Description
Quality of air has been an important challenge in recent decades. Both participating research groups are actively involved in air quality research and monitoring. The objective of the project is to strengthen the co-operation between Norwegian institutes and Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School with Eco technology student exchange in this field. Donor partner NILU (Norwegian Institute for Air Research) is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1969 with nearly 200 researchers specialised in processes and effects of climate change, composition of the atmosphere, air quality and hazardous substances. UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the third largest in Norway and the northernmost university of the world. Its location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission: The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern. NILU and UiT will receive motivated young students to assist in their research activities with help of Norwegian and Slovenian supervisors, who will also help them to integrate their results in daily practice after the exchange. Exchange students are expected to be main beneficiaries of the project, which will also strengthen research co-operation between the participating research groups. Recent visit of Professor Pacyna from NILU proves this project also stimulates other joint activities.
Summary of project results
The project was needed to provide necessary professional experience in the field of air quality for the trainees. The new knowledge is applied in Slovenian case studies and in this way sustained. New methods and programs were learned during the training period. These tools help the trainees to accomplish necessary skills needed in their further scientific careers. During the training period of trainee no.1 learned new methods on stakeholder analysis, empowering societal groups, writing EU deliverables and the basics of land use regression modelling of air pollution all connected to CITI-SENSE project. During the training period the trainee no.2 learned about statistical analysis. This involved handling large databases, organizing data files and preliminary assessment of ARCRISK – AMAP data set by using SPSS program.
Summary of bilateral results
The donor institution gave all necessary support and materials to conduct research and study of the trainees including personal professional advice. Trainee was working on CITI-SENSE project dealing with urban air pollution through Citizens observatories, which enables citizens to participate and influence in decision making to improve their quality of life. She has also put into practice her skills in information design while preparing communication material for EU-wide CITI-SENSE project. She exercised international communication as a member of a multicultural research team. Understanding the complexity of various needs and behaviours of stakeholders in a project the hosting institute gained valuable input on finalizing the public launch of field campaigns in the project. The traineeship increased the bilateral co-operation between the partner institutions leading to further future co-operation also after the training programme.