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:
- Source apportionment to highlight indoor and outdoor interactions of particulate matter in Tetovo;
- Uncovering hidden air quality impacts of energy production in North Macedonia
- Predicting pollution utilising machine learning to tackle Tetovo’s air quality crisis
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