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From Science to Policy: Key Takeaways from the EDIAQI Workshop at CATE 2024

Vanda Jakir presenting during the EDIAQI Workshop at CATE 2024, seated on a panel with two others in front of a large screen displaying a slide. The event is held at the front of a conference room with "ARQUITECTURA" visible on the desk.

The International  Comfort at the Extremes (CATE) Conference, 2024, hosted by the University of Seville, brought together experts, policymakers, and researchers to address climate extremes and their impact on human comfort. Held from 20th to 22nd November 2024 in Seville—one of Europe’s warmest cities—the conference emphasised adaptive strategies to cope with high temperatures and sustainable solutions for maintaining comfort in extreme climates.

As part of this event, EDIAQI hosted a workshop titled "How can we convert scientific research into effective policies on indoor air quality?" The session, attended by over 110 participants, explored how scientific findings can inform impactful Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) policies. The workshop highlighted the need to bridge the public understanding gap on IAQ, a serious health threat affecting millions annually, particularly given that people in developed countries spend up to 90% of their time indoors.

Key Highlights

  • Indoor Air Quality as a Public Health Priority: Participants recognised IAQ as a critical public health issue requiring urgent action, akin to outdoor air quality.
  • Focus on Ventilation Systems: Discussions highlighted the role of natural and mechanical ventilation systems in managing IAQ effectively.
  • The Role of Low-Cost Sensors: Attendees emphasised the importance of affordable and reliable IAQ monitoring devices in schools and public buildings.

Notable Contributions

The workshop featured insights from:

  • Vanda Jakir, Policy Officer at the European Commission: Presented on the Ambient Air Quality Directive, stressing the potential of low-cost sensors.
  • Mario Lovrić, Scientific Coordinator of EDIAQI: Provided an overview of EDIAQI’s mission to leverage data and science for policymaking.
  • Eva Paulusberger, Researcher at Know-Center: Highlighted the significance of EDIAQI’s data platform for collaboration and informed decision-making.
  • Samuel Dominguez Amarillo, Professor of Architecture at the University of Seville: Showcased IAQ monitoring efforts in Seville’s public transport systems.
Panel session during the EDIAQI Workshop at CATE 2024, featuring a slide introducing panellists Vanda Jakir (European Commission), Mario Lovric (EDIAQI Project), Eva Paulsberger (Know Centre), and Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo (Universidad de Sevilla). The panel is held in a lecture hall with “ARQUITECTURA” on the front desk.

EDIAQI’s Impact

The workshop demonstrated EDIAQI’s ability to foster cross-sector collaboration and translate research into policy. By participating in CATE 2024, EDIAQI reinforced its commitment to addressing climate-related IAQ challenges and advancing its influence in environmental quality.

Social Media Competition

To enhance engagement, EDIAQI launched a social media competition during the workshop. Participants shared ideas and photos using the hashtag #EDIAQIWorkshopCATE2024. The winner, Sotirios Papathanasiou, will receive a state-of-the-art CO2 and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) sensor for his highly engaging LinkedIn post marking the end of the session. 

Sotirios Papathanasiou takes a selfie during the EDIAQI panel at CATE 2024, with the slide titled “and breathe” displayed behind speakers on stage. The LinkedIn post notes the panel theme on converting scientific research into policy and was the winning post in the event’s social media competition.

Looking Ahead

The EDIAQI workshop at CATE 2024 highlighted the importance of translating science into policy and showcased innovative communication strategies to engage diverse audiences. EDIAQI remains at the forefront of efforts to create healthier and more sustainable indoor environments. Follow the conversation by joining our community and engaging via our social channels.