EMN Pollution Monitoring | Newsletter Issue 1 | May 2026

Welcome to the first edition of the EMN for Pollution Monitoring Newsletter.

The European Metrology Network for Pollution Monitoring (EMN POLMO) continues to strengthen its strategic contribution to European environmental policy and evidence-based decision-making through high-quality measurement science. In this inaugural issue, we present our recently published Strategic Research Agenda, highlight key activities from 2025, introduce new members, and provide an outlook on upcoming events in 2026.

Nathalie Guigues, the EMN Pollution Monitoring Chair, comments:

“We are very happy that the first Strategic Research Agenda of EMN POLMO has just been published! The next step will be to revise it to include new needs in metrology in light of the recent revision of key EU directives. Our objective is also to go beyond traditional pollutants to embrace a more holistic view of our ecosystem, by integrating light and noise pollution into our core strategy. We will be able to directly address the complex factors that impact both human health and European biodiversity.”

Strategic Research Agenda Published

The EMN for Pollution Monitoring has published its first Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), marking an important milestone for the network. The SRA defines priority research areas to address current and emerging challenges in pollution monitoring across Europe. A revision process is already underway to ensure alignment with recently updated European Directives and evolving regulatory requirements. In a significant expansion of scope, the updated SRA will incorporate dedicated sections on light and noise pollution. Recognising these as critical stressors affecting public health and biodiversity reflects the network’s commitment to a more holistic understanding of environmental monitoring. By broadening its strategic perspective beyond traditional pollutants, the EMN ensures that metrology continues to provide the high-quality data necessary for informed and evidence-based policymaking.

View the Strategic Research Agenda

MetZeroPol – Supporting the Implementation of IED 2.0

The Metrology Partnership project Metrology to support zero pollution from industrial emissions (24GRD02, MetZeroPol) directly supports the implementation of the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0), a key component of the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan.

The project addresses important metrological challenges linked to the revised directive. These include the validation of standard reference methods for pollutants such as formaldehyde and hydrogen fluoride, the development of guidance on the use of measurement uncertainty in legal compliance assessment, and the creation of a European method for measuring pollutants of emerging concern, such as Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Field campaigns at industrial sites will further identify relevant PFAS species and assess their concentrations in real processes.

By strengthening measurement reliability and regulatory clarity, MetZeroPol enables European industries to demonstrate compliance while contributing to improved environmental protection and long-term progress towards zero pollution objectives.

Explore the MetZeroPol project

Gas Analysis Conference

The international community gathered for the Gas Analysis 2026 conference, held from 27 to 29 January 2026, to discuss the latest advancements in gas sensing and environmental monitoring. The conference provided an opportunity to present a dedicated poster showcasing the strategic work of the European Metrology Network for Pollution Monitoring.

The presentation successfully illustrated how the network bridges the gap between high-level measurement science and practical environmental policy. This visibility reinforces the EMN’s role as a central hub for expertise in the field of atmospheric and industrial emissions. The EMN is building on these new connections to further enhance the impact of metrology on European environmental standards.

Read the full conference review

EMN POLMO Annual General Meeting in June 2025

The third Annual General Meeting, held in Paris, introduced new members, presented progress from task groups, and discussed the extension of the SRA to include light and noise pollution. A stakeholder dialogue also strengthened collaboration in the fields of PFAS and microplastics.

Stay up-to-date about EMN POLMO developments

Poster promoting EMN POLMO at 2025 World Metrology Day celebrations

On World Metrology Day 2025 the global metrology community celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention. A special celebration including presentations, round-tables and a poster session took place on 21 May at the Palais des Congrès de Versailles.

The EMN for Pollution Monitoring contributed to the poster session’s ‘Environment and Climate Change’ topic, introducing the EMN and its work.

View the poster here

PFAS Workshop 2025

A workshop entitled ‘Advancements of Analytical Techniques for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – AATP3: PFAS Analytics for Industrial Emissions’ was held online on 16 September 2025. The main goal was to discuss advantages and drawbacks of current state-of-the-art methods in contrast to various novel and less well-known techniques for PFAS analytics – with a particular focus on PFAS analytics for industrial emissions.

Further information can be found here

New EMN Members

The EMN for Pollution Monitoring continues to grow and now consists of 33 members and one partner. New members include: The Joint Research Centre (JRC), which is the science and knowledge service of the European Commission, the Central Office of Measures/Główny Urząd Miar (GUM), Poland, the Centre for Metrology (VTT MIKES), which is part of the Technical Research Centre of Finland, the Research Institutes of Sweden AB (RISE), the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRIM), Italy, and the Hellenic Institute of Metrology (EIM) in Greece. The Danish Aarhus University has joined as a partner.

Find out about all partners

Upcoming events

9 – 11 June 2026 | Teddington, United Kingdom

2026 Annual General Meeting

The 2026 Annual General Meeting of EMN POLMO will take place from 9 to 11 June 2026 at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington. In addition to the AGM programme, a dedicated stakeholders’ workshop will be organised. A joint meeting with the EMN for Climate and Ocean Observation is planned to strengthen collaboration and foster exchange across the networks.

Further information can be found here

3 June 2026 | Liverpool, United Kingdom – 7th European IRPA Congress

International Workshop ‘Holistic or Multiple Stressor Approach in Environmental Radiation Protection’

An international workshop entitled ‘Holistic or Multiple Stressor Approach in Environmental Radiation Protection’ will be held during the 7th European IRPA Congress on 3 June 2026 from 08:00 – 10:00. The workshop is organised by the EU MULTIPLEX project, with EMN POLMO participating as a stakeholder. It will provide a platform to discuss and advance holistic approaches to environmental radiation protection, taking multiple stressors into account.

Further information and registration can be found here

19 – 23 October 2026 | Bern-Wabern, Switzerland

EURAMET 2026 Autumn School on Sensors and Sensor Networks

From 19 to 23 October 2026, METAS (Switzerland) will host a training course on sensors and sensor networks. This programme is designed for early-career and experienced metrologists, scientists, NMI/DI staff, academics, end-users, and manufacturers.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and insights into state-of-the-art metrological methods to enhance sensor reliability and confidence in measurements. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts and advance your skills in a cutting-edge metrology environment.

Further information will soon be available on the event page

EMN for Pollution Monitoring Members and Contacts

An overview of EMN Pollution Monitoring members and contact persons can be found on the network’s website.

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Disclaimer
Project information and links published in the current issue of the EURAMET newsletter are correct to the best of EURAMET's knowledge and in accordance with the current state of the art. EURAMET cannot be held responsible for the sufficiency or fitness for purpose of any information. The technologies presented in this newsletter may be covered by intellectual property rights.