The University of Birmingham is proud to announce that Professor Christian Pfrang has been awarded the 2025 ISIS Impact Award in the Society category.
Professor Christian Pfrang has been awarded the prestigious 2025 ISIS Impact Award in the Society category.
The University of Birmingham is proud to announce that Professor Christian Pfrang has been awarded the prestigious 2025 ISIS Impact Award in the Society category. This accolade recognises his groundbreaking research on the effects of cooking emissions on indoor air quality, conducted using neutron reflectometry.
Cooking activities release fatty acids that can accumulate on water droplets in the atmosphere or on surfaces within homes. Professor Pfrang's research has revealed that these fatty acids are remarkably stable and not easily broken down. Their persistence in the atmosphere can influence climate, while their accumulation indoors can trap toxic pollutants, thereby affecting air quality and health.
In collaboration with ISIS beamline scientist Dr Max Skoda, Professor Pfrang co-supervised PhD student Ben Woden to develop a new sample environment on the Inter beamline. This innovative setup allows for the measurement of atmospheric systems, providing valuable insights into the interactions between fatty acids and pollutants. Associated key work was also carried out by Dr Adam Milsom, most importantly looking at the effects of cooking emissions persisting for extended periods on kitchen windows.
I am honoured to receive this award. Our research highlights the importance of understanding indoor air quality and its impact on health. This recognition underscores the significance of our highly collaborative work and motivates us to continue exploring and communicating solutions for a healthier environment
For more information, read the full case study on Professor Pfrang's work.
Professor of Atmospheric Science
Christian Pfrang is Professor of Atmospheric Science
