International Symposium
2026, June 17th and 18th
Brussels, Belgium
Ultra Fine Particles
Ultra Fine Particles (UFP), are considered to cause serious
health problems and environmental effects. Combustion
is a major source, also by producing volatile organic pollutants which are converted in the atmosphere by photochemical reactions. Increasing applications of man-made nanomaterials add to the problem. A further interest results from their specific role in atmospheric processes such as cloud formation and precipitation and, in fact, in climate. The relation between UFP and human health and that of UFP and climate are both areas of intense research and cross-links between these fields are found nowadays.
The political objective to decrease exposure to particulate matter makes use of the mass-based metrics PM10/PM2.5, which do not properly represent all risks for human health. EFCA is, therefore, in favor of the development of a fraction-by-fraction approach on particulate matter, both with respect to size and chemical composition. This position was adopted by the European Commission in the recent Air Quality Directive which has marked Ultrafine Particles and Black Carbon Particles as pollutants of emerging concern and has called for appropriate measurements to be taken.
EFCA’s 10th Ultra Fine Particles Symposium 2026 will again feature the most recent scientific progress and improve the dialogue with policy- and rule makers in Europe. The Symposium has gained visibility by its venue at the Baden-Württemberg State Representation in Brussels and attracts an effective mix of EU representatives and scientists. EFCA and KIT, together with GUS and CEEES are pleased to organize this event again. We cordially invite all experts to contribute actively and hope to see you again at the State representation of Baden-Württemberg in Brussels in June 17th and 18th, 2026.
Scientific Focus of the 2026 Symposium
The scientific focus will cover entire topics on interactions between Ultra Fine Particles and air quality, recent findings, hypothesis, monitoring results, health and impact assessments. Volatile particles and toxic effects, release of UFP, and exposure assessment. A focus will be on the consequences of the European air quality directive for research and air quality management.
More information will be provided soon along with the ‘Call for Papers’ but it would be wise to save the symposium date already today.
Thomas Leisner and the UFP team