The UrBAInE project aims to improve our understanding of how urban biodiversity impacts urban residents and specifically their immunological health. With much of the human population living in cities and urbanization still being on the rise, it is critical to examine the benefits of biodiversity for public health and urban planning. In this project, we will develop and apply innovative techniques, such as biodiversity assessments from environmental DNA (eDNA) in air samples, to provide improved biodiversity metrics. These will allow us to study the impacts of biodiversity on the human microbiome and on immunological health, including asthma and allergies. Significant for both science and society, our research will inform urban biodiversity management, potentially improving public health outcomes and holistically sustainable urban environments.

2026

2030