From November 11-13, 2024, the “Air Quality in Time” conference took place in the beautiful setting of Vysočina, at the 9skal hotel. This event was the result of merging two traditional events – the Air Quality conference organized by the RECETOX center and the annual conference of the Czech Aerosol Society (ČAS). The aim was to unite research communities dealing with similar topics from different perspectives, creating a platform for effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of the field under the auspices of the ACTRIS-CZ consortium and its partners.
What We Achieved:
The conference topics included the latest findings in air quality, aerosol particle characterization, and innovative measurement methods. Topics supported by the ACTRIS-CZ project had the largest representation and demonstrated how our research contributes to improving quality of life, protecting health, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
The conference also featured the Dekati Award competition for young scientists, which recognized the best contributions from emerging researchers. First place was awarded to Lenka Suchánková and third place to Ludovic Mayer, both from the RECETOX center.
We successfully connected two research communities, supported knowledge sharing, and established a solid foundation for future collaboration.
We thank everyone who contributed to the organization and execution of the conference and look forward to future joint projects and new traditions that arise from this event.
History of the RECETOX Air Quality Conference
The Air Quality Conference has a long and respected tradition in the Czech academic and professional environment. It was established as a regular platform for sharing scientific knowledge, research results, and current issues related to air quality and its impact on the environment and public health.
The first conference was organized in the 1990s, closely linked to the activities of the RECETOX research center at Masaryk University in Brno. The main motivation was to connect experts in air quality, chemistry, and environmental sciences to discuss research and measures relevant to improving the quality of life in the Czech Republic.
The conference was founded by Prof. Ivan Holoubek, the founder and long-time director of the RECETOX center. He was one of the first to strive for the integration of science, policy, and industry in air quality protection. Under his leadership, the initial conferences were organized, gradually attracting the interest of experts from across the country.
The conference has been held regularly every two years in the spring since its inception. It has discussed key topics such as air pollution and its measurement, chemical composition and emission sources, the impact of pollution on human health and the environment, approaches to reducing emissions, and the legislative framework. Over time, the event became a significant milestone in the Czech academic calendar, attracting not only scientists and experts but also representatives of government, industry, and the non-profit sector. Collaborating institutions included the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) and other significant organizations.
A milestone in the conference’s history was the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily interrupted its regular organization. After the break, the question arose of how to proceed. In 2024, the Air Quality Conference merged with the annual conference of the Czech Aerosol Society (ČAS). This step, motivated by joint participation in the ACTRIS-CZ project, enabled the connection of research communities and the creation of a unified platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.
The Air Quality Conference has always served as a bridge between the academic and applied spheres. By merging with ČAS in 2024, the event gained a new dimension and broader interdisciplinary reach. It is now a key venue for building collaboration, expanding scientific horizons, and finding concrete solutions to challenges related to air quality.
Thanks to its tradition, professional background, and support from significant institutions, the conference continues its mission to contribute to improving quality of life and protecting the environment.
Professor Jana Klánová received a prestigious award from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR). The award recognizes her long-term contribution to TAČR and applied research, as well as her role as a member of the TAČR research council.
At the end of October, the international projects team from the RECETOX Project Office participated in a study visit to the Grant Office at ETH Zurich.
