Allin-Wayra: Small sensors for atmospheric science
Webinar Series
Allin-Wayra is hosting a webinar series. The next webinar (17th December 2025 11am UTC) will explore how ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ต๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐พ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐, and how these principles are now being extended to emerging low-cost sensor systems. Weโll highlight recent developments such as CEN/TS 17660-1 & -2 and UK PAS4023, which introduce practical testing protocols and codes of practice designed to improve data quality and support the responsible use of new sensor technologies. The invited speakers are Dr Brian Stacey and Dr Valerio Ferracci. More information can be found at the registration link. You can view recordings of past webinars on topics such as community engagement and integrating sensor data into wider air quality monitoring on our youtube channel.
Join Allin Wayra at EGU!
The European Geosciences Union General Assembly will be held in Vienna, Austria from 3rd-8th May 2026. Members of the Allin-Wayra SC have co-organized a session on 'Low-cost air quality sensors: challenges, opportunities, and collaborative strategies across the world' that is co-sponsored by iCACGP/IGAC, EPIC and WMO. In addition, a Splinter Meeting, will be organized. More information on that to follow!
What is Allin Wayra?
Allin-Wayra, which can be interpreted as โgood airโ or โwinds of changeโ in Quechua (Runasimi, or "people's language") a pre-colonial South American native tongue, is the new IGAC Activity on small sensors.
Motivation (Why do we want to do it?)
After consulting with small sensor users in the atmospheric science community, it has become clear that there are many researchers and research groups using small sensors. We would like to connect the dots with some of the current activities on small sensors and more deeply engage researchers in atmospheric science.
Mission (What do we do?)
Our mission is to foster a diverse and inclusive global small sensor community of practice - with a particular focus on regions lacking air quality measurements - and advance knowledge of sensor use for air quality and atmospheric science through collaborative initiatives that address critical issues, build capacity, and promote accessibility.
Vision (Where are we going?)
Our vision is a world where small sensor technology is accessible and widely used in a transparent and equitable manner, contributing to an improved understanding of air quality and atmospheric science to foster planetary health and strive for environmental justice.
Preliminary Objectives*:
*These objectives are suggestions and we would like to shape and expand on these preliminary objectives with your input.
- Publish an initial commentary paper to raise awareness about the importance of small sensor technology in research, with a specific focus highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to air pollution and environmental justice in Global South countries.
- Engage the community through an inclusive workshop, ensuring that different perspectives and voices are represented in shaping the scope, direction, and goals of Allin Wayra.
- Identify and/or adapt a collaborative, user-based, open-access, repository on small sensor resources to promote transparency, accessibility, and collaboration among researchers and practitioners, while addressing the need for equity in the distribution of resources and knowledge.
- After 4-5 years of Allin Wayra, write a community-authored article to share the collective knowledge, experiences, and insights gained through Allin Wayra's collaborative efforts (further topic/specific focus to be determined) for air quality and atmospheric science in regions where measurements are lacking.
Get involved!
We are looking to engage a broad, diverse community that is truly global. Please sign up for our mailing list if you are interested.
We welcome your input in developing these plans! Contact us at allin.wayra@igacproject.org to contribute your ideas.
Past Events
The Community Scoping Workshop Summary
We hosted a Community Scoping Workshop on March 26, 2024 (8:30-11:00 UTC or 14:30-17:00 UTC) to get input from the community on what Allin Wayra should be doing in the coming years. It was also an opportunity for participants to network with colleagues also working with or interested in small sensors. A summary of the workshop can be found here. Thank you to everyone who participated!!
Allin Wayra Side Meeting at iCACGP-IGAC 2024
Allin Wayra held a Side Meeting at iCACGP-IGAC where participants could learn more about Allin Wayra and join in discussions about the activities we are scoping and/or share ideas for where we should be going. This took place on Sept. 10, 17:30-19:00; it was an in person only event.
We also conducted a follow-up survey. Participation in the survey was open to everyone in the community and conducted online. Two years ago at the IGAC Conference in Manchester, UK, we launched a survey asking: "Is there a place for sensors in atmospheric chemistry science?" Now, we aim to revisit this question and understand how perceptions may have evolved within our community. The survey results will be shared in a publication that is currently in preparation.