2026 Science to Action Symposium
On May 6, the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program hosted its second annual Science to Action Symposium, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, advocates, policymakers, and community member s to explore how child health research can inform and accelerate real-world solutions.
Focus Areas: Plastics and Air Quality
This year’s symposium addressed chemical exposures, with a focus on two critical issues affecting children nationwide:
- Plastics and microplastics exposure
- Wildfire smoke and air quality
Speakers shared emerging evidence showing that exposures during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood can influence health outcomes throughout a person's life. Discussions also highlighted practical strategies for reducing risks and improving health at the personal, local, and national levels.
Participants emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, trust-building, and strong partnerships to ensure research findings reach those who can take action.
Strengthening Connections and Collaboration
This year’s symposium also featured a robust in-person experience designed to support connection and collaboration. Attendees joining onsite had the opportunity to engage and network at interactive information stations hosted by researchers, advocates, professional organizations, and community partners.
Questions
Please contact NIHKidsandEnvironment@od.nih.gov with any questions.
Symposium Resources
The symposium recording and presentation slides are now available, making it easy to revisit key discussions and share insights with colleagues and partners. We encourage organizations across healthcare, public health, education, advocacy, and policy to use these resources to inform their work, strengthen collaborations, and identify opportunities to translate evidence into action. Together, we can help ensure that research leads to meaningful changes in programs, policies, and practices that enhance the health and children for generations to come.
Key Topics Explored
Symposium presentations and discussions focused on:
- Health effects associated with plastics and microplastics
- The increasing threat of wildfire smoke and poor air quality
- Effective science communication strategies for diverse audiences
- Opportunities to translate research into programs, policies, and practice