Newsletter #11 August 2026
Dear GREENIN Members,
As GREENIN continues to grow, August brings new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and research impact across our network. In this edition, we highlight the GREENIN Workshop Call, offering funding to support collaborative workshops across the UK, alongside our upcoming Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop at the University of Surrey. We also share updates from our Lunch & Learn Webinar series and showcase the latest activities and achievements from across the GREENIN community.
This month, we are pleased to feature Zaheer Nasar and his expertise in aerosol characterisation and biodetection, alongside exciting progress from GREENIN Mini Fellows Ji Soto and Nathalie Pearson. From developing stronger reporting standards for indoor greening research to bringing children’s voices into global discussions at the United Nations, their work demonstrates the breadth and growing impact of the GREENIN network. We also celebrate new research on the cooling benefits of urban green and blue infrastructure and its contribution to healthier, more climate-resilient environments.
"GREENIN continues to bring together researchers, practitioners and wider communities to exchange knowledge, develop new collaborations and translate evidence into meaningful impact. It is particularly encouraging to see opportunities for researchers at different career stages to contribute through our workshops, webinars and Mini Fellowship activities. The achievements highlighted in this edition demonstrate how collaboration across disciplines and sectors can help advance healthier, more sustainable and resilient environments."
Professor Prashant Kumar
GREENIN Project Lead, University of Surrey
Launch of the GREENIN Workshop Call
GREENIN is inviting applications to host a one-day collaborative workshop focused on indoor greening, healthy buildings and indoor environmental quality. The Workshop Call offers up to £2,000 per successful proposal to support eligible organisational costs. We welcome applications from universities, research organisations, industry, SMEs, public sector organisations, charities and community groups across the UK. Workshops should promote interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement, while helping to shape future research and innovation in healthier indoor environments. Read more
Apply online:GREENIN Workshop Application Form
GREENIN Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop
GREENIN will host a one-day Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop at the University of Surrey on 14 September 2026, bringing together Early Career Researchers, junior academics and senior researchers interested in indoor greening, healthy buildings and indoor environmental quality. The workshop will feature career development talks, an indoor greening research showcase, networking opportunities and an interactive database co-design session. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, build interdisciplinary connections and contribute to future GREENIN research and collaborations. Date: 14 September 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Venue: IFH – Innovation for Health Building, Room 6, University of Surrey Read more
Register here:GREENIN ECR Workshop Registration
Upcoming Webinar – GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar #52
Don't miss our upcoming GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar #52. Scan the QR code or register via the webinar link.
Call for Speakers – GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar Series
We are looking for speakers to share cutting-edge research on indoor greening and healthy indoor environments with the GREENIN community. If you would like to present in a future webinar, please contact: greeninmnp@surrey.ac.uk
Past Webinar – GREENIN Lunch & Learn Webinar #51
Thank you to everyone who attended Webinar #51. If you missed the webinar, you can now watch the recording online.
Watch Webinar #51 / View previous webinars
GREENIN Mini Fellowship Spotlight: Ji Soto’s Research Progress
GREENIN is pleased to share an update from Mini Fellow Jorge Ignacio (Ji) Soto, whose project is developing an evidence-based reporting framework for plant-based indoor environmental quality (IEQ) research. Ji has completed a comprehensive systematic review and is characterising commonly used indoor plant species using key morphological traits, including plant height, leaf area, stomatal density and leaf characteristics. His work aims to establish a minimum reporting standard to improve the consistency, reproducibility and comparability of indoor greening research and strengthen understanding of how different plant traits influence indoor environmental quality.
Strengthening GREENIN’s Research Expertise: Spotlight on Zaheer Nasar
GREENIN is pleased to highlight Zaheer Nasar, Reader in Atmospheric Aerosols at Cranfield University and a valued member of the GREENIN academic team. Zaheer’s expertise centres on aerosol characterisation and biodetection, with a particular focus on understanding bioaerosols across indoor and natural environments. His research contributes to advancing air quality management, improving prevention and public health, and creating healthier and more resilient environments. Within GREENIN, Zaheer contributes to a range of activities, including webinars, rapid reviews, workshops, sandpits and network development. His expertise supports GREENIN’s collaborative mission to advance evidence, innovation and knowledge exchange in indoor greening, helping to shape healthier, safer and more sustainable indoor environments. Learn more about GREENIN
New Publication
New Research Highlights the Cooling Benefits of Urban Green and Blue Infrastructure
Congratulations to Soheila Khalili, PhD researcher at the Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), on the publication of her latest study in Environment International, co-authored with Laurence Jones (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) and Professor Prashant Kumar (University of Surrey). Drawing on three years of monitoring in Guildford alongside satellite data, the study examines how green and blue infrastructure—including woodlands, grasslands, riverside spaces and green walls—can help reduce urban overheating. The findings show significant cooling benefits, particularly during summer and extreme heat events, providing valuable evidence to support the development of healthier and more climate-resilient cities. Read the article
GREENIN Mini Fellow Nathalie Pearson Brings Children’s Voices to the United Nations
GREENIN is pleased to share an update from Mini Fellow Nathalie Pearson, Founder of Safe Air Schools UK, who recently attended the United Nations event Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action alongside Professor Lidia Morawska. Representing Safe Air Schools, Nathalie and two school pupils helped bring children’s voices into global discussions on healthier indoor environments. Safe Air Schools is also a founding member of the first global pledge recognising healthy indoor air as a human right, reflecting Nathalie’s continued work to promote healthier, safer and more inclusive learning environments.
Taking the Urban Greening ‘How To’ Toolkit Global
Building on the Urban Greening ‘How To’ Toolkit originally developed by the RECLAIM Network Plus for UK local authorities and practitioners, three new international toolkits have now been co-created for Ethiopia, Malawi and Nepal. Working closely with in-country partners, each toolkit focuses on three high-priority themes for local urban environments, providing practical, evidence-based guidance for planning green–blue infrastructure. This work was supported by Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding from the University of Surrey, enabling the reach and impact of the toolkit to be extended through international collaboration. Learn more about the international Urban Greening Toolkits
Level Up: Free CPD on Green, Blue and Grey Infrastructures
The RECLAIM Network is offering FREE CPD courses for a limited time on green infrastructure and healthier cities. Whether you are refreshing existing skills or exploring a new area, the courses provide an opportunity to develop your knowledge, gain a certificate and explore practical approaches to creating healthier and greener cities. Explore CPD Courses
GREENIN Community
We are delighted to see our network continue to grow. GREENIN Network Members: 245
LinkedIn Followers: 465
X (Twitter) Followers: 8
Bluesky Followers: 35 Follow GREENIN on social media or visit our website to stay up to date with our latest news, events and opportunities.