The University of Balamand (UOB) is proud to announce that the AWAIR project, led by Dr. Myriam Mrad, Chair of the Public Health Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been selected by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago’s (EPIC) Clean Air Program as one of the 12 new grantees of the EPIC Air Quality Fund, making it the only Lebanese university chosen from a pool of 322 submissions from 74 countries.
The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago’s Clean Air Program launched the EPIC Air Quality Fund in the summer of 2023 to support organizations in installing air quality monitors and providing open data access. According to Christa Hasenkopf, director of EPIC’s Clean Air Program: “EPIC Air Quality Fund awardees represent some of the world’s best chances to close air quality data gaps and advance clean air policy in places where citizens’ lives are being seriously impacted by air pollution, yet where there have been scarce resources deployed to address the issue… Their work is pioneering and an inspiration for their countries and the world”. The initiative aims to expand air quality data access to 1 billion people by 2030, backed by more than $2.9 million in funding from Open Philanthropy, Alpha Epsilon, and other donors.
The AWAIR project at UOB will be implemented in collaboration with the Health and Environment Response Agency (HERA) and will focus on deploying 80 low-cost air quality monitors in key locations across Lebanon, including schools, hospitals, healthcare centers, and social spaces. Additionally, it will reactivate an existing reference-grade monitor to provide real-time, open-access data, helping forecast trends, inform stakeholders, and guide policymakers in implementing effective air quality standards. Dr. Myriam Mrad emphasized: “Clean air is a right. By knowing its impact and taking action, every citizen and institution can help protect their health and advocate for a healthier future. Together, we can democratize air monitoring and drive change”.
The project will be funded over the period of 18 months aiming to enhance air quality infrastructure and share the data collected openly with scientists, decision-makers, and the general public to promote national-level impact in the fight against air pollution in Lebanon.