The Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London has been designated as a new WHO collaborating centre to advance critical work at the intersection of environmental science, data innovation and public health.
“We are honoured to be designated. This partnership reflects our commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges that impact health worldwide. By working closely with WHO, we aim to strengthen evidence-based approaches and support countries in implementing effective strategies to reduce environmental risks and improve public health. This designation reinforces Imperial College London’s role as a global leader in environmental health research and policy, contributing to healthier communities and a sustainable future”, said Professor Frank Kelly, Head of the centre.
Key priority areas for collaboration include leveraging the power of AI and big data to better understand and mitigate the health impacts of air pollution; identifying barriers faced by health care professionals in communicating air pollution risks to patients; and addressing measurement errors in air pollution epidemiology to strengthen the evidence base for policy.
Driving climate health action
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to translating cutting-edge environmental research into actionable policies that protect population health and promote environmental sustainability across the WHO European Region. It directly supports priorities under WHO/Europe’s Second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2), including driving climate health action and leveraging innovation and technology to protect populations from environmental risks.
“This is a natural next step in formally recognizing our long-standing cooperation and the expert support provided by the scientists of Imperial College London. We look forward to working together in developing innovative approaches to address environmental risks to health in our Member States. Their expertise will be valuable, particularly in protecting human health from air pollution, including behavioural considerations and how to support health care professionals to better protect patients”, explained Dr Dorota Jarosinska, WHO/Europe’s Programme Manager for Living Environments and Climate Mitigation.