What is air quality applied research?

Air quality applied research is critical at a time when public health and environmental quality are suffering due to atmospheric pollutants. Understanding emissions and their related risks is essential to address the global problem of air pollution and protect human health and the environment. To do so, we need to process air quality data to produce air quality actionable information on the concentration of the main regulated pollutants at specific locations, from urban to regional to global scales. Our air quality forecasts play an important role in the development and assessment of management strategies, as they offer a detailed evaluation of areas facing air pollution problems and allow decision-makers to identify the main factors that lead to the exceedance of air quality standards. 

How do we do this?

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite information to develop and improve air quality models, which are effective tools for obtaining forecasts and assessing the dynamics of regulated air pollutants. By applying a co-production approach that allows knowledge exchange between service providers and users, we create tailored services through the exploration of new visualisation and communication techniques to improve the usability of air quality information. Our final goal is to demonstrate the value of air quality information to manage the air pollution problem and reduce its effects on citizens and the environment, as well as to provide additional knowledge through the generation of big data.