The journal Castellón Plaza wrote an article about the PsyCoMed conference which took place at Universitat Jaume I from October 29th to October 31st 2025. The article, in Spanish, is available at the following link: https://castellonplaza.com/castellonplaza/educacion2/un-congreso-internacional-aborda-en-la-uji-el-efecto-de-los-contaminantes-ambientales-en-el-cerebro
Below is a tranlation:
An international conference at the UJI addresses the effect of environmental pollutants on the brain
The Universitat Jaume I of Castelló hosts on October 29, 30 and 31 the International Conference on the Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Mental and Neurological Health, a scientific forum promoted by the PsyCoMed consortium.
This consortium has a dual objective, which is reflected in the main elements of this scientific meeting: firstly, the study of evidence of the damage that pollutants can cause to the development and function of the nervous system and its state of health or disease; and secondly, the study of the mechanisms of brain function altered by the presence of these pollutants. Regarding the first point, the sessions will detail the studies that various groups are conducting on the association between food, air, and water pollution and brain damage. Regarding the second objective, the pathways by which pollutants access the nervous system and how they interfere with the biological processes of brain function will be analyzed. In this case, the meeting will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics, heavy metals, and pesticides can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause changes such as neuroinflammation or nerve dysfunction that affect mental health.
« The main objective of the meeting is to promote a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses neuroscience, toxicology, public health and environmental policies, » said Francisco Olucha Bordonau, Professor of Human Anatomy and Embryology at the UJI and scientific director of the congress.
The official opening was attended by the Vice-Rector for Students and Healthy Living of the Universitat Jaume I, Mamen Pastor, who highlighted the importance of taking care of mental health and dedicated a few words of remembrance to those affected on the first anniversary of the devastating DANA storm in Valencia; the coordinator of the PsyCoMed project, Marc Landry; and the director of the congress, Francisco Olucha Bordonau.
The PsyCoMed consortium is sponsored by the European Union, and the Valencian Regional Government supported the organization of the congress. The Universitat Jaume I-Empresa Foundation was responsible for organizing this scientific forum, which brought together more than 50 attendees from various countries.