Researchers are investigating the causes and consequences of air pollution in North Macedonia - with a particular focus on indoor air quality.
Experimental photograph visualising hazardous fine particulate matter in Tetovo town square - image by Robin Price
The University of Birmingham and South East European University (SEEU) have ambitious plans to expand research and collaboration aimed at improving air quality in North Macedonia.
Following a five-year research partnership, researchers are set to deepen their investigation into the causes and consequences of air pollution, with a particular focus on under-researched areas such as indoor air quality and pollution outside the capital city, Skopje.
Future research will leverage advanced techniques, including machine learning, to predict pollution patterns and inform evidence-based policy.
Our partnership demonstrates the power of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges. As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our research, supporting local capacity, and working with policymakers to ensure that North Macedonia’s clean air agenda delivers real, lasting benefits for its people and the environment.
The partnership, which has already yielded significant findings on air pollution—including experimental photography exhibitions in Tetovo that visualised hazardous fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—is now shifting its focus to future research and practical interventions.
The exhibitions, held in May 2025, highlighted chronic air pollution affecting North Macedonia and sparked dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and public.
Dr William Avis, from the University of Birmingham, commented: “Our partnership demonstrates the power of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges.
“As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our research, supporting local capacity, and working with policymakers to ensure that North Macedonia’s clean air agenda delivers real, lasting benefits for its people and the environment.”
A key element of the partnership’s future strategy is the empowerment of North Macedonia’s next generation of researchers and air quality managers. The successful McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellowship programme—supporting SEEU graduates Albinota Nuredini, Lejla Ademi Shaqiri, and Vlera Ismaili—will continue to develop local expertise.
These fellows are already pioneering research on source apportionment, energy production impacts, and predictive modelling for Tetovo’s air quality crisis.
Professor Veli Kreci, from South East European University, commented: “South East European University and the University of Birmingham remain dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and capacity-building to tackle air pollution and promote sustainable development in North Macedonia and beyond.”
The partnership is set to play a pivotal role in supporting the newly announced Government-to-Government (G2G) Partnership between the United Kingdom and North Macedonia. This initiative aims to boost trade, drive economic growth, and deliver critical infrastructure projects in transport, health, energy, and technology.
With up to £5 billion in UK Export Finance support available, the G2G partnership will harness the expertise and innovation of both nations to foster resilient, sustainable, and inclusive development.
For more information, please contact the Press Office at University of Birmingham or +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
Research Fellow
William joined GSDRC at the University of Birmingham in 2015 from the Overseas Development Institute.
