Atmospheric and environmental researchers from **nine Asian countries—Mongolia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia—**gathered at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) on September 15 for an international exchange on aerosol science and air pollution. Held in a hybrid format, the event focused on PM2.5 exposure, environmental health, and sustainable development, fostering regional dialogue and strengthening research connections in air quality and environmental governance across Asia.
The International Aerosol Academic Exchange was jointly organized by CYCU’s Office of Sustainability and Center for Net-Zero Transition and Sustainability, together with Academia Sinica’s Research Center for Environmental Changes and Center for Sustainability Science. The event was chaired by Yu-Chun Wang, CYCU Professor of Environmental Engineering and Chief Sustainability Officer, and featured keynote presentations and research sharing from scholars across the region.
A featured keynote was delivered by Dr. Maria Obiminda L. Cambaliza, Professor of Physics at Ateneo de Manila University, who presented a study on personal PM2.5 exposure among residents of Metro Manila. Using wearable sensors over a seven-day monitoring period, the research examined how daily activities and different microenvironments contribute to individual PM2.5 exposure, offering insights into the links between air pollution, everyday behavior, and public health.
Professor Cambaliza noted that air pollution exposure is not limited to commuting. Everyday environments such as homes, workplaces, and dining areas may also become important pollution hotspots. The findings underscore the value of personal exposure assessment and suggest that fixed-site air quality monitoring may not always fully reflect an individual’s actual exposure.
In addition to academic presentations and research exchange at CYCU, the visiting delegation will also tour the TSMC Museum of Innovation, Hsinchu Hanyang Incineration Plant, and Tunghai University. These visits will provide first-hand insights into Taiwan’s developments in semiconductor innovation, circular economy practices, and sustainable campus initiatives, broadening the exchange across research, industry, and environmental governance.
CYCU Chief Sustainability Officer Yu-Chun Wang said the university will continue to expand its international academic network and strengthen cross-border research partnerships. Through collaboration in air quality, environmental health, and sustainability, CYCU aims to contribute to shared solutions for global environmental challenges and advance a more sustainable future.
