Introduction
Air Pollution 2026 is the 31st meeting in the successful series of international conferences organised by the Wessex Institute dealing with modelling, monitoring and management of air pollution. The series started in Mexico (1993) and continued in Barcelona (1994), Halkidiki (1995), Toulouse (1996), Bologna (1997), Genova (1998), San Francisco (1999), Cambridge, UK (2000), Ancona (2001), Segovia (2002), Catania (2003), Rhodes (2004), Cordoba (2005), New Forest (2006), Algarve (2007), Skiathos (2008), Tallinn (2009), Kos (2010), Malta (2011), A Coruna (2012), Siena (2013), Split (2014), Valencia (2015), Crete (2016), Cadiz (2017), Naples (2018) and Aveiro (2019). The 2020, 2021 and 2022 events were organised online due to the COVID pandemic. It is with great delight that we are now welcoming delegates to participate in an in-person conference hosted by the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol. UWE Bristol has sponsored and contributed to the organisation of the conference since 2011.
The meetings in this series have discussed and considered many important air pollution issues and the international nature of the attendees has ensured that the conference findings and conclusions enjoy wide and rapid dissemination amongst the air pollution science and policy communities. The series has demonstrated the widespread nature of the air pollution phenomena and has explored in depth their impacts on human health and the environment. Consequently, the series has enjoyed a wide range of high-quality papers from leading researchers that develop the fundamental science of air pollution and an equally impressive range of presentations that places these new developments within the frame of mitigation and management of air pollution.
The papers selected for presentation and included in the Conference Proceedings have been permanently stored in the WIT eLibrary (see https://www.witpress.com/elibrary) from where they can be freely downloaded. These collected papers provide an invaluable record of the development of science and policy pertaining to air pollution.
Objectives
Air pollution issues remain among the most challenging problems facing the international community, with sources, pollutants and solutions continuously evolving. The scientific knowledge derived from well-designed studies needs to be allied with further technical and economic studies in order to ensure cost-effective and efficient mitigation. In turn, the science, technology and economic outcomes are necessary but not sufficient. Increasingly, the conference series has led to the recognition that the outcome of such research needs are multifaceted. Research needs to be contextualised within well-formulated communication strategies that help policymakers, industry and citizens to understand and appreciate the risks and rewards arising from air pollution management. Of equal importance is the need to embed non-academics in the design, development and delivery of air pollution research to ensure outcomes are as impactful and meaningful as possible.
This important conference brings together contributions from scientists from around the world to present recent work on various aspects of air pollution phenomena. Notable in each of the conferences in this series has been the opportunity to foster scientific exchange between participants. Each meeting has provided a further opportunity for identifying new areas of air pollution science demanding a collaborative investigation. Furthermore, the conference gives equal footing to all participants, from senior academics through to early career researchers and students, providing an engaging and inspirational range of presentations and discussions.
Conference Topics
The following list covers some of the topics to be presented at Air Pollution 2026. Papers on other subjects related to the objectives of the conference are also welcome.
Air pollutants
- regulated
- emergent
Air pollution assessment
- modelling
- monitoring
- earth observation and sensors
Air pollution sources
- outdoor
- indoor
Air pollution effects
- health
- climate
- built and natural environments
Air pollution policy
- management
- regulation
- legislation
Air pollution and society
- public perceptions/engagement
- social and environmental justice
Air pollution forecasts
- short and long term temporal trends
Air pollution interdisciplinarities
Benefits of Attending
USB Drive
Delegates will receive a USB drive at the conference containing the presented papers.
Publication
Papers presented at Air Pollution 2026 are to be published in a volume of WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment (Electronic ISSN: 1743-3541). The publication will be available in both electronic and hard copy.
Indexing
The WIT Transactions are DOI registered with CrossRef and are currently listed in indexing services such as Scopus and Google Scholar, as well as being submitted to the Web of Science. All conference books are listed in the British Library and American Library of Congress.
Open Access and Digital Archive
All conference papers are archived permanently on our electronic library where they can be downloaded for free (www.witpress.com/elibrary).
Peer review
To ensure the quality of our publications, abstracts and papers are double peer-reviewed by members of the International Scientific Advisory Committee and other experts, with manuscripts processed through CrossRef Similarity Check to screen for plagiarism.
Reduced Fee for PhD Students
The Wessex Institute believes in the importance of encouraging PhD students to present and publish innovative research at its conferences. As a result, the Institute offers PhD students a much-reduced conference fee.
