During the City TRAQ project, two tools were developed to support local authorities in improving urban air quality: a screening and a scenario tool. The screening tool aims to detect local hotspots of high concentration of PM and NO2. Once these problem areas are known, the scenario tool allows the local authority to explore and assess targeted measures to address them. These measures may include mobility plans, urban or industrial planning, … 

By using these tools, local authorities can move from problem detection to solution design, enabling a structured, data-driven approach to achieving better air quality at the municipal level. 

Main takeaways

• A hands-on approach to detecting air quality problems and identifying solutions
• Insights into how the CityTRAQ tools were developed
• Lessons on how to support uptake and practical use by local authorities

Speakers

Maarten Peeters
Coordinator Air Quality Tools
Flanders Environment Agency

After graduating as master in Bioscience Engineering, Maarten has worked in environmental domains, including contaminated soil remediation and environmental incident response in the port area. Since 2024, Maarten works at the Flanders Environment Agency as coordinator of the development of the CityTRAQ tools. In addition, he acts as a network coordinator for the tools for Flemish municipalities, providing trainings and support to local authorities.

An Heirman
Business Manager Public Sector
GIM

An Heirman is an experienced GIS and GeoICT professional with a strong focus on the public sector. In her role at GIM, she supports government bodies and local authorities in using geodata and GIS strategically to improve processes, policymaking, and public service delivery. Over the past 25+ years, she has built extensive expertise in project management, geodata infrastructures, open standards, and digital solutions for spatial information. Thanks to her connecting approach, she succeeds in bringing together technical expertise, stakeholder management, and long-term vision.

Dr. Stijn Vranckx
Senior Researcher Air Quality
VITO

Dr. Stijn Vranckx is a senior researcher at VITO, specialized in environmental modeling and air quality. With over ten years of experience, he works at the intersection of science and policy to support urban air quality planning, environmental health, and sustainability. His expertise ranges from computational fluid dynamics and AI-based forecasting to citizen science and the development of integrated environmental indicators. Stijn has contributed to numerous international and regional projects, including the operational implementation of national air quality models in Ireland and Slovakia, and the integration of digital twins for urban planning in Flanders. He obtained his PhD in chemistry at KU Leuven and was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at RWTH Aachen University. 

How can traffic data help to gain deeper insight into air quality hotspots and other environmental challenges at the local scale? How can co-creative traffic measurements and modelling lead to more data-driven urban traffic and air quality policy planning? 

In this session, the CityTRAQ pilot in Antwerp serves as an example to explore these questions. The Antwerp pilot combined traffic counts using Telraam indoor and outdoor devices in schools with the Flemish Flomovia traffic propagation model to improve air quality maps and CO2 emission calculations, with a focus on logistics and heavy traffic. 

Main takeaways

• Insights into Antwerp’s approach to improving air quality modelling with strategic traffic measurements 

• Exploring how citizen‑generated school-powered traffic counts using Telraam devices support urban mobility and air quality planning 

• Learning how detailed traffic propagation models can be used for better air quality modelling and environmental policy planning

Speakers

Raf Verbruggen
Project Manager Air Quality and Environmental Sound
City of Antwerp

Raf Verbruggen is project leader on air quality and environmental noice at the City of Antwerp (Belgium), department of Climate & Environment, since 2018. He coordinates the CityTRAQ project in Antwerp and has experience in various monitoring and participation projects on air quality, often in collaboration with Antwerp schools. In addition, Raf works on urban sound planning and tranquil urban spaces. 

Wouter Florizoone
Project & business developer / Co-owner
Telraam

Wouter Florizoone is an environmental engineer and one of the founders of Telraam. He is responsible for business development, coordination and contract management with cities and municipalities (public affairs). He makes the bridge between the complexity of data, technology and interpretation by citizens and local authorities. 

David Roet
Air Quality Modelling Researcher
Flanders Environment Agency

For cities that want to improve air quality, mobility policies offer great possibilities. In this session we will discuss about different mobility policies. In a panel discussion we will hear inspiring examples from frontrunner cities in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Main takeaways

• Learn about the do’s and don’t in mobility policies from frontrunner cities experiences
• Be inspired for the future mobility policies in your city
• Meet people who work on mobility policies and exchanges experiences

Speakers

Information on the speakers will be updated shortly.

Participatory research brings citizens, professionals and researchers together to create knowledge that truly aligns with the lived experiences and needs of those involved. In this session, we demonstrate how participatory research and its methods work in practice and why they are crucial for sustainable and widely supported urban innovations. 

In this interactive session, you will discover how participatory research takes shape in practice using various methods and working forms. Together, we explore how co-creation can lead to richer insights, stronger engagement, and more widely supported results. The session aims not only to provide insight, but also to inspire the exploration of new, creative forms of collaboration and co-creation. 

