universitat Jaume I

16:15

Social Program. Visit to Peñíscola

 

 

Friday, 31 October 2025

9:00

Session 4. Impact of Environmental Contaminants on Behavior with Special Emphasis on Micro- and Nanoplastics.

Chair, Olfa Masmoudi

11:00

Coffee Break

11:30

Roundtable Discussion: Social Effects of Environmental Pollution: Health Policies, Recycling Policies, Health Research Policies Environmental.

13:30

 Lunch

15:00

Closing ceremony, awards ceremony for best oral presentation and poster.

16:00

Conclusions

 

 

CALENDAR AND FEES

Registration Open July 23 2025 to September 15 (early)

Abstract Submission July 23 to September 8, 2025

Abstract Acceptance September 12, 2025

FEES

  • 150 EUROS early registration
  • 200 EUROS late registration

 

VENUE

The Congress will be held 29-31 October 2025, at the Doctoral School Building (Edificio Fundación Empresa) of Universitat Jaume I, Campus Riu Sec, s/n 12071 Castellón de la Plana Spain

 

Ver mapa más grande

 

ACCOMMODATION 

HOTEL LUZ 4*

C/ Pintor Oliet, 3.
Castellón de la Plana
(Opposite station RENFE)

Ver Mapa ]

Modern and functional hotel in the heart of Castellón. Just a few minutes from the city centre, with excellent transport links from Valencia and Barcelona, you will find the Hotel Luz Castellón, a modern and elegant 4-star hotel, designed to offer a perfect stay in the city. Located in the new commercial area of Castellón, between the Corte Inglés, the RENFE train station and the Jaime I University.

The Hotel has 144 spacious rooms.

We would also like to highlight the gymnasium with sauna to be able to disconnect from the working day, and a great gastronomic bet: the Aqua Restaurant, awarded with One Sun by the Respol Guide, where you can enjoy the cultural tradition of the region and the Mediterranean soul of the avant-garde cuisine.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 201 010 - Fax: +34 964 201011

Email: reservas@hotelluz.com - http://www.hotelluz.com 


TRYP CASTELLÓN CENTER 4*

Ronda Mijares, 86
Castellón de la Plana
 

Ver Mapa ]

Located in the centre of Castellón and only ten minutes by car from the beach, TRYP Castellón Center is the best option to stay and get to know Castellón, thanks to its privileged location, its complete and comfortable facilities and the quality of its services.

In addition, TRYP Castellón Center has 78 modern and fully equipped rooms; high speed Internet access (WiFi); gastronomic space (Breakfast Buffet/ Restaurant/ Lobby Bar); gym with sauna, for the exclusive use of our clients; spacious and bright hall with different spaces and 9 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity for 1500 people.

Contact information:

Tel: +34964342777 - Fax: +34 964 254929

Email: reservas@civishoteles.com - https://www.melia.com


HOTEL INTUR CASTELLÓN 4*

C/ Herrero, 20.
Castellón de la Plana
 

Ver Mapa ]

Hotel Intur Castellón is located right in the centre of Castellón, 200 metres from Puerta del Sol, in the financial, commercial and cultural area of the city. Its privileged location makes it a strategic place both for those who wish to go sightseeing and for those who are in the city on business.

This 4-star hotel is characterised by its spaciousness and luminosity, thanks to the large glass dome that forms its roof. The Hotel has 120 perfectly equipped rooms, as well as 3 lounges and a very luminous covered patio, ideal for holding business meetings, conferences, weddings and other events.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 394 497 - Fax: +34 964 395 896

Email: reservas@intur.com - http://www.intur.com 


HOTEL JAIME I CASTELLÓN 3*

C/ Ronda Mijares, 67.
Castellón de la Plana
 

Ver Mapa ]

The Hotel Jaime I is a modern and comfortable hotel in Castellón located 5 minutes' walk from the centre of the town. The establishment is well connected by road and is 60 km from Manises Airport. It has 89 rooms and its facilities are covered with free WiFi Internet connection.

