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Scientists of SACAQM publish two papers in international journals.
Scientists of SACAQM publish two papers in international journals Researchers affiliated with SACAQM initiative have recently published two peer-reviewed papers in international journals, reflecting the consortium’s active contribution to air-quality research. The first publication is a review paper titled "Machine learning for air quality prediction and data analysis: Review on recent advancements, challenges, and outlooks", providing a comprehensive overview of recent advan
Jan 151 min read


SACAQM featured in Nature Africa
SACAQM was recently featured in Nature Africa for its AI-enabled air-quality monitoring network in Johannesburg, highlighting how dense, low-cost sensor deployments are transforming pollution monitoring across African cities. The feature describes how SACAQM’s network captures rapid pollution fluctuations at neighbourhood scale, revealing short-lived PM₂.₅ hotspots that emerge and dissipate within one to two hours. These patterns, driven by traffic peaks, illegal burning, and
Jan 51 min read


Deployment of AI_r Air-Quality Monitoring Systems in Merafong City Municipality
The AI_r air-quality monitoring systems have been deployed across selected locations in the Merafong City Municipality to strengthen local air-quality surveillance. The deployment involved the installation of cost-effective, fixed monitoring units designed for continuous operation in urban and community environments.
Dec 18, 20251 min read


SACAQM and Leeds Team Collaborate at Horizons Workshop
SACAQM team hosted Prof. Han Fang and Prof. Christopher Hassall from the University of Leeds during their visit to Johannesburg. Both researchers are active in environmental and data-driven science, and their visit took place within the framework of an award granted by the Horizons Institute. During their time on site, they visited the lab, explored ongoing AI_R developments, and collaborated with the team during the Horizons Workshop—deepening our partnership and reaffirming
Nov 28, 20251 min read


SACAQM featured by the University of Leeds Horizons Institute
SACAQM has been featured by the Horizons Institute at the University of Leeds for its pioneering work in community-driven environmental science and artificial intelligence. The article highlights SYNERGIA — a new concept initiated jointly by SACAQM and colleagues from the University of Leeds — which aims to develop Sustainable sYstems for ENvironmental and hEalth Resilience using Global Integrated Analytics. SYNERGIA bridges local communities, scientists, and engineers across
Nov 12, 20251 min read


SACAQM wins the inaugural Prize for Innovation at Wits University.
SACAQM has been awarded the inaugural Prize for Innovation by the University of the Witwatersrand. The prestigious award, conferred by the President of the University, recognizes SACAQM’s pioneering work in developing AI-powered, low-cost air quality monitoring systems that provide real-time insights to improve environmental health and sustainability across South Africa. This milestone highlights SACAQM’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and local innovation t
Nov 4, 20251 min read


Dr. Nkadimeng receives the Presidential Award on AI
Dr. Edward Nkadimeng of the NRF–iThemba LABS has been honoured with the Presidential Youth Award in Artificial Intelligence at the G20 AI for Africa Forum, held under the patronage of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The award recognises his exceptional leadership and innovation in applying AI across scientific and societal domains. Dr. Nkadimeng plays a key role in the South African Consortium for Air Quality Monitoring (SACAQM), contributing to the development of the AI_r system,
Nov 3, 20251 min read


SACAQM awarded the ODESS 2025 Prize by the Pierre Fabre Foundation in France
SACAQM initiative has been awarded the prestigious ODESS 2025 Prize by the Pierre Fabre Foundation (France). This international recognition highlights SACAQM’s pioneering work in leveraging artificial intelligence and low-cost sensor networks to monitor and improve air quality across South Africa, fostering environmental awareness and public health impact.
Oct 24, 20251 min read


Canada’s IDRC featured SACAQM in a video
Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) featured SACAQM in a video highlighting how affordable innovation is...
Oct 9, 20251 min read


SACAQM featured by CGTN TV channel
SACAQM was recently featured on CGTN TV, highlighting how South Africa is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to fight air pollution....
Sep 28, 20251 min read


SACAQM featured by Canada’s IDRC
We are proud to share that SACAQM has been featured by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The article highlights...
Sep 22, 20251 min read


SACAQM featured by UK-based SciDev.Net
SciDev.Net has highlighted the work of SACAQM in partnership with CERN. The article, titled “Higgs boson scientists take on South...
Sep 11, 20251 min read


SACAQM App Launched on Google Play
SACAQM has officially launched its user-friendly mobile application on Google Play, offering the public an efficient way to monitor...
Sep 1, 20251 min read


SACAQM on National Radio
SACAQM was featured on Radio 786 to highlight its recent recognition with a prestigious French award for innovation in artificial...
Sep 1, 20251 min read


SACAQM on National TV
SACAQM was recently interviewed on the eNCA national television channel to present its innovative approach to air quality monitoring. The...
Aug 22, 20251 min read


SACAQM is covered by Sunday Times
SACAQM has been featured in the Sunday Times . The article highlights the groundbreaking work led by Wits University’s Institute for...
Aug 18, 20251 min read


SACAQM, a winner of the ODESS 2025 Prize of the Pierre Fabre Foundation in France
SACAQM, hosted by the Institute for Collider Particle Physics (ICPP) at the University of the Witwatersrand, has been named a global...
Aug 14, 20251 min read


SACAQM and SALGA Collaborate to Strengthen Air Quality Monitoring in Sedibeng
As part of the recent air quality monitoring deployment in the Sedibeng District, SACAQM partnered closely with SALGA team to ensure...
Aug 5, 20251 min read


New SACAQM Air Quality Monitoring Deployment Across Key Sites in Sedibeng District
The SACAQM team completed the deployment of air quality monitoring systems across key locations in the Sedibeng District. Installations...
Aug 5, 20251 min read


SACAQM invited to give a plenary talk at the DIRISA 2025 National Research Data Workshop
We are pleased to announce that SACAQM initiative has been invited to deliver a plenary talk at the 7th DIRISA Annual National Research...
Jul 30, 20251 min read


SACAQM receives award by the Horizon’s Institute at the University of Leeds
SACAQM has been awarded funding by the Horizon’s Institute at the University of Leeds, through its Horizons Platform programme. SACAQM is...
Jul 1, 20251 min read


Dr. Nicola Bragazzi Visits SACAQM and Deployment Sites
Dr. Nicola Bragazzi, a leading researcher and a key member of the IDRC-supported AI4PEP consortium, recently visited the SACAQM team....
Jun 17, 20251 min read


SACAQM Showcases Air Quality Innovations at G20 Research and Innovation Summit
The South African Consortium of Air Quality Monitoring is currently exhibiting at the G20 Research Innovation and BIO Economy Meeting at...
May 27, 20251 min read


SACAQM meets with Government officials in Sedibeng to prepare for roll out of AI_r
The Sedibeng District Municipality has been identified as a high-priority area due to persistently high pollution levels, largely driven...
May 21, 20251 min read
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