What is UPRISE?

UPRISE is an innovative European research project dedicated to understanding how invisible airborne pollutants—specifically ultrafine particles (UFPs) and micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs)—affect pregnancy and fetal health. These tiny pollutants come from sources like traffic, industrial emissions, and plastic degradation.

The project aims to reveal how exposure during pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth (PTB), adverse birth outcomes (ABOs), and increased risks of disease later in life.

Why is this research important?

Air pollution is an invisible yet significant threat to maternal and fetal health. Recent scientific findings show that UFPs and MNPs can enter human tissues, including the placenta, potentially interfering with fetal development.

UPRISE addresses urgent public health questions by:

• Investigating how these pollutants contribute to preterm birth and other adverse outcomes

• Identifying biological mechanisms triggered by pollution exposure

• Supporting evidence-based policies for healthier air and healthier babies

• Raising awareness among parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers

What pollutants does UPRISE study?

UPRISE focuses on two emerging pollutants of global concern:

Ultrafine Particles (UFPs)

Particles smaller than 100 nanometers, often produced by:

• Road traffic

• Industrial processes

• Combustion sources

Micro- and Nanoplastics (MNPs)

Tiny plastic fragments released through:

• Plastic degradation

• Waste mismanagement

• Industrial and urban processes

These pollutants are increasingly found in the environment—and even within the human body.

How does exposure to UFPs and MNPs affect pregnancy?

Although research is still emerging, evidence suggests that these particles may:

• Interfere with placental function

• Influence fetal growth and development

• Increase the risk of preterm birth

• Raise long-term health risks for the child

UPRISE aims to provide clear answers and quantify these risks.

How does UPRISE conduct its research?

UPRISE uses a multidisciplinary approach combining environmental science, medicine, toxicology, and public health.

Our research activities include:

Exposure Assessment & Monitoring

Measuring pollution levels in urban settings to understand real-world exposure.

Clinical Studies

Collecting data from pregnant individuals in areas with varying pollution levels.

Molecular & Genetic Analysis

Studying biological responses through epigenetics, transcriptomics, and mitochondrial mutation analysis.

Causal Models & Risk Assessment

Developing models that demonstrate the links between pollutant exposure and fetal health impacts.

Policy-Oriented Data Tools

Creating user-friendly reporting systems to support EU and national air quality regulations.

What are the main objectives of UPRISE?

UPRISE aims to:

• Determine whether UFP exposure increases the risk of preterm birth and adverse birth outcomes

• Assess how airborne MNPs contribute to pollution and fetal exposure

• Identify harmful polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene, PVC)

• Use advanced monitoring to measure pollutant levels in air and biological samples

• Explore biological pathways linking pollution to maternal and fetal health effects

• Provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers

• Support better air quality regulations and public health protections

How will the findings be used?

UPRISE will provide scientific evidence that can:

• Improve air pollution policies

• Strengthen maternal and newborn health guidelines

• Inform healthcare professionals and pregnant individuals

• Support climate, environmental, and public health strategies across Europe

• Help reduce preterm births and long-term health complications

Who are the project partners?

UPRISE brings together experts from various fields, including environmental science, neonatology, toxicology, epidemiology, and public health. The project is supported by multiple research institutions and European partners.

What is ExpoHealthNet and how does UPRISE collaborate with it?

ExpoHealthNet is a Horizon Europe-funded initiative strengthening Europe-wide collaboration on exposome research—the study of environmental exposures throughout life.

Through this collaboration, UPRISE benefits from:

• Shared expertise in exposure monitoring

• Joint dissemination and outreach activities

• Increased scientific visibility

• Participation in a network of 7 environmental research consortia funded with over €56 million

Together, these projects help advance environmental health research globally.

What communication and branding materials are available?

UPRISE provides a range of downloadable dissemination materials, including:

• Logo packs

• Branding guidelines

• Presentation templates (PowerPoint, Word)

These resources ensure visual consistency across all project communications. Partners and stakeholders may use them for official UPRISE-related activities.

What is the Parent Advisory Board (PAB)?

The Parent Advisory Board ensures that the lived experiences of parents—especially those who have experienced preterm birth—guide the project’s communication and dissemination efforts.

The PAB helps by:

• Reviewing materials for clarity and accessibility

• Advising on parent-centered communication strategies

• Supporting integration of research findings into health policy and clinical guidelines

The PAB is chaired by the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (GFCNI), a leading global voice for families of preterm and medically fragile infants.

How can I stay informed or get involved?

You can follow updates through the project’s news page and social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram). Stakeholders—including parents, researchers, journalists, and policymakers—are welcome to engage with the project’s dissemination activities.

Who can I contact for questions?

If you have questions, comments, or would like to collaborate, please use the contact form provided on the UPRISE website.