2025-02-18

Air pollution and global climate change are ecological challenges that the whole humanity are collectively facing today. According to statistical data released by the World Health Organization, nearly 99% of the global population breathes polluted air. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has also pointed out that air pollution is a deadly threat to children's health in this century. To join hands with countries worldwide in improving air quality, the Aerosol Science Research Center (ASRC) at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) organized a delegation to engage in in-depth exchanges with aerosol research teams from three leading Canadian universities: the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University. Through strengthening Taiwan-Canada international cooperation, the aim is to jointly develop effective strategies to improve air quality, protect public health against adverse health effects of air pollution.

In recent years, global warming has led to frequent wildfires in Canada, with aerosols generated from large-scale forest fires, posing significant threats to air quality and public health. This urgent issue has become a critical issue of concern. The delegation was led by Professor Chia C. Wang, Director of the ASRC and Professor of the Department of Chemistry at NSYSU. The ASRC delegation also included Assistant Professor You-Ren Wang from the Department of Marine Environment and Engineering and Assistant Professor Ya-Yun Cheng from the School of Medicine. The delegation was invited to visit the Southern Ontario Centre for Atmospheric Aerosol Research (SOCAAR) at the University of Toronto, where they were hosted by Christopher Yip, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and Greg Evans, Director of SOCAAR. A bilateral symposium between the two aerosol centers was held during the visit to share the latest research findings.

Chia C. Wang noted that NSYSU's ASRC signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Toronto's SOCAAR in 2020 and has maintained close collaboration since then. After Director of SOCAAR Greg Evans visited Taiwan in 2023, who was deeply impressed, he invited NSYSU's ASRC faculty and students for a reciprocal visit, which led to this exchange. During the bilateral symposium, Professor Wang presented research utilizing a globally unique aerosol photoelectron spectroscopy technique developed by her team to investigate the formation mechanisms of secondary organic aerosols. She also shared the recent advancements in aerosol biomedical research conducted at ASRC. Assistant Professor You-Ren Wang discussed satellite observations of the global distribution of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), a key precursor of air pollution, during the COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide. Assistant Professor Ya-Yun Cheng shared her epidemiological public health studies on the impact of air pollution on human diseases, particularly liver diseases.

The ASRC delegation also visited aerosol research teams at the University of British Columbia and McGill University, where they were warmly hosted by world-renowned aerosol chemists Professor Allan Bertram and Professor Thomas Preston, respectively. Professor Chia C. Wang was invited to give lectures at these three top universities, where her interactive engagements with researchers made significant contributions to enhancing the international visibility and global impact of Taiwan's aerosol research.

NSYSU's ASRC is the only aerosol-focused interdisciplinary research center in Asia. Since its establishment in 2017, the center has been actively conducting cutting-edge aerosol research, including fundamental aerosol studies, preventive medicine related to PM2.5, aerosol biomedical science, and the impact of aerosols on atmospheric and marine ecology as well as climate change. It has also undertaken tasks to clarify the sources of PM2.5 pollution, to develop innovative emission and reduction technologies and strategies. ASRC has earned significant international recognition and influence since its establishment. ASRC is committed to innovative education and talent cultivation, fulfilling global social responsibilities, collaborating with industries, and fostering close partnerships with aerosol research teams worldwide.

Professor Chia C. Wang emphasized that air pollution is a critical global issue. While countries differ in their circumstances and sources of air pollution, they all face urgent challenges. Building stable and in-depth partnerships with international collaborators and establishing a global network to address air pollution are among the key missions of NSYSU's ASRC. Through close international exchanges and cooperation, the center not only showcases Taiwan's innovative aerosol research to the world but also positions Taiwan as a crucial hub for global aerosol research in Asia.