Hidden Pollution – Scientists and teenagers create bold campaigns

This initiative combined the power of science and art, as students collaborate with renowned photographers Eliska Sky & Michael Cockerham to design compelling campaigns addressing the pressing issue of Hidden Pollution. Students were also supported by Ted Smith, Ideas Foundation Chair and Author of the book Hidden Disabilities and by post doctoral students from QMUL. Students had access to high end photography equipment lent by Canon UK.

The inspiration for the programme was groundbreaking research led by Dr Tina Chowdhury (Reader in Regenerative Medicine at Queen Mary’s Centre for Bioengineering) is leading a clinical trial on air pollution, maternal and fetal health. The project aimed to highlight the often-overlooked impacts of pollution on vulnerable populations and inspire actionable change. Students worked alongside Tina and her team of inspiring Women in STEMM who are leading the way on research into pollution and women’s health.

Dr Chowdhury explains the critical urgency of the issue, stating:

We now have enough evidence that exposure to air pollution has serious health effects on vulnerable populations and can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, and mental health conditions. Exposure to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and young people accelerate chronic conditions, leading to premature inflammatory diseases. People who live in the most deprived areas of the city are affected by poor air quality both outdoors and in the home. We need to educate our young people, reduce pollution in our environment by half, and drive a change that reduces healthcare costs and benefits the economy.

Students presented their work to an expert panel including Professor Jonathan Grigg who is the UK leading paediatrician and Vice-Chair of major reports from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health on outdoor and indoor air pollution.