In a momentous achievement for Trinity College Dublin's School of Engineering, a team of esteemed academics has clinched the prestigious 2023 Haagen-Smit Prize for their innovational research published in the renowned journal Atmospheric Environment. Professors Aonghus McNabola, Brian Broderick, Assistant Professor John Gallagher, and Adjunct Professor Prashant Kumar were honoured with this esteemed award, recognising their exceptional contribution to the field of air pollution science.
The winning paper, titled "Air Pollution Abatement Performances of Green Infrastructure in Open Road and Built-Up Street Canyon Environments: A Review," was a collaborative effort led by Professor Prashant Kumar and his team from the University of Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) in the UK. It also involved experts from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USA), Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (Ireland), and the University of Bologna (Italy).
Published in 2017, the paper has garnered significant attention within the scientific community, amassing an impressive 791 citations to date. Its influence extends far beyond academia, with the research featured in approximately 50 news stories and cited in over 20 policy documents, highlighting its real-world impact.
The study's findings have revolutionised understanding in the field of urban green infrastructure (GI) and its effects on air quality and human health. By synthesising global research evidence, the paper provided crucial insights into the role of GI in mitigating air pollution, addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and public health.
Importantly, the research not only identified the positive impacts of urban GI but also outlined best practices for its implementation to ensure optimal air quality and human health outcomes. This comprehensive approach has not only shaped research agendas but also influenced policy decisions at local, national, European, and global levels.
The significance of the paper's findings is underscored by its adoption in various policy documents and guidelines, including those by the United Nations, European Commission, UK Parliament, and City Hall London. The impact of this work continues to reverberate globally, shaping the discourse on urban green space, air quality, and climate change mitigation.
Professors McNabola, Broderick, Gallagher, and Adjunct Professor Kumar's remarkable achievement not only reflects the caliber of research excellence at Trinity College Dublin but also highlights the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges. Their work stands as a testament to the School of Engineering's commitment to advancing knowledge and driving positive change for society and the environment.
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