James Scales

Dr. James Scales is a Research Fellow at Queen Mary University of London's Wolfson Institute of Population Health, funded by the Asthma and LungUK Center for Applied Research (AUKCAR). He joined the university in 2018, leading the Children’s Health in London and Luton (CHILL) study evaluating London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone. With over £800,000 in grant funding, his work focuses on air pollution’s health impacts, physical activity benefits, and public engagement. He has conducted 50+ public events, including festivals and workshops, and pioneered a citizen science program for schools to measure air quality. Recent research examines non-tailpipe pollution from electric/hybrid vehicles and its effects on asthma patients through the IONA study.

Research Interests

• Air pollution exposure and health outcomes
• Physical activity benefits vs. air pollution risks
• Non-exhaust pollution from electric vehicles
• Citizen science and public engagement strategies
• Pediatric environmental health

Grants & Recognition

Recipient of multiple awards for public engagement and over £800,000 in research grants. Current funding explores evolving air pollution dynamics under NetZero initiatives and indoor air quality impacts.

Public Engagement

Championed community involvement through citizen science programs, empowering schools to conduct air quality measurements and health monitoring.