On 7 August 2026, the AIR-SATREPS Project joined the Hirameki☆Tokimeki Science program, “The Invisible World of Microorganisms,” organized by the Osaka Research Institute of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries and Osaka Ohtani University.

As part of the program, researchers and students in Cambodia participated in an online exchange with Japanese high school students. The Cambodian team introduced Cambodia, shared AIR-SATREPS activities on air quality monitoring, and explained research on airborne microorganisms and their relationship with particulate matter. The session provided an opportunity for students in Japan and Cambodia to exchange perspectives on air pollution and the invisible microorganisms present in the atmosphere, while encouraging scientific curiosity and international collaboration among young students.

From 8–12 June 2026, the AIR-SATREPS Project and the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) jointly organized a capacity-building program at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia and the Ministry of Environment. The program strengthened practical skills in air pollution monitoring, chemical analysis, QA/QC, and data management, including training on wet and dry deposition, filter-pack sampling, ion chromatography, and ozone monitoring.

The program concluded with the Joint Workshop on Air Pollution Policy Based on PM₂.₅ Source Information on 12 June. Researchers and policymakers shared experiences on PM₂.₅ monitoring and source apportionment across East Asia and discussed how scientific source information can support evidence-based air quality policy and capacity building.

On 5th June 2026, the AIR-SATREPS Project held its 3rd Joint Workshop with the Ministry of Environment (MoE) of Cambodia under the theme “Towards a Comfortable Atmosphere through Science.” The workshop brought together representatives from MoE, JICA, ITC, Japanese partner universities, and the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP).

The project team presented recent progress on PM₂.₅ monitoring and source identification, environmental risk assessment, air quality modeling, and social implementation. Discussions emphasized translating scientific findings into practical air quality management and strengthening collaboration between researchers and policymakers. MoE highlighted the importance of continued data sharing, source identification, and technical cooperation. The workshop marked an important step toward developing science-based air pollution mitigation strategies for Cambodia.

The event brought together researchers, students, policymakers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, present research findings, and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in environmental science, engineering, and sustainable development. The AIR-SATREPS Special Session highlighted recent advancements in air quality monitoring, pollution assessment, and environmental research conducted in Cambodia and the region.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all invited speakers for their valuable contributions and insightful presentations.

On 10 March 2026, the Air SATREPS Platform activities held a focus seminar with invited researchers from Waseda University to promote knowledge exchange in atmospheric science.

The seminar included presentations by Ms. Matsumi Ohama on atmospheric aerosols and VOCs in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Prof. Hiroshi Hayami on atmospheric conservation and altitude-specific observations, and a special invited talk by Prof. Hiroshi Okochi on airborne microplastics, including recent findings from Siem Reap and Tonle Sap Lake.

We sincerely thank the speakers for sharing their valuable insights and for supporting knowledge exchange with students and researchers in Cambodia.

Three researchers from the AIR-SATREPS Platform participated in the International Conference on Future Environment and Energy 2026, held on 6–8 March 2026 in Fukuoka, Japan, to share their latest research on air quality in Cambodia.

Dr. Phat Chanvorleak – Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure during commuting: a comparative analysis of bus and tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh

Mrs. Sieng Sreyvich – Carbonaceous components in airborne nanoparticles (PM0.1) during the dry season in the urban area of Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

Ms. Doeurn Seyha – Seasonal characteristics of gaseous air pollutants in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We are also proud to share that Ms. Doeurn Seyha received the Best Presentation Award at the conference. Their participation highlights ongoing efforts of the AIR-SATREPS Platform to advance air pollution research and strengthen international scientific collaboration.

Prof. Hata from Kanazawa University visited the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) for three days to support ongoing research activities under the SATREPS project. Despite the short stay, Prof. Hata had meaningful discussions with many ITC researchers and reviewed the status of analytical equipment at ITC.

His visit greatly contributed to strengthening research collaboration and enhancing the technical foundation for environmental monitoring in Cambodia.

On April 01, 2025, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) recently visited the AIR-SATREPS laboratory to explore ongoing research activities and strengthen collaboration. The visit highlighted the project's innovative approaches to air pollution monitoring and mitigation in Cambodia. MISTI representatives engaged with researchers, observed analytical instruments in operation, and discussed potential areas for policy support and scientific cooperation. This visit marked an important step toward aligning national science and technology initiatives with environmental research efforts.

