RI-URBANS aims to demonstrate how service tools from atmospheric research infrastructures can be adapted and enhanced to better address the challenges and societal needs concerning air quality in European cities and industrial hotspots.
RI-URBANS responds to urgent needs to substantially reduce air pollution across EU by providing enhanced air quality observations in support of advanced air quality assessment. They develop and enhance synergies between Air Quality Monitoring Networks (AQMNs) and research infrastructures in the atmospheric domain and combine advanced science knowledge and innovative technologies to develop pilot service tools. These will enhance the AQMNs capacity to evaluate, predict and support policies for abating urban air pollution. RI-URBANS deploys tools and information systems in the hands of citizens and communities to support decision-making by air quality managers and regulators.
The focus is on ambient nanoparticles and atmospheric particulate matter, their sizes, constituents, source contributions and gaseous precursors. RI-URBANS will evaluate novel air quality parameters, source contributions, and their associated health effects to demonstrate the European added value of implementing such service tools.
The project builds on existing initiatives for advanced research-driven air quality observations at supersites from European cities to provide the innovative air quality service tools. Five implemented pilots in 9 cities will demonstrate the ability to integrate complementary service tools in AQMNs and data management using FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable) principles. RI-URBANS will address all aspects of sustainability, including efficient curation, preservation and provision of access to data, training and capacity building, and how the use of tools will be secured in the future.
