From 9 to 11 September 2026, the 2^nd Edition of the 1^st Net4CleanAir Training School took place at Fundación CEAM – EUPHORE Labs in Paterna, Valencia, Spain. The event brought together Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) from across Europe for three days of learning, collaboration, and hands-on experience in indoor air quality and indoor air cleaning.

Hosted by the Fundación CEAM team and organised within the framework of the Net4CleanAir COST Action (CA23139), the training school combined expert-led lectures, practical demonstrations, participant presentations, and skills development activities. Participants explored the fundamentals of indoor air quality, indoor air cleaning technologies, and real-world applications of air cleaning solutions through sessions led by leading experts.

A major highlight of the programme was the visit to the internationally recognised EUPHORE atmospheric simulation chambers, where participants had the opportunity to learn about experimental methodologies and engage in hands-on activities with indoor air cleaning technologies. The programme also included a dedicated session for YRIs to present their research, as well as a collaborative workshop on project development and funding opportunities.

Participants’ Perspectives

The training school was highly valued by participants, both for its scientific content and for the opportunity to interact with researchers from different disciplines and countries.

“This Training School was an especially valuable experience for me, not only because it was my first COST event, but also because it broadened my perspective on indoor and outdoor air quality from scientific, engineering, and management viewpoints. Visiting CEAM and seeing the EUPHORE atmospheric simulation facility was particularly impressive. (…) Meeting researchers from diverse backgrounds was equally inspiring, and I am sincerely grateful to COST, the Net4CleanAir team, and Prof. Sofia Sousa for this enriching experience.”

Mehmet Durmuş Çalışır, Yıldız Technical University, Türkiye

Another participant highlighted the networking opportunities provided by the event:

“Beyond the technical knowledge I gained, participating in the 1st Training School (2nd edition) of the Net4CleanAir COST Action was a great opportunity for me to meet researchers from different backgrounds, exchange experiences, and build new connections within the air quality and air cleaning community. Another highlight for me was visiting the simulation chamber facilities and learning more about their role in advancing atmospheric and air quality research.”

Fátima Felgueiras, INEGI, Portugal

Similarly, participants emphasised the value of the scientific programme and the opportunity to engage with fellow researchers:

“The Training School was a really enjoyable and inspiring experience for me. The trainers’ presentations gave me new perspectives and several ideas that I can take back to my own research, and seeing the atmospheric chamber in person was definitely one of the highlights. I also really valued the chance to meet other young researchers, exchange ideas, and make new connections within the Net4CleanAir community.”

Yasin Akgül, Karabük University, Türkiye

The Training School also created opportunities for future collaborations and research initiatives, as highlighted by participants:

“Attending the Training School was an invaluable experience, especially seeing the EUPHORE atmospheric simulation chamber in action for the first time. As a newly appointed lab leader looking for new opportunities, the greatest benefit for me was expanding our focus into new research areas and establishing meaningful collaborations. Thanks to these connections, I have already agreed to submit a proposal to gain access to this advanced facility.”

Hana Chaloupecká, Laboratory of Modeling of Physical and Chemical Processes in Atmosphere, Institute of Thermomechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic

The Net4CleanAir team would like to thank all trainers, participants, and the local organisers at Fundación CEAM – EUPHORE Labs for contributing to the success of this event. The training school reinforced the Action’s commitment to supporting capacity building, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among the next generation of researchers and innovators working on indoor air cleaning.