Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/X009289/1
Wearable technology for personal sensing of air pollution and other environmental exposures
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr H ZHANG, Imperial College London, School of Public Health
- Grant held at:
- Imperial College London, School of Public Health
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Atmospheric Kinetics
- Aerosols and particles
- Survey & Monitoring
- Environment & Health
- Air pollution
- Air quality
- Pollution
- Air pollution
- Abstract:
- Air pollution leads to 40,000 deaths in the UK per year. There has been an increasing trend in applying wearable sensors in air pollution research, as it provides a greater temporal-spatial resolution of exposure and is a great tool for public engagement. However, wearable monitors are not an 'off the shelf' in environmental monitoring due to potential gaps in aspects such as sensor quality, QA/QC protocol and appropriate use for different study designs. The applicants organised and delivered a pilot two-hour session in "Data science for air pollution exposure assessment and personal monitoring" which received wide interest - 66 participants registering for the course. One piece of feedback from the participants was asking for a longer session, which formed the foundation for this proposal. This proposed short course aims to provide attendees theory and practice of using wearable sensors in environmental research and a tailored simulation experience of utilising wearable sensors in the field. At the end of the training, course attendees should be able to: 1) Understand the appropriate use of wearable sensor technology; 2) Interpretate and visualise collected results; 3) Co-devise and implement manageable collaborative study designs; 4) Select, apply and evaluate wearable sensors; 5) Create new knowledge by addressing research questions collectively. The training program has four unique offerings. First, it is multidisciplinary, with environmental science (exposure science) at its core, integrating contributions from academic and industrial collaborators including Dyson, Dyson School of Design engineering, Imperial College London (ICL) Innovation Hub, ICL School of Public Health, and NIHR-HPRU Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement unit. Second, this training creates a cohesive group environment for attendees to gain research and transferable skills. Third, attendees will benefit from an excellent trainer-attendee ratio (1:1). Additionally, throughout the training, each student will be provided with at least one wearable sensor for monitoring purposes. Meanwhile, attendees will get to carry out their own projects in London; famous for its historical Great Smog and now an ideal experimental setting. The training will be a 5-day activity in Feb/Mar 2023 for 20 students, accessible to everyone who has an interest in using wearable sensors for research and engagement purposes. Attendees will start with remembering and understand wearable sensors, applying the learned knowledge by implementing a designed study, analyse the collected data with guidance, evaluate the learning via a pitch and create new perspectives by working collaboratively. Proposed training plan are: Day 1: Sensors for a changing world: from development to entrepreneurship Day 2: Sensors, technology and the public Day 3: Robust study design techniques Day 4: Monitoring session to collect pilot data Day 5: Objective interpretation and visualisation of measurements for impact Apart from formative curriculum, we will also a welcome evening lecture, a networking reception and a keynote lecture for this short course. Current costing for per student is #1,515 for this proposed activity. We highly commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the proposed activity. We will improve the visibility of training opportunity, check language in the training material, ensure a fair scoring process for shortlisting, utilise the course material from different groups in different cultural/social settings, and prepare venue and delivery of the training to facilitate special needs. Meanwhile, we will also arrange a DEI training for all trainers/tutors before the short course; and we will set up a project fund for people with disabilities/special needs to engage.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/X009289/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £59,879
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £59,879 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.