As part of the SATREPS Clean Air Project, Prof. Furuuchi and Prof. Hata, core member researchers, visited Cambodia to support key technical and collaborative activities. They prepared for upcoming emission factor measurements, conducted site visits and sensor calibrations to ensure accurate data for the online monitoring network, and inspected essential laboratory equipment. Their visit significantly contributed to strengthening technical readiness and enhancing coordination among project members, advancing the project's objectives.

A remote meeting was held with Associate Professor Ikemori from Nagasaki University and researchers from ITC to discuss the output of the newly installed Carbon Analyzer.

The team carefully examined subtle variations in the data and discussed ways to improve measurement accuracy. These technical discussions help enhance the reliability of the analysis and support the project’s goal of strengthening air quality research in Cambodia.

Professor Okochi and his team from Waseda University visited Siem Reap for atmospheric observation. His laboratory has been conducting independent research on air quality in Siem Reap for several years, and he is widely recognized in Japan as one of the leading experts in atmospheric science. Our team also traveled to Siem Reap to learn from their expertise in air quality monitoring. Their passion and dedication to their research were truly inspiring, making this a very meaningful visit!.

On February 6, 2025, lab orientation session was conducted to familiarize new students and researchers with our AIR-SATREPS laboratory, operational, and safety protocols.

The session included an overview of key instruments, such as the AQMS, and weighing chamber. This orientation aimed to ensure safe and effective use of lab facilities and to strengthen technical understanding among team members.

AIR-SATREPS researchers participated in the Kyoto University International Symposium held at the University of Agriculture, Cambodia. The event brought together scholars and students to share research across various environmental and agricultural topics.

Representing the project, our researchers presented posters highlighting recent findings on air quality and was honored with one of the Best Poster Awards. This recognition reflects the quality and relevance of our research in the regional and international scientific community.

We held a laboratory orientation for students at ITC on October 19. The event successfully facilitated engagement between students and research activities within the institution. A significant number of students participated, demonstrating considerable interest in the ongoing scientific investigations!

The orientation provided a valuable platform for students to gain insights into the practical aspects of research and interact with faculty researchers. 

A big thank to the researchers who helped with the preparations and made this event possible.

We successfully held the 3rd Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) on 12 Sep, 2024. Two years have passed since the project began, and the installation of most atmospheric analysis equipment has been completed. Moving forward, we expect Cambodia to advance its own atmospheric research independently. 

A training session for new student members to provide comprehensive explanation on air quality assessment and the impact of nanoparticles on health and the environment. Participants explored key instruments such as

Personal Air Sampler – to assess individual exposure to airborne particulate matter.
Ambient Nano Sampler – to collect and analyze nanoparticles in the air.
Naneos Partector 2 – real-time monitoring of nanoparticle concentrations.

We are excited to announce the successful installation and operation of the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) at ITC, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the HORIBA team, researchers at ITC, and Professor Furuuchi. This system will play a crucial role in monitoring and improving air quality, contributing significantly to our research and environmental initiatives. 

We are grateful to Prof. Toriba from Nagasaki University for his invaluable support in our project. During his short stay from June 14th to 17th, he introduced and programmed HPLC for atmospheric PAHs analysis and provided essential training to our Cambodian team. His expertise and dedication have significantly advanced our research. 

Dr. Ikemori, a member of our project from the Nagoya City Institute for Environmental Sciences visited ITC as part of the SATREPS project. He was a keynote on air pollution in the 15th ITC Scientific Day and led hands-on training sessions on air sampling and analysis. His also conduct field visits in Phnom Penh, and in-depth discussion with ITC researchers—greatly strengthening our collaborative research efforts.

On June 3, 2024, the HPLC instrument was successfully installed in the AIR-SATREPS laboratory as part of the project efforts to enhance analytical capabilities. A hands-on training session was conducted by a Shimadzu engineer, focusing on system operation, maintenance, and applications relevant to air quality research.

This installation marks a significant step forward in enabling precise analysis of chemical compounds in particulate matter, contributing to the project's goal of understanding and mitigating air pollution.