BSMS to feature in new Plastic in Our Bodies documentary
By: Matt Bemment
Last updated: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Left to right: Prof Jeanette Rotchell (Lincoln), Liz Bonnin and Prof Claire Smith (BSMS).
A major new BBC documentary, Plastic in Our Bodies (working title), will feature groundbreaking research from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the University of Lincoln, exploring how much microplastic is present in the human body and where it accumulates.
Presented by biologist Liz Bonnin, the programme follows a world‑first human dissection study while also examining the wider science around microplastics, their sources and their potential health impacts.
Claire Smith, Professor of Anatomy at BSMS and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor Education and Innovation, Sussex said: “This is an important and timely piece of research, and it’s fantastic to see it reaching a wide public audience through national television. It highlights the strength of BSMS research and the role we play in addressing major global health questions.”
The programme will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in a few months’ time (transmission date to be confirmed) and is produced by Lion Television Scotland in partnership with The Open University.
Filming for the documentary took place in the BSMS Dissection Rooms in April, with additional filming to take place in Lincoln in July.
BSMS is a joint venture between the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton.