15th International Conference on Air Quality

Conference Highlights

Poster Awards

1. First place: Anna Kaniowska for the presentation A. Kaniowska, R. Schrödner: Data-driven modeling of urban ozone using NO₂ and spatial information
2. Second place: Hiten Chojer for the presentation H. Chojer, P. T. B. S. Branco, J. P. Sá, F. G. Martins, S. I. V. Sousa: Use of low-cost technologies for indoor PM_2.5 management during a severe wildfire event
3. Third place: Jana Marková for the presentation J. Marková, K. Šindelářová, L. Bartík, Á. P. Pérez: Comparison of a global isoprene emission inventory with measured fluxes and a satellite-derived datasetes

Call for papers

The 15th International Conference on Air Quality, organized by the Charles University, will be held from June 1 to June 5, 2026, in the historical, but vibrant city of Prague, Czech Republic. We invite researchers, scientists, and experts in the field of air quality to join us in sharing the latest advancements and research findings in relevant Main Themes of the Conference as well as Special Sessions identified.

Abstract submissions

Abstract submission is now closed.

Authors will receive information on acceptance after review of the abstracts by Members of International Science and Advisory Board around mid-March.

We plan to collect extended abstracts prior to the Conference to prepare an electronic proceedings volume, to be published shortly after the event. Options for formal publication and potential indexing are currently being explored and will be confirmed in due course. Building on the most successful sessions, we also anticipate discussing thematic special issues in relevant peer-reviewed journals, offering selected contributions the opportunity for further development and publication.

Conference Themes:

1. Development, application and evaluation of air quality related models for local to global scales: Advances in modeling techniques for better understanding and forecasting of air quality.
2. Air quality monitoring and earth observations: Advances in measurement techniques and in combining satellite observations with measurements from ground-based instruments and models.
3. Air Pollution Sources and Emissions: Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating sources of air pollution of emerging concern, including industrial, transport, and natural sources.
4. Health and Environmental Impacts: Assessing the impact of air pollution on human health, ecosystems, and the environment, as well as strategies for mitigation, including exposure evaluation.
5. Air Quality Policies and Regulations: Discussing international and local policies, regulations, and best practices for air quality management and improvement. New challenges for the policy-regulatory framework: fine and ultrafine particles; allergenic pollen; exposure thresholds.
6. Climate Change and Air Quality Interactions: Exploring the relationship between air quality and climate change, as well as strategies for tackling both challenges simultaneously. Short lived climate pollutant effects. The impacts of wildfires on Climate and Air Quality.
7. Urban air quality: air quality challenges (modelling, monitoring, assessment) in urban environments. The aspect of spatial and temporal scale; green spaces and their AQ implications; current and future mobility methods and technologies and their impact on the urban environment.
8. Air quality information services: mobile apps, context aware web-based services, gamification-oriented methods and tools, good practices in service design, project & city-oriented examples.

Special sessions:

1. Pan-Eurasian EXperiment (PEEX) contribution on air quality in Mega and Gigacities Show

   Background and scope

   This AQ special session is linked to the Pan-Eurasian EXperiment (PEEX; ), which is a multi-disciplinary, multi-scale and multi-component climate change, air quality, environment and research infrastructure and capacity building programme (). It is originated from a bottom-up approach by the science community, and is aimed at resolving major uncertainties in Earth system science and global sustainability issues concerning the Arctic and boreal Pan-Eurasian regions as well as China. The programme solves interlinked grand challenges influencing human well-being and societies in Northern Eurasia and China, by establishing and maintaining long-term, coherent and coordinated research activities as well as continuous, comprehensive research and educational infrastructures. The PEEX approach is integrative and interdisciplinary and understanding that solutions to the interconnected environmental problems can be provided only by a seamless, harmonized and holistic comprehensive observational approach utilizing all available modeling tools representing different spatial and temporal scales.

   This session is open to all researchers and users whom are interested in scientific issues such as air quality, climate change, biodiversity loss, chemicalisation, etc. as well as in-situ and satellite observations and multi-scale modelling of atmospheric composition as well as multi-level assessment on environment and population of the Northern Eurasia and China.

   This session scope and aims to bring together researchers and users interested to (i) understand the Earth system and influence of environmental and other changes in pristine and industrialized Pan-Eurasian environments (system understanding); (ii) determine relevant environmental, climatic, and other processes in the Arctic-boreal regions (process understanding); (iii) maintain long-term, continuous and comprehensive ground-based, air/seaborne research infrastructures together with satellite data (observation component); (iv) develop new datasets and archives with continuous, comprehensive data flows in a joint manner (data component); (v) implement validated and harmonized data products in models of appropriate spatial and temporal scales and topical focus (modeling component).

   List of topics included in special session:

   • Ground-based and satellite observations for atmospheric composition, datasets  using observations for Northern Eurasia and China;
   • Impacts on environment and ecosystems as well as on human health due to atmospheric transport, dispersion, deposition and chemical transformations of air pollutants in the Arctic-boreal regions and in Chinese.
   • New approaches and methods on measurements and modelling in AQ conditions in the mega cities;
   • Improvements anthropogenic emission inventories in polluted environments;
   • Aerosol formation and growth, aerosol-cloud-climate interactions, radiative forcing and feedbacks in Arctic regions and China;
   • Short lived pollutants and climate forcers, permafrost effects, forest fires effects;
   • Carbon dioxide and methane, ecosystem carbon cycle.
2. Transport emissions and policies Show

   The transport emissions are a major source of pollution in urban areas. Due to technical development of fuel, engine and aftertreatment technologies, there is a constant change in emissions. The primary exhaust emissions are fairly well known, however secondary emissions formed from the gaseous precursors are poorly known. This knowledge is utmost important to establish mitigation methods as well as future policies and regulations. Also the role of non-exhaust emissions in urban air pollution is steadily increasing.

   The session includes presentations from different transport modes, focusing on all aspects of primary to secondary and from exhaust to non-exhaust emissions. Both measurement and modeling results are welcome. Presentations related to transport policies and regulations are also welcome.

   Related projects: PAREMPI, NEX-EL

3. Machine learning /AI supported air quality monitoring and modelling Show

   This will be a session devoted to the use of ML/AI methods, tools, applications and methodologies, in the area of air quality monitoring and modelling. Subjects may include:

   • AQ sensor profiling and calibration, with emphasis in low-cost sensors
   • AQ sensor network calibration
   • AQ data preprocessing, analytics and modelling
   • ML in data fusion for improved AQ estimations
   • ML and AQ dispersion modelling
   • ML/AI for remote sensing-oriented AQ estimations
   • IoT and cloud computing technologies in air quality
4. Emissions from agriculture, e.g. livestock farming, fertilization, precission agriculture. Their impacts on air quality and climate. Show

   The quantiAGREMI project addresses NH3 and GHG emissions from Europe’s livestock farming. Financed by EURAMET, this project seeks to develop an SI-traceable field measurement infrastructure that is essential to reduce the large uncertainties of emission inventories in farming and that enables identifying and implementing effective mitigation strategies. To pursue this goal, 20 collaborating institutions build reference gas generators that provide dry and wet NH3 calibration gases and develop low cost GHG sensors for application on farms. Isotope techniques are applied to improve N2O inventories and micrometeorological methods used to identify NH3 footprints around farm buildings.

   The session will show results of measurement campaigns, developments of reference gas generators and sensors, and challenges met when quantifying NH3 in farm conditions. The contributions from other activities dealing with livestock farming, fertilization, precission agriculture, etc. and their impacts on air quality and Climate, are welcome.

5. Science and policy for clean air and carbon neutral cities, revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directive Show

   Convenors

   • Professors Ranjeet S Sokhi, Centre for Climate Change Research (C3R), University of Hertfordshire, UK,
   • Alexander Baklanov, World Meteorological Organization, University of Copenhagen
   • Members of GURME Science Advisory Group (SAG)
   • Mikhail Sofiev, WMO/APP SAG and Finnish Meteorological Institute
   • Tomas Halenka, Charles University
   • Johannes Flemming, GAFIS, ECMWF

    

   Coordinating group

   WMO/GURME SAG, WCRP, WHO, GAFIS, APP SAG, Horizon Europe FOCI project

    

   Background and scope

   Most of the world's population is exposed to poor air quality that exceeds WHO air quality guidelines. Along with air pollution, adverse impacts are increasing from climate change and extreme weather and affect towns and cities across the world. With increasing urbanization, cities in all regions are under significant pressure from multiple hazards driven by emissions of air pollutants and climate forcers. Climate change is also expected to increase incidents of extreme weather which, together with poor air quality, pose major challenges to formulating and implementing policy responses to strengthen adaptation and mitigation strategies.
   We welcome abstracts to this special session that fall within the scope of atmospheric science and policy for clean air and carbon neutral cities. Specific topics that have a policy implication include but not restricted to:

   • Emission sources and chemical transformations of air pollution affecting urban areas;
   • Observational approaches to study air quality and climate, including for data scarce regions;
   • Multiscale modelling of air pollution and climate impacts for cities;
   • Integrated approaches to improve air quality and reach carbon neutral cities;
   • Reducing uncertainties in air quality and climate predictions and projections;
   • Interconnections between urban and regional scales affecting air pollution and weather;
   • Influence of climate change on cities such as extreme weather and air pollution;
   • Influence of urban planning for improving air quality and climate change adaptation;
   • Innovations in prediction, forecasting and control of air pollution in urban areas;
   • Analysis of urban hazards, such as, wildfires, dust intrusions, photochemical pollution episodes and thunderstorm asthma from pollen;
   • Analysis of measures for clean air and achieving carbon neutral cities;
   • Critical points of the Ambient Air Quality Directive
   • Revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directive

   Submission and review of abstracts

   Abstracts should be submitted via the Conference website system and indicate that they wish it to be considered as part of this Special Session. All abstracts will be reviewed through the usual review process of the Conference. The scope of this session is to discuss new developments in sensor techniques and data operation which enable air quality monitoring and personal air pollution exposure determination as well as new conclusions about sources of air pollutants and for emission reduction measures. Currently, people can buy air pollution sensors – this brings science into society. This exchange of information in the field of smart air quality networks use of crowdsourcing will show the possibilities to provide spatially complete information about urban air quality by online monitoring and necessary information for air quality managing. We are looking for new applications and research ideas.

   Nuria Castell, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway, ncb@nilu.no

   George Tsegas, Sustainability Engineering Laboratory, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, gtsegas@auth.gr, 

   Klaus Schäfer, Atmospheric Physics Consulting, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, schaefer@atmosphericphysics.de

6. From Smart Cities to Citizen Scientists: Unveiling the Power of Crowdsourcing Sensor Networks in Air Quality Monitoring Show

   The scope of this session is to discuss new developments in sensor techniques and data operation which enable air quality monitoring and personal air pollution exposure determination as well as new conclusions about sources of air pollutants and for emission reduction measures. Currently, people can buy air pollution sensors – this brings science into society. This exchange of information in the field of smart air quality networks use of crowdsourcing will show the possibilities to provide spatially complete information about urban air quality by online monitoring and necessary information for air quality managing. We are looking for new applications and research ideas.

7. Nature-based solutions for air pollution reduction Show

   Nature based solutions for air pollution reduction and mitigation of its impact have been becoming more popular in recent years as providing not only framework for air quality improvement, but delivering many other ecosystems services. This special session aims to provide floor for discussion of general framework of such solutions as well as opportunity to show specific case studies, either via measurement and observations, both from stable measuring sites and specific field campaigns, or modelling studies of the nature based solutions effects.

International Science and Advisory Board

Dr Peter Suppan, Chair, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
Professor Ranjeet S Sokhi (Honorary Chair), University of Hertfordshire, UK
Professor Nicolas Moussiopoulos, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
Professor Alexander Baklanov, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr Camilla Geels, Aarhus University, Denmark
Dr Sandro Finardi, ARIANET, Italy
Dr Gufran Beig, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India
Professor Judy Chow, Desert Research Institute, USA
Dr Ari Karppinen, Finnish Met Institute, Finland
Professor Roberto San Jose, Technical University of Madrid, Spain
Assoc. Professor Riccardo Buccolieri, University of Salento, Italy
Professor Selahattin Incecik, Technical University of Istanbul, Turkey
Professor Kostas Karatzas, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
Assoc. Professor Tomáš Halenka, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Dr. Tom V Kokkonen, University of Helsinki, Finland
Prof. Tijian Wang, Nanjing University, China
Prof. Li Li, Shanghai University, China
Dr. Jana Moldanova, IVL, Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Sweden
Professor Isabel Coll, University of Paris Est Creteil, France
Dr. Mihaela Mircea, ENEA, Rome, Italy
Prof. Ana Isabel Miranda, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Prof. Maria de Fatima Andrade, University of Sao Paulo, Brasil
Prof. Jiacan Yuan, University of Shangai, China

Local organizing team

Tomáš Halenka - for inquiries please contact via
Michal Belda
Helena Nyklová
Tung Anh Vu
Pravoslava Havelková
Natália Machado Crespo
Jelena Radović
Hynek Řezníček
Francesco Rizziero
Harshwardhan Jadhav
Manas Pant
Aditia Nalam

Programme

On-site registration: Monday 1 June 15:30-18:30

The latest version of the full conference programme is available for download here: AQ2026-Program-full-v5.pdf

A block schedule of thematic sessions and social events is available for download here: AQ2026-Program-sections.pdf

Presenters are kindly requested to upload their presentation files no later than 20:00 (8:00 PM) on the day preceding their scheduled presentation using the upload form.

Conference abstracts are available here: Abstracts

A list of posters is available for download here: Poster list

Registration

Registration is closed.

Registration Fees

^* LIC — Low-Income Countries, as classified by the World Bank. Participants from LIC are eligible for the reduced registration fee.

The conference fee includes the full in-person attendance in the conference sessions including lunch and coffee (Tuesday-Friday, only for conference attendees) and the networking programme including welcome drink (Monday), ice breaker, and conference dinner.
Exhibitor fee includes a table with chairs on the corridor/in the room (to be decided) next to the conference halls, electrical outlet, Wi-Fi connection, one full standard conference registration package (one person for full attendance of the Conference Programme, including networking events and meals).

The recipient of the registration fee is:
Univerzita Karlova, Matematicko-fyzikální fakulta
Ke Karlovu 3, 121 16 Praha 2
IČ: 00216208, DIČ: CZ00216208

Limited resources might be available to support ECS from LMIC to participate in the Conference by means of the Conference fee waivers. You may apply for that via e-mail sent to Please provide a short CV and motivation, abstract submitted is expected.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations received on or before 10 May 2026 are eligible for a full refund, minus a €50 administrative handling fee.
• Cancellations received after 10 May 2026 are not eligible for a refund.
• No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
• Denial of a visa application to enter the Czech Republic does not entitle the participant to a refund.

Insurance and Liability

The conference organisers accept no liability for personal injuries, or for loss of or damage to property belonging to participants or their accompanying persons, whether occurring during or as a result of the conference. The registration fee does not include insurance of any kind. Participants are responsible for ensuring they hold adequate personal travel and health insurance for the duration of their stay.

The organisers accept no responsibility for cancellation of the event due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, outbreaks of severe contagious disease, or major industrial action. In such cases, the organising committee reserves the right to determine whether and to what extent paid registration fees will be refunded.

Practical Information

Poster presentations

Poster size: maximum A0 with 2cm margins, portrait style (82.1cm x 116.9cm display area).

Conference Venue

The conference will be held at the House for Professed (Profesní dům), a historic building of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University. It is located in the picturesque Malá Strana (Lesser Town) district, just steps away from Charles Bridge.

Traveling from Prague Airport

Official Airport Taxi (Uber)

Uber is the exclusive official taxi provider for Prague Airport. Avoid any other unofficial taxi services, especially when approached in person inside and in front of the terminal building — these are unlicensed and typically charge inflated fares. The official Uber Airport pick-up zones are clearly marked directly outside the arrival halls. If you prefer not to use Uber, Bolt also operates at the airport and generally offers competitive prices.

• How to book: Use the Uber app or the self-service kiosks in the Arrival Halls of Terminals 1 and 2.
• Meeting Point: Follow the "Uber" signs to the designated pickup rows directly in front of the terminals.
• Estimated Fare: Approximately 500–650 CZK to Malostranské náměstí.
• Safety Warning: Do not accept rides from drivers soliciting passengers inside the terminal. These are unlicensed and often charge 3–4 times the standard rate.

Public Transport (Recommended)

The journey takes about 40–50 minutes and requires one "90-minute" ticket (50 CZK):

1. Take Trolleybus 59 from the airport to the final stop: Nádraží Veleslavín.
2. Transfer to the Metro Line A (Green) in the direction of Depo Hostivař.
3. Get off at Malostranská station.
4. Exit the metro and take any tram (12, 15, 20, or 22) for just one stop to Malostranské náměstí. The venue is the large building on the square.

Airport Express (AE bus)

Direct bus to Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží, Metro C) every 30 min. Runs 5:30 am–9 pm from the airport. Journey ~45 min. Ticket: 200 CZK (bought from driver or kiosk — regular Prague transit tickets not valid). From Hlavní nádraží take Metro C to Muzeum, change to Metro A, ride to Malostranská: you need to buy a regular Prague ticket for the metro and trams.

Public Transport in Prague (PID)

Prague has an integrated system. One ticket works for the metro, trams, and buses. Note: paper tickets must be validated (stamped) in the yellow machines immediately upon entering a tram/bus or the metro station area.

Fares (Effective June 2026)

Common "Gotchas" & Tips

• Ticket Inspectors: They wear civilian clothes and show a small metal badge. Fines for traveling without a validated ticket are 1,200 CZK if paid on the spot.
• Contactless Payment: You can buy a ticket with a credit card inside every tram (orange terminal) or bus. However, these are pre-validated from the moment of purchase.
• Avoid Euronet ATMs: Stick to bank ATMs (KB, ČSOB, Česká spořitelna, AirBank) for fair exchange rates. Always decline the "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC) if the ATM offers to charge your card in your home currency.
• Tipping: In restaurants, a tip of 10% is standard but not mandatory. It is usually added to the total when the waiter tells you the price; you simply tell them the rounded-up amount you wish to pay.