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The SACAQM AI-powered air quality monitoring system has been featured by the Spanish-language media outlet Noticias de la Tierra , highlighting its innovative role in advancing air quality monitoring in Johannesburg. The coverage presents the AI_r system, developed by the University of the Witwatersrand with international collaborators, as a cost-effective solution combining artificial intelligence with sensor networks for real-time monitoring and forecasting. The article als

The AI-driven air quality monitoring system AI_r, developed by the South African Consortium of Air Quality Monitoring at University of the Witwatersrand, has been featured by Chinese-language media, showcasing its role in advancing global environmental monitoring technologies. The article, published by the Chinese science outlet Science and Technology Daily , highlights how artificial intelligence is transforming air quality monitoring worldwide. Within this context, the AI_r

In the article “Seeing the air that you breathe,”  the AI-powered air quality monitoring system AI_r  is highlighted as an innovative solution transforming how air pollution is monitored in Johannesburg. The feature showcases how over 500 sensors are deployed across the city to collect real-time data and generate AI-driven forecasts, enabling better understanding of pollution risks and supporting public health decisions. By combining artificial intelligence with scalable sens

The AI-powered air quality monitoring system AI_r , developed by the SACAQM team at Wits University, has been highlighted by Phys.Org , one of the world’s leading science news platforms. The coverage showcases how the system leverages over 500 sensors deployed across Johannesburg to collect real-time air quality data and generate AI-driven forecasts. By combining advanced data analytics with scalable sensor networks, AI_r enables early detection of pollution risks and support

A new research paper has been published titled: “Transfer Learning from Wi-Fi Access Point Data to Air Quality Monitoring: A Spatial-Temporal Graph-Based Approach.” The study presents a novel framework that applies transfer learning to air quality monitoring by leveraging knowledge from Wi-Fi access point data. Using a combination of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and temporal models, the approach captures complex spatial-temporal patterns and transfers learned representations

The innovative AI_r air quality monitoring system, developed by sacaqm, has been featured by the Spanish-language international media outlet Infobae  (Argentina), highlighting its impact on urban environmental management. The article emphasizes how the system leverages over 500 air quality sensors deployed across Johannesburg to collect real-time data and generate predictive insights on pollution levels. Powered by artificial intelligence, AI_r enables early detection of poll

SACAQM has announced that public institutions, NGOs and private organisations can now join its programme by hosting AI_r sensors. The AI_r sensors measure key air quality and environmental parameters, including PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10.0, VOCs, NOx, CO₂, temperature, and humidity. Data collected through the network will be made publicly available via an online dashboard, supporting transparent and data-driven environmental monitoring. The sensors are provided free of charge

The National Research Foundation recently featured SACAQM in response to growing air pollution concerns in Johannesburg. Residents reported a strong sulphur-like odour, often compared to “rotten eggs,” accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, chest tightness, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort. The incident has renewed public concern over recurring air quality issues in the city. Speaking on Power FM, SACAQM provided expert insight into the possible causes of the pollution

SACAQM was interviewed on national radio, addressing growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in Johannesburg. Residents reported a strong sulfur-like odor across the city, accompanied by symptoms such as headaches and respiratory discomfort. Monitoring data confirmed spikes in airborne pollutants in several areas. SACAQM explained that these pollution events occur in moving “spikes,” driven by multiple sources including traffic, industry, and long-range transported em

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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,

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.

Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) featured SACAQM in a video highlighting how affordable innovation is...

SACAQM was recently featured on CGTN TV, highlighting how South Africa is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to fight air pollution....

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

SciDev.Net has highlighted the work of SACAQM in partnership with CERN. The article, titled “Higgs boson scientists take on South...

SACAQM has officially launched its user-friendly mobile application on Google Play, offering the public an efficient way to monitor...

SACAQM was featured on Radio 786 to highlight its recent recognition with a prestigious French award for innovation in artificial...

SACAQM was recently interviewed on the eNCA national television channel to present its innovative approach to air quality monitoring. The...