Web2Learn designed and is now implementing an educational and research initiative, AirLimnos, for air quality monitoring in the Greek island of Limnos. AirLimnos was selected among other initiatives through the CitiObs‘ 2024 open call.

The initiative’s scope is twofold: a) enhance awareness and skills, as well as b) participation of Limnos’ school community in scientific research with a social purpose.

Specifically, through AirLimnos, Web2Learn received from the CitiObs project air quality sensors which have been installed in three Secondary schools of the island: that of Myrina, Moudrou and Livadochori. The data collected through the sensors enrich the national repository on air quality: https://air-quality.gr. The educational part of the project began on April 1st, 2025, through on-site workshops designed and carried out by Web2Learn in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens. In only 1 day, more than 200 students participated at these workshops and learned about citizen science and its value for monitoring air quality. 

In particular, the students:

• learned about the causes and consequences of air pollution,
• were informed about solutions that can be implemented at individual and collective level and
• were introduced to cutting-edge technologies, such as air quality sensors for the measurement of PM2.5 particles.

Through the monitoring of measurements from the sensors in their schools, the students connected theory with practice, cultivating environmental awareness, teamwork and active participation. The educational workshops were also accompanied by interactive quizzes and group exercises that enhanced understanding and cooperation.

The Web2Learn team involved in the implementation of the project consists of: Dr. Katerina Zourou (team leader – strategy and scientific oversight), Claire Fragiadaki (communication and dissemination), Stefania Oikonomou (citizen science and co-design).

The educational workshops were carried out in cooperation with the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development of NOA. Mr. Charalambos Hadjidiakos, under the scientific supervision of Dr. Evangelos Gerasopoulos, joined the workshops with presentations and demonstrations of the sensors, enriching the students’ experience with scientific accuracy and practical application.

We would like to warmly thank the principals of the Secondary schools: Mrs. Eleni Polymeni (Myrina Secondary school), Mrs. Theodora Lyberi (Moudros Secondary school) and Mrs. Charitini Fotopoulou (Livadochori Secondary school) for their support and excellent cooperation.

Web2Learn is committed in strengthening open science and citizen participation in scientific research in the remote island of Limnos. More educational activities on air quality monitoring and analysis will follow soon.

The AirLimnos project is implemented with the support of the EU-funded CitiObs project.

Find out more about AirLimnos here (page in Greek): https://web2learn.eu/airlimnos/