Beat the traffic: improving air quality to help children learn

Interactive online session exploring links between traffic-related air pollution and child cognitive development — and actions to address it

Join Dr Aoibhe Kieran and Dr John McMullen from Queen's as they shares findings from their project linking exposure to traffic-generated air pollution and outcomes for child cognitive development.

A presentation of the findings will be followed by a lively panel discussion with the audience.

One key aspect to be discussed will be that harmful environmental toxins peak around school drop-off and pick-up times. Parents who took part in the research advised the team that a lack of awareness around this is a key barrier to dealing with this challenge.

This event will raise public awareness about this topic, including with teachers, parents, community activists, local councils, transport organisations, and the young changemakers of school eco-clubs, in order to drive meaningful systemic change that will support children.

Dr Aoibhe Kieran and Dr John McMullen, Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) at Queen's University Belfast

Anyone is welcome

Of interest to teachers, parents, community activists, local councils, transport organisations, and the young changemakers of school eco-clubs

4 November 2025