Researchers make visible chronic air pollution afflicting North Macedonia and spark debate about how air quality could be improved.
Air quality impacts quality of life
In May 2025, researchers from the University of Birmingham and the South East European University (SEEU) organised an exhibition in Tetovo, North Macedonia, of experimental photography that visualises the amount of hazardous fine particulate matter (PM2.5) present in the air. The aim of this exhibition was to render visible the chronic air pollution that afflicts North Macedonia and spark debate about how air quality could be improved.
The exhibition marked the culmination of a five-year long partnership between an interdisciplinary and international research team focused on raising the profile of air quality issues in North Macedonia’s cities. Researchers collected evidence regarding levels and impacts of pollution and encouraged action by regional and national policy makers. The exhibition provided a moment to reflect on what the partnership had achieved so far and to consider how the collaboration will be developed further.
SEEU and University of Birmingham were initially brought together by the United Nations International Organisation for Migration to examine the complex and multifaceted links between high levels of air pollution and migration. This issue provided a focal point around which researchers from diverse backgrounds could direct efforts and frame engagements.
North Macedonia has some of the worst urban air quality in Europe. This situation is driven by its location in a valley surrounded by mountains that trap pollution and further complicated by a temperature inversion. Socio-economic factors including low average incomes, energy poverty and reliance on solid fuels for cooking, heating and lighting all contribute to high levels of household and outdoor air pollution.
An early output of the partnerships was a piece of research commissioned via the University of Birmingham that identified that North Macedonia has some of the worst urban air quality in Europe. This situation is driven by its location in a valley surrounded by mountains that trap pollution and further complicated by a temperature inversion. Socio-economic factors including low average incomes, energy poverty and reliance on solid fuels for cooking, heating and lighting all contribute to high levels of household and outdoor air pollution.
Early discussions between partners identified a limited but expanding evidence base that analysed air pollution in North Macedonia. Studies were focussed on the capital city Skopje and outdoor air pollution with a limited literature exploring air quality issues outside of the capital and a dearth of evidence on indoor air pollution. There was also a chronic shortage of expertise in air quality management, as well as the capabilities and capacities to introduce robust evidence based and enforced interventions.
From the start of the partnership, SEEU identified a need to empower the next generation of researchers from North Macedonia and air quality managers to address this gap, gather evidence, drive action and address the causes and consequences of air pollution in their country. Here, the partnership would focus efforts on developing the capabilities of the Max van der Stoel Institute, one of the few institutes in the country that conduct environmental research.
A key outcome of this partnership was the award of three McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellowships to SEEU graduates - Albinota Nuredini, Lejla Ademi Shaqiri and Vlera Ismaili - to undertake an MSc in air pollution management and to develop the next generation of leaders for the clean air movement. These fellowships were provided by the Clean Air Fund and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation.
Whilst North Macedonia has launched an ambitious clean air agenda, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the causes and consequences of air pollution. There is also a pressing need to make the populace aware of the impacts of poor air quality and the benefits of addressing this issue.
The SEEU awarded fellows focused their studies on issues of concern in their country and enhancing the evidence base regarding air quality. Their research focused on the following issues:
The exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase the research that this partnership has generated and to bring together stakeholders from across the United Kingdom and North Macedonia, representatives of the United Nations, civil society groups, students, journalists and politicians - the Mayor of Tetovo provided opening comments - and an opportunity to foster a coalition of purpose.
The exhibition and wider partnership highlighted the importance of collaboration across disciplines and international borders to address some of society’s most complex challenges.
Partners are now keen to expand and develop the partnership. Activities will focus on supporting a recently announced Government-to-Government Partnership (G2G) between the United Kingdom and North Macedonia which aims to boost trade and drive economic growth. This Partnership seeks to support the delivery of critical infrastructure projects across various sectors in North Macedonia, including transport, health, energy, and technology. It draws on a wide range of support, including technical assistance programmes and up to £5 billion in UK Export Finance support available for projects in North Macedonia.
This G2G underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborate on critical infrastructure projects that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. By leveraging the expertise and innovation of both countries, this Partnership will drive the development of resilient infrastructure that fosters growth and prosperity. This theme echoes the ethos of the partnership between the University of Birmingham and SEEU. It also drives us to examine how infrastructure development can generate economic growth, contribute to a fairer society, support local communities and places and tackle the climate emergency in a sustainable manner.
Dr William Avis and Professor Francis Pope, University of Birmingham, and Dr Lejla Ademi, South East European University
Research Fellow
William joined GSDRC at the University of Birmingham in 2015 from the Overseas Development Institute.
Professor of Atmospheric Science
Professor Francis Pope is an environmental scientist with wide ranging interests in the atmospheric sciences, human health and sustainable cities. University of Birmingham
