UPRISE General Assembly 2026: Advancing Research and Collaboration

29 Jan

The UPRISE consortium came together online on 28 January 2026 for its annual General Assembly, giving partners the chance to review what has been done so far and to plan together for what comes next.

Looking back and planning ahead

The meeting opened with an overview of key achievements from 2025, including submitted project deliverables, followed by a discussion of planned activities and milestones for 2026. These reflections highlighted how the different parts of the project are coming together to build a clearer picture of how air pollution may affect pregnancy and newborn health.

Understanding exposure to air pollution

Several partners shared updates on ongoing work to better understand how and where people are exposed to ultrafine particles and micro- and nanoplastics. This includes reviewing existing scientific studies from cities around the world and mapping pollution levels in selected urban regions. These efforts help identify areas with different exposure levels and form the foundation for studying real-life environmental conditions.

Modelling how pollutants reach the body

Another key area of work focuses on modelling how airborne pollutants move through the environment and enter the human body. By combining air quality data with information about daily activities, researchers are developing tools to estimate how much pollution different groups of people may inhale in various urban settings. This step is essential for understanding potential health risks and linking environmental exposure to biological effects.

Sharing knowledge and strengthening collaboration

The General Assembly also highlighted progress in communication and dissemination, including ongoing development of the UPRISE website, visual identity, and social media channels. These activities aim to make complex scientific findings more accessible and to ensure that knowledge reaches policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the wider public.

In addition, partners discussed their role within the ExpohealthNet cluster. This European research collaboration brings together multiple projects investigating how environmental stressors, such as air pollution, noise, and hazardous waste, contribute to long-term health outcomes. Working together helps avoid duplication, strengthens scientific exchange, and increases the overall impact of the research.

Responsible data use and ethics

Updates were also shared on data management and ethical considerations, ensuring that all research activities follow high standards for data protection, transparency, and responsible handling of sensitive information.

Looking ahead

The meeting concluded with a discussion of next steps, including plans for the next in-person UPRISE Consortium meeting, expected to take place in late spring 2026.

As UPRISE moves forward, the General Assembly reaffirmed a shared commitment to combining scientific expertise, collaboration, and clear communication to better understand invisible environmental risks - and to help protect the health of future generations.

Bianka Gallina