This is an event hosted by the EPSRC Network+ BIOREME ("Integrating data-driven BIOphysical models into REspiratory MEdicine" -- https://bioreme.net) a collaborative network of researchers, industry and patient representatives at the interface of mathematical modelling and respiratory medicine.
This grant development sandpit will explore key research challenges in the study of environmental determinants of lung health. It will bring together experts from related disciplines; including epidemiology, toxicology, environmental engineering and public health; with researchers in the BIOREME community to discuss new and emerging research challenges. In this intensive workshop, participants will develop proposals for new multi-disciplinary research projects to tackle these challenges using techniques in mathematical/biophysical modelling and engineering.
There will be £10k worth of pump-prime funding available for which groups formed during the sandpit will bid to support grant development activities following the sandpit.
Registration closes: 8 March 2024
Find out more and register here: https://www.bioreme.net/events-all/sandpit2024
Who is it for?
We aim to bring together a diverse range of expertise to explore these challenges including researchers, clinicians, industry and charity representatives. We welcome experts from areas including but not limited to epidemiology, toxicology, environmental engineering and public health; alongside researchers in the BIOREME community to discuss new and emerging research challenges.
Background and aims
The lungs play an important role in providing a protective barrier against harmful particles, such as pollutants and pathogens, in the air. The impacts of long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly during childhood, are only now beginning to be estimated with any certainty. Furthermore, the intrinsic link between these exposures and wider societal factors, such as socio-economic deprivation or the environmental changes associated with the Anthropocene, is becoming increasingly clear.
Our key goals for this sandpit are:
To explore key research challenges in the study of environmental determinants of lung health.
To formulate new research project proposals to address these challenges utilising expertise in mathematical modelling of the respiratory system.
To spark new interdisciplinary collaborations that will propose solutions to these challenges.
To fund follow-up activities (e.g. workshops or meetings) that will enable these collaborations to develop competitive grant proposals.
Example research areas (but not limited to)
Quantification of inhaled doses and their clearance.
Mechanistic toxicology and in vitro studies.
The role of temperature and humidity in environmental exposures.
Epidemiological aspects of environmental health.
Mechanistic linking of pollution to disease onset and progression.
Event structure
An outline programme can be dowloaded on the event page.
Day 1 will be an afternoon session (beginning at 1pm) with a series of research talks covering key areas within the research theme. Speakers to be announced soon.
Day 2 will be a series of structured brainstorming sessions to explore the thematic area. It is expected small working groups will form and develop outline project proposals to bid for all or part of the £10k of pump-prime funding available.