Networking
Participants can present their research and interact with experts from around the world, as part of a unique community.
Publication of Papers
Peer review
To ensure the quality of our publications, abstracts and papers are double peer-reviewed by members of the International Scientific Advisory Committee and other experts, with manuscripts processed through CrossRef Similarity Check to screen for plagiarism.
Publication
Papers presented at Air Pollution 2026 are to be published in a volume of WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment (Electronic ISSN: 1743-3541). The publication will be available in both electronic and hard copy.
Indexing
The WIT Transactions are DOI registered with CrossRef and are currently listed in indexing services such as Scopus and Google Scholar, as well as being submitted to the Web of Science. All conference books are listed in the British Library and American Library of Congress.
Open Access and Digital Archive
All conference papers are archived permanently on our electronic library where they can be downloaded for free (www.witpress.com/elibrary).
Location
Bristol, in the South West of England, is recognised as one of, if not the most sustainable cities in the UK, regularly featuring in the top place in surveys of quality of life, and was the UK’s first and only European Green Capital in 2015. Bristol has a long engineering history, most famously epitomised by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and visitors can experience Brunel’s workmanship to this day with visits to the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol is host to various events and festivals throughout the year including Harbour Festival in July, one of the largest free events in England with music on five stages, street theatre, markets and a fireworks display. The south of the city plays host to the world famous Urban Paint Festival (UPFEST) in June, whilst the centre provides an exciting weekend with the Festival of Nature, and the International Balloon Fiesta later in the summer provides a wonderful spectacle for residents and visitors across the area. The city has had a Clean Air Zone in operation since November 2022, an Air Quality Management Area first declared in 2001 for nitrogen dioxide, and Smoke Control Zones first designated in the 1950s and 60s.
Travel Information
More information to follow shortly.
Conference Venue Address:
University of West England Bristol, Coldharbour Lane Frenchay, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
Conference Venue
The Conference will be held at the University of the West of England, Bristol, the larger of the city’s two universities, hosted by the Centre for Environment, Society and Resilience which sits within the School of Architecture and environment. UWE Bristol has around 30,000 students and 3,000 academic staff with its main campus situated to the north of the city centre. The campus has seen recent rapid expansion with construction of new cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities and award-winning Passivhaus student accommodation. Recent conversion to a district heat network and more than 700 solar panels installed, helps the University fulfil its ambitious sustainability targets in its Strategy 2030.
Conference Venue address:
University of West England Bristol, Coldharbour Lane Frenchay, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sgJjeWf8wcnVPnes6
The campus plan can be downloaded here.
Additional Information
Please use the links below to access additional information related to the conference. All links open in a new window.
Here's what our delegates have to say...
"Nice conference, very well organized. Interesting presentations."
(attendee SUSI 2025)
"The ERES25 Conference was an enriching and well-organized event that brought together experts and emerging scholars in earthquake engineering. The presentations were insightful, the discussions stimulating, and the networking opportunities invaluable. It offered a perfect platform to exchange ideas, showcase research, and explore future collaborations in a supportive and intellectually vibrant environment. I will definitely be attending future events."
Kevin Karanja Kuria (attended ERES 2025)
"Perfect organisation, interesting presentations and very friendly atmosphere. Special thanks to Marta and Stavros, but also to all participants who made this conference so special!"
(attendee Sustainable Development and Planning 2024)
"I really enjoyed the Sustainable Development and Planning conference in Seville. The level of academic interaction among the presenters are more than expected which can be considered as a key factor for future academic collaborations."
(attendee Sustainable Development and Planning 2024)
"Thank you for a fantastic conference, it was a great opportunity to network with other academics with interests in Energy and Sustainability. I will recommend to my colleagues for future events."
(attendee Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"Thank you for organising the excellent conference"
Dr Siyabulela, South Africa (attended Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"Interesting format and location for the presentation of research and papers, with a varied attendance from all over the world and diverse backgrounds. I am very pleased to have attended."
Richard Valdivia Sisniegas, Peru (attended Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"I want to thank you for the excellent organization of the event. It was a great opportunity to learn from varied topics and international speakers, and to receive valuable feedback. I am especially grateful for the attention of Marta Graczyk, whose support was very helpful for the conference. She was always attentive and guided me at every stage, even on the breaks between sessions.