Speakers

Heijke Rombaut
Policy advisor on air quality and environmental noise
City of Ghent

Heijke Rombaut works as a policy advisor on air quality and environmental noise at the Department of Environment and Climate of the City of Ghent. Her work focuses on improving environmental quality for all residents and users of the city through evidence‑based policy. She is responsible for air‑quality and environmental noise monitoring, provides research and policy advice, coordinates with other governmental authorities and stakeholders, and leads several projects on air quality and noise.

Margot Verhelst
Researcher
imec-MICT-Ugent

Margot Verhelst is a junior researcher at imec‑MICT‑UGent, part of the Research Group for Media, Innovation and Contemporary Technologies at Ghent University. She works within the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Product Design, where she combines qualitative research methodologies with hands‑on collaboration in applied research projects. Her work focuses on digital inclusion and the societal impact of technology, with research topics ranging from user‑centred technology design to the role of digital support networks and community initiatives. Through her research at UGent and imec, she contributes to projects that translate social insights into actionable recommendations for policy, technology development and innovation.

Elke Franchois
Project leader Citizen Science
Mobiel21

Elke Franchois works at Mobiel 21, a Belgian non‑profit organisation dedicated to sustainable mobility and streets on a human scale. She has been active at Mobiel 21 since 2008 and is a project leader in citizen science, where she focuses on empowering citizens to contribute to mobility and liveability research. In her work, she promotes participatory approaches that recognise residents as experts of their own street, neighbourhood or city. Elke is closely involved in citizen science initiatives such as traffic counting and mobility monitoring projects, helping to translate citizen‑generated data into insights for research, dialogue and policy.

We have more air quality data than ever — but are we communicating it effectively?

In this session, we will explore how to turn complex scientific information into messages that resonate with citizens, media, and decision-makers. Bringing together expertise in science communication, citizen science, and sensor technology, the session will reflect on lessons learned from LIFE CityTRAQ and beyond.

The discussion will focus on bridging the gap between data and action: building trust, engaging the public, and ensuring that air quality information leads to real impact.

Main takeaways

• Learn how to communicate air quality science effectively to different audiences — from citizens and media to policymakers — and why one message does not fit all.
• Discover what it takes to build an air quality sensor company from scratch — from initial idea and technology development to delivering reliable information for citizens and cities.
• Understand how scientific knowledge is translated into policy and practice, including how air quality data supports implementation and compliance with EU legislation.

Speakers

Darijo Brzoja
Head of Air Quality Sector
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service

Darijo  Brzoja works at the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ – Državni hidrometeorološki zavod), where he heads the Service for Air Quality Modelling, Research and Applications. In this role, he is responsible for air quality modelling systems, analysis, and the application of scientific data to support national air quality monitoring and assessment in Croatia. He is actively involved in communicating air quality and meteorological information to the public and policymakers, and regularly appears in the media to explain air pollution and weather-related risks. His work contributes to the development of air quality forecasts and evidence-based environmental decision-making at national and European level. At DHMZ, he plays a key role in linking scientific modelling with operational air quality services and public information.

Dr. sc. Gordana Pehnec
Assoc Prof / PhD / Permanent Scientific Advisor / Head of Division of Environmental Hygiene
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health

Dr. sc. Gordana Pehnec is Associate Professor and senior scientist at the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health in Zagreb, where she heads the Division of Environmental Hygiene. Her research focuses on air pollution, particulate matter and the associated health risks, with particular attention to chemical composition, source apportionment and carcinogenic compounds in ambient air. She has long standing experience in air quality monitoring and exposure assessment in urban environments and has authored numerous peer reviewed scientific publications in this field. Dr. Pehnec is actively involved in national and international research initiatives and regularly contributes scientific expertise to policy relevant discussions on air quality and public health.

Ivana Grljak
Public relations, crisis and science communication expert
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service

Ivana Grljak works at the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) as a communications specialist. With extensive experience in high-level public communication—including serving as a spokesperson for the Prime Minister—she brings strong expertise in managing complex and sensitive messaging. Over the years, she has channelled this experience into a strong interest in science communication. At DHMZ, she supports the communication of extreme weather events that may pose risks to life and property, with a particular focus on air quality.

Hana Matanović
CEO
SMART SENSE Ltd.

Hana Matanović is CEO of SMART SENSE Ltd., a Croatian R&D company specialising in solutions for indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring. She leads the development and deployment of sensor‑based environmental monitoring systems used by cities, public institutions and organisations across Europe and beyond. Through SMART SENSE, she has been closely involved in projects that support data‑driven decision‑making, smart cities and public health, helping translate high‑quality air quality data into actionable insights for policy, planning and community awareness.

Air quality sensors provide a flexible and relatively inexpensive means of measuring pollution at a hyperlocal scale. Despite these clear advantages, their applicability to policymaking remains unclear. A key challenge lies in ensuring that sensor data are accurate, comparable, and fit for purpose across different monitoring contexts. This requires robust quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures, including appropriate sensor assessment, calibration, maintenance, validation against reference instruments, and continuous data review.

This breakout session will explore such procedures, current bottlenecks and the road which lies ahead.

