Leeds researcher appointed regional climate and health champion
A University of Leeds researcher has been appointed as a regional champion for work linking air quality, climate action, and public health.
Dr Douglas Booker, Lecturer in Indoor Air in the School of Civil Engineering, is a new REgional Air, Climate and Health champion (REACH).
The role forms part of the Net Zero & Health Research Network (NZHR Network), backed by £42 million from UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Its seven research hubs are examining how the UK’s transition to Net Zero can protect physical and mental health while reducing inequalities.
As a REACH, Dr Booker will provide a regional link between Hub researchers and the people who can use their findings. These include businesses, health professionals, government, local authorities, and members of the public. He will also facilitate inter-hub collaborations to promote a joined-up approach to Net Zero across transport, schools, homes, and food and healthcare systems.
He will help researchers exchange knowledge with these groups and identify developments or barriers that could shape the Hubs’ work. The role will also support collaboration between projects and help translate evidence into national and regional policy, standards, and guidance.
Professor Stephen Holgate KBE FRCP FMedSci, Director of the NZHR Network and Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology, University of Southampton, said: “REACH builds on the highly successful Regional Clean Air Champions model developed through the UKRI Clean Air Programme.
"Having the considerable experience and support of the REACHs will be fundamental in ensuring that local perspectives and regional priorities help shape national discussions around net zero and health.”
Healthier, low-carbon buildings
Leeds is involved in several of the Net Zero & Health Hubs, including the Child and Adolescent Health Impacts of Learning Indoor Environments under Net Zero Hub, known as the CHILI Hub. Dr Booker is a co-investigator in the project, which brings together expertise including engineering, health, medicine, mental health, and education.
The CHILI Hub is studying how changes designed to make schools and nurseries more energy-efficient impact indoor air quality, heat, and children’s health. Researchers will test practical approaches including ventilation and air-cleaning technologies, while working with pupils, families, schools and policymakers.
The University is one of the CHILI Hub’s seven core organisations. Leeds researchers are examining the effects of interventions on classroom air quality and pupil health, as well as the practical considerations involved in introducing them in schools.
Dr Booker’s research focuses on indoor air quality, energy efficiency and environmental justice. His new appointment builds on his previous work as a Regional Clean Air Champion, connecting research across different disciplines with wider public, policy and business communities.
He said: "There is lots of transformational research underway that is trying to make sure that actions taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change are done in a way that both also improves health, and are as fair as possible. Making sure regional needs and perspectives are factored into this is vital, which is why I am delighted to be appointed as a REACH.”
As a REACH, Dr Booker is harnessing the clean air community they developed in the Clean Air Programme, and adapting the role to the new climate- and health-focused hub activities, which will help to remove potentially siloed working approaches between wider climate, health and other environmental areas.