At the Hotel Jaime I you will find 89 rooms equipped with everything you need to enjoy maximum comfort and convenience. The floors are parquet and the lighting is LED. In each room you will find free WiFi Internet and a flat-screen television. The bathroom is complete with hairdryer and other amenities.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 2250 300 - Fax: +34 964 203 779

Email: info@hoteljaimei.com 


HOTEL DOÑA LOLA

Calle Lucena, 3
Castellón de la Plana
 

Ver Mapa ]

 

 

 

The Hotel Doña Lola was completely refurbished in 2008. It is located next to Ribalta Park, the green lung of the city, opposite the EL CORTE INGLES shopping centre, just 300 metres from the Castellón train and bus station and less than 1200m from the UJI, UNIVERSIDAD JAUME I DE CASTELLON. This excellent location makes it easy to get to all the city's points of interest, museums, shops, bars, cafés, the old town and monuments. Perfectly communicated with the public transport network of Castellón.

At the Hotel Doña Lola we offer you a restaurant overlooking the largest park in the city. Where you can taste the best of Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has special menus for events, varied menus with a Mediterranean base and a wide range of daily menus to make you feel at home.

The Hotel Doña Lola has 5 paneled rooms, fully equipped with the necessary services to celebrate your business meetings or banquets, with a capacity of up to 275 people.

The hotel also has cosy flats for long stays.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 214 011 - Fax: +34 964 252 235

Email: info@hoteldonalola.com - http://www.hoteldonalola.com/


HOTEL NH CASTELLÓN MINDORO

C/ Moyano, 4.
Castellón de la Plana
 

Ver Mapa ]

 

The NH Castellón Mindoro hotel was the first hotel to open in Castellón and is still one of the best, thanks to its recent renovation in 2015. It is just a 2-minute walk from the city's most popular attractions, such as the El Fadrí tower, the town hall and the cathedral. There are also numerous tapas bars and shops in the immediate vicinity. The beach is just a short bus ride away.

Modern, centrally located hotel close to Castellón's best tourist attractions.
Shops and restaurants within walking distance
Next to the bus stop leading to the beach.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 916 008 146 - Fax: +34 964 222 300

Email: nhmindoro@nh-hotels.com - https://nh-hoteles.es


EUROHOTEL CASTELLÓ ESTACIÓ 4*

Pintor Oliet, 9
Castellón de la Plana
(Enfrente estación RENFE)

Ver Mapa ]

 

Located right next to Castellón Train and Bus Station, Eurohotel Castellón offers a gym, sauna, 24-hour reception and bright rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is 400 metres from Ribalta Park.

The spacious, soundproofed rooms are decorated in light colours. They all have air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar with free bottled water, opaque windows and a modern bathroom with hairdryer.

Contact information:

Tel: +34 964 34 25 59  

Email: reservas@eurohotelcastello.com - https://eurohotelcastello.com/

 

 

HOW TO GET TO CASTELLÓN

HOW TO GET TO CASTELLÓN

The closest international airports to Castellón are València-Manises and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. You can also arrive from Madrid-Barajas.

Recommended routes.

From Valencia-Manises Airport:

Aeroport metro stop to Xàtiva stop. This metro stop is located 2 minutes from Estació del Nord.

From Estació del Nord train station direction Castellón.

From Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport:

Aeroport train stop to Estació Barcelona Sants. 

From Estació Barcelona Sants train direction Castellón.

From Madrid-Barajas Airport

Airport train stop to Puerta de Atocha Station.

From Estación Puerta de Atocha AVE Castellón Station

To travel from the hotels to the UJI it is recommended to use the Tram.
The timetables can be consulted at: https://www.tramcastellon.com/wp-content/uploads/UJI-GRAO.pdf

 

   

sponsors

 

   

 

 

SUPPORTERS

 

 

Contacta con nosotros
te ayudamos a encontrar lo que necesitas

Blanca
Blanca Vicente

Teléfono: 964 38 72 53
jornadas@fue.uji.es

Siguenos

Instagram Facebook twitter linkedin youtube

Otras webs de la Fundación

elfue.com
EuroFUE-UJI
InnovaUJI