University of Birmingham appoints Clean Air Fellows for MSc

One of the UK’s leading higher education providers has announced a new Fellowship for an academic route aimed at nurturing environmental leaders of the future. 

The University of Birmingham has announced that it has appointed three Clean Air Fellows for the first-of-its-kind programme in the UK, with support from the McCall MacBain Foundation. 

The trio of young scientists come from the UK and North Macedonia, the latter regularly ranking among the most polluted countries in Europe. Together, they will now work for a MSc in Air Pollution Management and Control through the fellowship programme, which is delivered by the Clean Air Fund, University of Birmingham, and McCall MacBain Foundation. 

Inaugural names confirmed for the course are Lejla Ademia, Owain Rose, and Catrin Rathbone. Content has been conceived and developed by air pollution experts, and students were awarded their place due to their ability to demonstrate a strong rationale for studying pollution, and willingness to commit to a career helping to create solutions. They join an air pollution research community already numbering more than 100 across Birmingham’s five academic colleges.

‘The University of Birmingham is passionate about clean air – we’re at the forefront of research on the causes and effects of air pollution upon human health across the United Kingdom and across the globe,’ said Professor Francis Pope, of the University of Birmingham’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. ‘The fellowships are the first of their kind in the UK. We believe they will be instrumental in producing the next generation of clean air leaders; young scientists with the tools to understand and unlock the twin threats of air pollution and climate change.’

‘The UN recognises that air pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin. However, we’re only just starting to understand how the two relate and the possible consequences and impact of air pollution on climate change. This programme is an important step towards understanding and addressing these challenges,’ added Sean Maguire, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Clean Air Fund. 

Off campus, the city of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone marked its first anniversary in July, but continues to divide opinion. 

Image: Korng Sok

Correction: Air Quality News previously reported that the Air Pollution Management and Control was a new MA course. This was incorrect and has now been amended. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.