GCARE’s Guildford Living Lab Inspires Action on Cleaner Air Day 2025

The Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) at the University of Surrey brought science and community spirit together at Guildford Cleaner Air Day 2025, held on Sunday, 28 September on Guildford High Street. The event was part of the Guildford Living Lab’s (GLL) ongoing efforts to engage residents in understanding and improving local air quality through hands-on, data-driven experiences.

Visitors to the GCARE stall were welcomed by an array of interactive display, including real-time air quality monitors, visual data dashboards, and interactive pollution exposure tool that demonstrated how individuals are exposed to varying levels of air pollution during their daily activities. The team also showcased new sensor-based technologies developed at Surrey to help track air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) in everyday environments.

Professor Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of GCARE and creator of the Guildford Living Lab, emphasised the importance of such outreach activities:

“Cleaner Air Day provides a platform for meaningful community engagement. It allows us to translate cutting-edge research into practical insights that residents can relate to in their daily lives. Our goal is to empower communities with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices for a cleaner, healthier Guildford.”

For many visitors, the highlight of the day was seeing live air quality data from Guildford High Street, displayed in a simple and visually engaging format. The interactive setup helped visitors understand how factors such as traffic flow, weather conditions, and pedestrian activity influence the air they breathe.

Adding to this, Dr. Hao Sun, Research Fellow at GCARE, said: “Cleaner Air Day is an excellent example of how collaboration between researchers, local authorities, and the public can foster co-created solutions. Community engagement ensures that our scientific innovations remain grounded, relevant, and impactful.”

The event drew strong participation from local residents, families, and businesses, reinforcing Guildford’s commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship. As part of the broader Guildford Living Lab initiative, GCARE continues to collaborate with the Guildford Borough Council and community partners to design cleaner, greener urban spaces.

Participation in events like Cleaner Air Day reaffirms GCARE’s mission to connect research with real-world impact, promoting informed, collective action towards a healthier future for Guildford and beyond.