Airborne Infection Reduction through Building Operation and Design for SARS-CoV-2 (AIRBODS)

This research will deliver robust guidance on ventilation operation and future building design to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in buildings - such as primary healthcare settings, theatres, open plan offices and retail spaces - in response to increasing evidence of aerosol transmission. This work brings together leading UK scientists and engineers to address this using experimental methods, mathematical modelling and field work. By undertaking small-scale experiments and field tests to investigate the transport of aerosols carrying virus particles under various scenarios, the team will develop guidance on how to design and operate buildings to minimise the risk of airborne transmission, and develop a range of modelling techniques and simulation tools for others to use to enable immediate deployment of knowledge. With CIBSE as a project partner, and a work package dedicated to dissemination, we will operate a very transparent channel of regular communication with stakeholders. Through this channel the team will provide advice and guidance, as it becomes available, on mitigating airborne transmission. However, the longitudinal nature of the research means we will refine our models using feedback from field studies and be in a position to respond to the changing demands for information and advice to help society "reopen for business". Our approach to the research will mean the knowledge and tools we generate will be relevant for mitigation of a wide range of airborne hazards across the spectrum of indoor environments for many years to come.