PIONEER-TOPIC#2025: Effect of air pollution on populations in urban areas of PIONEER cities: comparative study of Lisbon and Lyon

Traffic emissions have become the major air pollution source in urban areas, and the United Nations Organisation stresses that air pollution in Europe remains one of the greatest environmental health threats.
This PhD proposal focuses on the analysis of the effects of air pollution on populations in urban areas, by combining the analysis of individual exposure to traffic-related pollutants with available datasets on pollution parameters, such as air quality, air combustion gases, particulate matter, and weather parameters. This work intends also to analyse the impact of exposure to air pollution on health and habits. Research questions that should be addressed include the analysis of the efficiency of national pollution regulations, the World Health Organization’s Air quality, and other WHO guidelines.
This work aims to advance innovative methods, technologies, and tools contributing to improving health and well-being of citizens exposed to air pollution in two European cities taking into account their climate differences and their emission reduction policies. This proposal is aligned with SDG 11, contributing to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Expected results
It is expected that the PhD student will:
1)  Propose innovative methods, technologies, and tools contributing to the advancement of the state of the art on the impact of air pollution on populations in dense urban areas;
2)  Conduct behavioral surveys, perform impact analysis experimentations and design improvements to air pollution mitigation strategies;
3)  Conduct individual exposure measurements during urban mobilities in Lisbon and Lyon; compare with data from fixed monitoring stations (regulated pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 will be considered, as well as ultrafine particles and black carbon because of their health impacts);
4)  Compare individual exposure to air pollution and the effect of air pollution data on populations in the two PIONEER cities Lisbon and Lyon; and analyse the efficiency of national regulations on pollution and of the WHO air quality guidelines; propose a methodology to extend to other PIONEER cities;
5) To complete the analysis of the efficiency of national regulations, conduct health risk assessments using reference toxicological values for measured pollutants (for threshold and non-threshold health effects) from individual exposures and air pollution data in the cities of Lisbon and Lyon;
6)  Build dynamic pollution cartographies enabling easy monitoring and comparison of variations among cities/regions/countries;
7)  Propose recommendations on efficient-proven policies and actions to reduce the impact of air pollution on populations in urban areas, for public policy decision-makers;
8)  Publish scientific publications in high impact journals.

High-quality doctoral training leading to a PhD degree delivered by Université Gustave Eiffel, under joint supervision with University Institute of Lisbon ISCTE (PIONEER partner).
Appointment for 36 months under a full-time doctoral contract.
Employment under French labour law, including 35 hours per week, 25 days of annual paid leave and access to social security and health insurance
Opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary international team, with guidance from experts in shared mobility, transportation resilience, and urban accessibility.
Potential eligibility for the European Doctorate label, subject to conditions.
Participation in international workshops, scientific conferences, and mobility to partner institutions in the EU.
Access to laboratories and resources at both universities (including datasets, and computing facilities).

The Epidemiological Research and Surveillance in Transport, Occupation and Environment (Umrestte) is a mixed research unit of the Gustave Eiffel University and Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University. One of the research themes of the unit is the study of environmental and occupational exposures to pollutants and their impacts on health.

The doctoral candidate will conduct 15 months of research mobility at University Institute of Lisbon ISCTE during the PhD program. 

Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon : https://www.iscte-iul.pt

A Master degree in the following fields: Atmospheric sciences, Meteorology, Data Sciences
Good scientific communication skills, both written and oral, in English
Motivation to conduct interdisciplinary research and to evolve with interdisciplinary teams
Ability to work independently while collaborating across institutions.
Willingness and ability to spend research stays in two universities, University Gustave Eiffel-Lyon's Campus and 15 months at University Institute of Lisbon ISCTE, during the PhD.

Strong background in data sciences, machine learning
Strong programming skills (such as Python)
Fluency in English (at least B2 level), a knowledge of French or/and Portuguese (A1/A2) will be an advantage
A good knowledge in Atmospheric sciences or meteorology will be an advantage