Special Interview with Prof. Hongjun Mao
On October 30, 2024, the editorial team of Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment (JEEA) had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Hongjun Mao from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Nankai University, China. The discussion highlighted the Urban Transportation Emissions Research Center as one of China's leading institutes in traffic pollution prevention and control. The center's research focuses on four main areas: characterization of mobile emission sources, optimization of traffic and energy efficiency for emission reduction, investigation of atmospheric chemical mechanisms, and assessment of traffic-related pollution and health effects.
Prof. Mao emphasized advancements in real-time sensor technologies that enhance localized air quality monitoring, while noting current limitations in emission modeling, indoor-outdoor air quality simulations, and the application of big data. Key research priorities, he explained, include precise exposure assessment, attention to vulnerable populations, investigation of long-term and cumulative exposure effects, understanding interactions among pollutants, and elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms. He also pointed out non-exhaust emissions, such as brake and tire wear particles containing metals and microplastics, as an emerging health concern in the context of transportation electrification.
Looking ahead, Prof. Mao provided several recommendations for JEEA's continued development. These include strengthening interdisciplinary research, focusing on emerging pollutants and innovative methodologies, promoting data transparency, organizing Special Issues and collaborative projects, engaging early-career researchers, expanding global participation, and enhancing the journal's digital presence to better serve the scientific community.
Watch the video for Prof. Hongjun Mao's expert insights:
Interview questions:
1. Could you briefly introduce the research work of your group?
2. In studying traffic-related pollution exposure, especially for residents in heavily trafficked areas, what do you see as the advantages and limitations of current assessment methods?
3. Health impact assessment is complex, and you have accumulated rich experience in studying the impact of air pollution exposure on human health. What do you think is the most important factor in conducting health impact assessments? What areas are yet to be explored in current research?
4. With the acceleration of urbanization and the diversification of transportation, what emerging trends do you foresee in future research on mobile source pollution and air quality? Which research directions are you most interested in pursuing?
5. Can you share an experience that inspired or moved you the most during your research work? What advice do you have for young students who are interested in scientific research?
Interviewee Profile:
Prof. Hongjun Mao is a professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, and serves as director of the Key Laboratory of Urban Traffic Pollution Prevention and Control in Tianjin, China. He is also a member of the Editorial Board of JEEA. His research primarily focuses on vehicle emission testing and control, mitigation of urban mobile source pollution, and the impacts of atmospheric pollution sources on ambient air quality and public health. Over the past decade, he has led or participated in more than ten major research projects, including China's National 973 and 863 Programs, key projects under the Ministry of Science and Technology's Fundamental Work Special Program, the National Science and Technology Support Program, National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, Tianjin Science and Technology Support projects, and projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. He has published nearly 100 papers as first or corresponding author in journals such as Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, Environmental International, and Journal of Cleaner Production, including two highly cited papers recognized in the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) Top 1%. Professor Mao's accolades include the Second Prize of China Environmental Protection Science and Technology Award, the Second Prize of Tianjin Science and Technology Progress Award, the Industry-Academia-Research Collaborative Innovation Award, and the 2018 National Advanced Individual for Returned Overseas Chinese and Their Relatives Award.
Editor: Tracy Sun
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment
