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Content archived on 2024-06-16

Environmental research institute transfer of atmospheric science knowledge

Objective

A full understanding of the impact of atmospheric pollution on human health and the ecology of the Earth System requires a scientific approach, which links laboratory experiments to field measurements to predictive models. Epidemiological studies especiall y have emphasised the role played by particulate matter (PM) on health. However despite several studies that have strengthened their causal association, the toxicity mechanism is currently unclear because few symbiotic studies have been performed, which re late PM to source, chemical composition and atmospheric ageing. Therefore ERITASK will be established at University College Cork (UCC) to bring individuals with appropriate complementary research backgrounds together to achieve this aim. Whilst facilities for the analysis of chemical compounds are available and the toxic effects of chemicals deposited in soils are studied, no expertise to make atmospheric field measurements or associated source apportionment modelling exists. Moreover no experience to perfo rm in vitro studies assessing the toxic effects of fine particles on human pulmonary epithelial cell and macrophage cultures is available. Therefore four expert postdoctoral researchers with skills not available at UCC are assessed to be necessary in order to ensure success for this ToK activity. The expertises required are divided as follows: (i) Field measurement of particulate matter; (ii) 'Total' chemical analysis of the particulate matter; (iii) Source apportionment modelling; (iv) Biochemical toxicolo gy of air particulate components. A successful outcome to the spectrum of research objectives given for ERITASK will require the researchers to build on their own skill-bases, to develop expertise in new techniques (in order to suitably communicate on the wide-ranging scientific aspects of the project) and then to act upon salient features from all areas. A Ph.D. student will be assigned to each of the four areas in order to

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP6-2002-MOBILITY-3
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

TOK - Marie Curie actions-Transfer of Knowledge

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK
EU contribution
No data
Address
Western Road
CORK
Ireland
Total cost
No data