Thomas Csillag Finger is a Biological Sciences student at the University of São Paulo. He was selected as a 2023 Rise Fellow by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust for his project Vaccinou, which aims to reverse Brazil’s declining vaccination rates, alongside research exploring the links between healthcare crises and weak environmental policies. His scientific work centers on ecophysiology, particularly on how marine pollutants such as microplastics affect animal health. Beyond research, Thomas represents Brazil on the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, serves as a Member of the Coalition for Emerging Ocean Leaders, is a Student Ambassador for Stop Ecocide International, and co-founded the Brazil Youth Ocean Coalition, as well as the Youth Scientists Brazil Project. His advocacy for the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) and the criminalization of ecocide has earned him roles as a Youth Delegate at both the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and COP30.
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