(Attendee Energy and Sustainability 2023)
"The RISK/SAFE 2022 conference was impeccable and so was the helpfulness of the organisers and in particular Dr Graczyk. The experience with the Wessex Institute was an extraordinary opportunity for the contamination of ideas and the comparison of different realities and approaches. The scientific community brought together created a resonance of extraordinary importance for research.
(Attendee RISK/SAFE 2022)
"The conference was interesting and intellectually rewarding, as the topics involved help strengthen our scientific knowledge to project local opportunities. I recommend scientists related to the area to integrate their work in this conference."
Carlos Mora, Ecuador (attended Energy Production and Management 2022)
"The conference organised by the Wessex Institute was very good and their instructions on how to participate were very helpful. The whole process of submitting the abstract, the acceptance of the paper and the guidelines to write the paper were very clear and everything worked perfectly and in a professional manner. The overall experience was positive and I would like to be involved again.
(Attendee RISK/SAFE 2022)
"It was a wonderful conference and all programs were well arranged. The organizing committee was punctual and really helpful. It was an amazing and memorable experience."
Thusitha Dilshan, Japan (attended Sustainable Tourism 2022)
"The experience in the conference was very good. Organising these kind of conferences takes a lot of effort. I am immensely pleased and acknowledge Ms Marta Graczyk for her immediate responses and help throughout the conference. "
Amit Passi, India (attended Air Pollution 2021)
"It was the first time that I, A. Silva, attended a conference, and the experience couldn't be better. Very well organised, structured, and interesting. It was a great opportunity to know what it has been done so far concerning air quality, and to understand what can be done in the future."
Ana Silva, Portugal (attended Air Pollution 2021)
"The online conference was perfectly organized."
André Buchau, Germany (attended BEM/MRM 44 2021)
"In July 2000, I attended the Urban Transport Conference which was held in Cambridge UK. It was the first international conference in which I presented one of my research works. After that, I regularly attended the annual Urban Transport Conference [...] until Pisa 2011, where I had the honor of receiving the WIT Eminent Scientist Medal [...] Finally, after over twenty-one years I am still happy and proud to publish and collaborate with the Wessex Institute."
Antonio Pratelli, Italy (attended Urban and Maritime Transport 2021)
"This is my first experience in a conference of this type at the international level. I loved the openness and the welcome, they give you confidence to keep moving forward. We are going to continue participating, I congratulate you."
Bethy Merchan, Ecuador (attended Water and Society 2021)
"The review of this conference was fast and very formative and organized. The topics were different and there was a well-organized program and presentation. I would like to share in the up-coming conference. "
Deena El-Mahdy, Egypt (attended Materials Characterisation 2021)
"Wessex Institute of Technology (WIT) and its' staff are very professional and mindful toward participants and their needs before, during and after conferences. It is a great pleasure when working with with WIT."
Deena Govender, South Africa (attended Sustainable City 2021)
"Very good space to share experiences."
Jhon Chahua, Peru (attended Disaster Management 2021)
"These conferences are a good opportunity to get to know and to share research, as well as to meet other researchers in the field."
Jone Belausteguigoitia, Spain (attended Sustainable City 2021)
"Organization is perfect, namely the assistance of Marta Graczyk."
Jorge Ribeiro, Portugal (attended Sustainable City 2021)
"My experience at the SAFE conference was, as on previous occasions, excellent: you have the opportunity to present your work with the appropriate level of detail and in front of an interested, competent and international audience."
Marco Bietresato, Italy (attended SAFE 2021)
"I was more than happy to attend the Materials Characterization 2021. I was benefitted by the entire experience of it, starting from writing the paper and finally attending it online. I learnt a lot from other delegates. The Chief Academic Officer of WIT, Prof. Santiago, was very friendly and welcoming. The conference coordinator, Ms. Marta was highly cooperative and prompt in resolving any queries and overall conduct of the conference."
Pushpa Jha, India (attended Materials Characterisation 2021)
"Overall, very good. [The Conference Coordinator] did a marvelous job with helping me when needed. "
Tor Stålhane, Norway (attended SAFE 2021)
"It was a precious and unforgettable academic journey for me. The organizers of the conference are enthusiastic and thoughtful, and the scholars are talented. This conference brought me inspiration and thinking that I could not get by publishing articles in journals alone."
Zhongliang Chen, China (attended AFM/MPF 2021)
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