Meet our leadership team
Bruño Fraga
Bruño Fraga is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering at University of Birmingham and the Project Lead for BreatHE IN. He leads a research group (xFlow) that specialises in developing new models for multiphase particle-laden flows. These flows are ubiquitous and consist on one or several sets of discrete elements (bubbles, droplets, microplastics, sediments, etc) transported within one fluid matrix (e.g., air, water). The models we develop are based on our in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics solvers, and we use them to gain new understanding of the complexities of these flows and to develop practical engineering applications, with an emphasis on sustainability and health.
Suzanne Bartington
Suzanne Bartington is a Clinical Associate Professor in Environmental Health, Honorary Consultant in Public Health and UKRI Clean Air Champion. Dr Suzanne Bartington leads interdisciplinary research and policy impact focussed activities at the intersect of air quality, climate change and health. She is a co-lead for BreatHE IN.
Suzanne has developed specific interests in developing clean air and climate solutions which deliver co-benefits for public health and equity. In her role as UK Clean Air Champion she works closely with policymakers, commercial and not-for-profit partners to translate research outputs arising from the £42.5million UKRI Clean Air Programme into knowledge and tools available for policy and practice. Suzanne is co-lead for the University of Birmingham Institute for Global Innovation Clean Air theme, where she supports integration of disciplines, perspectives and activities to address global environmental challenges.
Christian Pfrang
Christian Pfrang is a Professor of atmospheric science and co-lead for BreatHE IN. His work is mainly focussed on gas-phase and heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry exploring the fate of atmospheric aerosols and their impacts on air quality and climate change. He is also studying reactions of initiators of atmospheric oxidation (in particular ozone and nitrate radicals) with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), e.g. stress-induced plant emissions. Prof. Pfrang is also aiming to link atmospheric chemistry to related research topics in meteorology, environmental & plant sciences to advance the understanding of the urban environment with a recent focus on indoor air quality.
Zhiwen (Vincent) Luo
Zhiwen Luo is Professor and Chair in Architectural and Urban Science at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University and co-lead for BreatHE IN. His research focuses on designing smart, resilient and healthy built environments at building and urban scales, addressing climate change and public health challenges while minimising energy use. He specialises in multi- scale climate modelling, with particular expertise in heat stress and air pollution across indoor and outdoor environments. His work examines how urban form, building design, and ventilation influence environmental quality, energy demand, and human health under current and future climates. He develops multi‑scale modelling approaches that capture interactive feedback between indoor and outdoor environments. His research has been funded by NERC, EPSRC, BBSRC, Innovate UK, the Met Office, ADEPT, Climate‑KIC, and Global Innovation funding
Sonia Antoranz Contera
Sonia Antoranz Contera is a Professor of Biological Physics working at the interface of biology, nanotechnology and information processing. Her research focuses on the physical principles underlying biological systems, with particular expertise in atomic force microscopy and the role of mechanics in biology. After completing a PhD at Osaka University on the physics of nanostructures, she now studies biological growth and shape across systems ranging from plants and neural networks to tumours. Her work spans neuronal non-equilibrium processes, advanced brain–machine interfaces and the application of biological physics and AI to challenges such as zero-emission building design, with a strong commitment to responsible, ethical science.
Our funders and partners
