The fourth CHILI seminar brought together researchers to explore how school environments can support children’s health, wellbeing, and learning.
The session featured two presentations examining evidence on indoor air quality and school uniforms, highlighting the importance of evidence-informed approaches to improving children’s experiences in educational settings.
The first talk, delivered by Smriti Safaya, presented findings from a scoping review of educational, behavioural, and communication interventions designed to improve indoor air quality in schools. The seminar explored how increasing awareness, encouraging behaviour change, and engaging school communities can contribute to healthier learning environments. The presentation highlighted the growing recognition that classroom air quality can influence children’s health, wellbeing, and ability to learn, and discussed opportunities for schools to play an active role in improving indoor environments.
The second talk, delivered by Katie Meadows, shared findings from a systematic review investigating the impacts of school uniform policies on children’s health behaviours and outcomes. Drawing on evidence from 12 studies, the review examined associations between school uniforms and academic achievement, physical health, psychosocial wellbeing, attendance, and discipline. The findings revealed a mixed and limited evidence base, with studies reporting both positive and negative associations, as well as many instances of no clear relationship. The presentation also considered differing perspectives on school uniforms among educators, parents, and students, and highlighted the need for further research to support policy and practice.
Together, the presentations demonstrated the complexity of factors that shape children’s experiences in schools and reinforced the value of robust evidence in informing decisions that affect health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes.
Thank you to both speakers and everyone who joined us for another engaging CHILI seminar. We look forward to continuing these important conversations as we work towards healthier and more sustainable learning environments for children.
Event Overview
Professor Sarah West delivered an engaging talk on citizen science and its growing role in understanding the environments we live in. While citizen science is often discussed, it is not always clearly understood. In her talk, Professor West unpacked what citizen science really is (and what it is not), and explored how these approaches can be used to deepen understanding of both natural and built environments.
Drawing on real‑world examples, she demonstrated how involving communities in research can lead to more inclusive and impactful environmental insights.
About the Speaker
Professor Sarah West is a citizen science researcher and practitioner with a strong passion for bringing diverse communities together through research. In recent years, she has led and contributed to several air quality projects, including SAMHE in schools and INGENIOUS in homes. She also serves as Director of SEI York, a research organisation focused on addressing environmental challenges around the world.
Role in CHILI
Within the CHILI project, Professor West co‑led the Involve work package, helping to bring the voices of young people and school staff into the project.
Event Overview
Professor Sarah West delivered an engaging talk on citizen science and its growing role in understanding the environments we live in. While citizen science is often discussed, it is not always clearly understood. In her talk, Professor West unpacked what citizen science really is (and what it is not), and explored how these approaches can be used to deepen understanding of both natural and built environments.
Drawing on real‑world examples, she demonstrated how involving communities in research can lead to more inclusive and impactful environmental insights.
About the Speaker
Professor Sarah West is a citizen science researcher and practitioner with a strong passion for bringing diverse communities together through research. In recent years, she has led and contributed to several air quality projects, including SAMHE in schools and INGENIOUS in homes. She also serves as Director of SEI York, a research organisation focused on addressing environmental challenges around the world.
Role in CHILI
Within the CHILI project, Professor West co‑led the Involve work package, helping to bring the voices of young people and school staff into the project.
Dr Abi Whitehouse brought her experience of translating air pollution research into a new innovative NHS clinical service.
Hosted by CHILI
From the Kitchen to the Playground: Bringing Air Pollution Research into the Clinic
with Dr Abigail Whitehouse
How did everyday environments—from our homes to our school playgrounds—shape children’s lung health? And how could cutting‑edge research be translated into real‑world clinical support for families?
Dr Abigail Whitehouse, paediatric respiratory consultant and clinical academic, shared her experience turning air pollution research into an innovative NHS clinical service. Drawing on her work establishing the UK’s first Children’s Environmental Health Clinic at the Royal London Hospital, Dr Whitehouse explored how evidence-based interventions could help families identify and reduce environmental exposures that impact children’s breathing and long‑term health.
The talk offered a unique behind‑the‑scenes look at the intersection of research, clinical care, and public health—showing how practical, personalised advice can empower healthier futures.
About the Speaker
Dr Abigail Whitehouse is a paediatric respiratory consultant and clinical academic in London. Her work focuses on how air pollution, housing conditions, and other environmental factors affect children’s lung health. Combining her NHS practice with research and teaching, she is dedicated to translating evidence into meaningful, actionable clinical guidance.
Who attended?
Researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in child health, education, and the environment.
We launched the CHILI Seminar Series, bringing together experts exploring children’s learning environments and their health.
Hosted by CHILI Hub
Professors Pia Hardelid and Dejan Mumovic began the event with an overview of the CHILI project vision, followed by presentations from:
The event offered an opportunity to learn, network, and engage with leading researchers shaping the future of child health and education.
Who attended?
Researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in child health, education, and the environment.
