Scientific research and environmental education: the participatory approach of the MAPS-MI projects in schools of Milan, Italy

The accumulated scientific evidence regarding the ef- fects of air pollution on health calls for urgent and ef- fective action to protect the most vulnerable part of the population, such as children and the elderly. In this context, the participatory approach represents a viable option to empower citizens and increase their level of awareness and participation. The involvement of civil society is a potential ally in tackling the still open re- search challenges. The MAPS-MI 2018-2019 Mapping air pollution in the catchment area of an elementary school of Milan and MAPS-MI 2022-2023 Mobility, environment and par-ticipation in the schools of Milan projects are here presented. The main targets of the projects are primary and middle school children, their parents and teachers, with some activities extended to the entire citizenship. Starting from the survey on parents' habits and opin- ions about mobility and air pollution, to the air quality and personal exposure assessment, and the field-test- ing and development of an environmental educa- tion module, the MAPS-MI approach aims to increase knowledge and awareness about air pollution and to in- volve stakeholders in experimenting practices towards change. The first results suggest that adopting a participatory approach in the fields of exposure science and envir- onmental epidemiology is a winning choice in terms of quality research, participation and community impact.