Main takeaways

• Strong QA/QC frameworks are essential to ensure sensor data are reliable.
• Such frameworks include not only initial selection and calibration/validation, but ongoing efforts.
• Standardisation of (parts of) such frameworks will form an important step for the future applicability of these instruments.

Speakers

Bram Verbeek
Data analyst
Flanders Environment Agency

Martine Van Poppel
VITO

Peter Bult
RIVM

This breakout session provides practical insight into how local air‑quality plans are developed, including the information required, the key steps involved, and the process of translating data into effective policy. Together with several speakers, participants are guided through the planning cycle and gain insight into how different cities and municipalities have approached air‑quality planning in practice. 

The session demonstrates how monitoring data, modelling and decision‑support tools can be effectively combined to support robust, evidence‑based air‑quality planning at the local level.

Within this context, the City of Bruges acts as a CityTRAQ pilot city, showcasing how air‑quality evidence is translated into concrete local policy action through the application of CityTRAQ tools and methodologies. 

Main takeaways

• Understanding how to translate air-quality evidence into local policy action, including the key steps to develop a local air-quality plan 

• Seeing how data-driven tools support informed and effective policy decisions 

• Gaining policy-relevant insights from cities implementing air quality plans in practice 

Speakers

Ellen Formesyn
Environmental Policy Advisor
City of Bruges

Ellen Formesyn works as an environmental policy advisor for the Department of Climate, Environment and Animal Welfare of the City of Bruges. She is responsible for the development and implementation of local environmental policy, with a strong focus on air quality, water quality and environmental monitoring. She coordinates data‑driven initiatives, including the deployment and integration of urban sensor networks, and is the local coordinator of the LIFE CityTRAQ pilot in Bruges. In addition, she works on urban sound planning, ensuring compliance with European and Flemish noise legislation. Her work focuses on translating scientific evidence into concrete policy actions and effective communication with stakeholders and citizens. 

Michiel Kleinnijenhuis
Policy Advisor on Air Quality
City of Utrecht

Michiel’s key priorities in improving air quality in Utrecht focus on behavioural change related to wood burning and the implementation of environmental and zero‑emission zones. Health, citizen science and innovation are areas of particular interest and play a central rol in his work. He developed the necessary analytical approach through a career in science. As a result, measuring and modelling air quality are almost always integral to his approach. In addition, he considers it essential to clearly explain policies to the city’s residents, so that the importance of these measures for their health is well understood. 

Peter van Breugel
Air Quality and Monitoring Specialist
DCMR Environmental Protection Agency Rijnmond

​​Air quality measurements are often carried out through citizen science. Citizen science is a well-established approach in air quality research (as well as in other environmental domains such as water, noise, and soil). 

​In this session, we highlight three strong examples (best practices) that apply citizen science to air quality. This is followed by a shared discussion to identify shared challenges and best practices.​ 

Main takeaways

• Learning more about citizen science as a research method. 

• Exploring best practices in citizen science and air quality measurement. 

• Discussing common challenges in participatory approaches and citizen science. 

Speakers

Jef Van Laer
Citizen Science Advisor
Scivil

Jef Van Laer works at Scivil, the Knowledge Centre for Citizen Science in Flanders. He advises and supports citizen science practitioners and provides insights into different aspects of citizen science through lectures, panels, and workshops. Jef is also actively involved in several citizen science projects, such as amai!, Maarallee and ELF.

Prof. Roeland Samson
Professor of Environmental and Urban Ecology
University of Antwerp

Roeland Samson is Professor of Environmental and Urban Ecology at the University of Antwerp. His research focuses on how nature and urban development can reinforce each other. In 2014, Roeland pioneered the citizen science project AirBezen, in which citizen scientists used a strawberry plant as an indicator of air quality. 

Núria Castell
Project coordinator of CityObs
Norwegian Institute for Air Research

​​Núria Castell is a Senior Scientist at NILU, where she leads the Technology and Society research group. Her work centers on advancing the uptake and validation of sensor technologies, integrating citizen observations into research and policy, and driving co-creative experimentation in urban living labs. Her research interests span air pollution, citizen science, environmental governance, sustainable cities, and planetary health, with a strong focus on bridging science, society, and policy. Núria serves as Chair of the Air Quality Working Group at the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) and the Citizen Science Global Partnership (CSGP) Community of Practice on Air Quality. ​She has published widely, contributed to international science–policy dialogues, and is deeply committed to fostering collaborative, citizen-driven approaches to environmental challenges.

Henri de Ruiter
Project lead of Samen Meten
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

​​Henri de Ruiter is a scientific researcher at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands, working within the department for Environmental Quality. He is the project lead of Samen Meten, a national citizen science programme that supports citizens in measuring and understanding environmental quality, particularly air quality. In this role, he focuses on innovating environmental monitoring by combining citizen‑generated sensor data with official measurements, scientific analysis and policy dialogue. Henri de Ruiter plays a key role in building Samen Meten as a shared infrastructure that connects citizens, scientists and public authorities, contributing to more transparent and inclusive environmental knowledge for policy and decision‑making.