Professor Noakes and the Science of Airborne Pathogen Control
The quality of the air we breathe indoors has a profound impact on public health, particularly in high-risk environments like hospitals. Professor Noakes, a leading expert in environmental fluid flow—the study of how liquids and gases move through a given space—has dedicated her career to understanding how ventilation can prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
From her early work in industrial coatings to her pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noakes has bridged the gap between mathematical modeling and real-world health interventions. Her work ensures that the spaces we inhabit are not just comfortable, but safe from airborne threats.
Key Facts
- Specialization: Environmental fluid flow and building ventilation.
- Key Contribution: Expanding the Wells-Riley equation to include stochastic (randomly determined) effects for risk assessment.
- Leadership: Director of the Pathogen Control Research Institute and Deputy Director of the Leeds Institute of Fluid Dynamics.
- Public Health Impact: Advisor to the UK Government's COVID-19 scientific advisory board.
- Recognition: Recipient of the Royal Academy of Engineering President's Special Awards for Pandemic Service.
Academic Journey and Professional Evolution
Noakes began her professional career in the private sector at Delpro, a printing and coating company in Glossop, where she contributed to the development of a drier used for coating Euro banknotes. In 2002, she transitioned to academia, joining the University of Leeds in a post-doctoral position. Her early academic research focused on the intersection of airflow and UV-C light for disease prevention.
Her trajectory at the University of Leeds saw her rise to a permanent position and eventually to the rank of Professor in 2014. Beyond her research, she has championed diversity and inclusion, leading the Faculty of Engineering Athena SWAN scheme from 2014 to 2017.
Combatting Airborne Transmission in Healthcare
A significant portion of Noakes' research focuses on how building ventilation impacts indoor air quality and the subsequent risk of airborne transmission. This is particularly critical for diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis.
To quantify these risks, Noakes utilizes mathematical models, specifically expanding upon the Wells-Riley equation—a formula used to estimate the probability of infection from airborne pathogens—by incorporating stochastic effects to increase accuracy. These computational tools allow for better monitoring and control of patient environments.
The urgency of this work is highlighted by data presented at the Bradford Festival of Science, where Noakes revealed that one in fifty patients acquire an infection during their hospital stay. These healthcare-acquired infections lead to significant unnecessary expenditures due to the required follow-up care.
Collaborations and Leadership
To implement these findings, Noakes has led collaborations with Public Health England and the National Health Service (NHS). Her leadership extends to several prestigious institutions:
- Director of the Pathogen Control Research Institute (since 2010).
- Deputy Director of the Leeds Institute of Fluid Dynamics.
- Co-director of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science.
Expanding the Scope: Building Physics and COVID-19
In 2016, Noakes established the Low-Energy Ventilation Network (LEVN). This team focuses on building physics to understand how indoor environments might influence the cognitive performance of the people inside them.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shifted much of her focus toward SARS-CoV-2. Noakes investigated how ventilation could reduce the risk of inhaling small particles containing the virus. Her expertise led to her appointment to the United Kingdom Government's COVID-19 scientific advisory board in April 2020.
For her contributions during this global crisis, she was honored with the Royal Academy of Engineering President's Special Awards for Pandemic Service and shared her insights with the public via the BBC Radio 4 programme The Life Scientific in January 2021.
Career and Research Summary
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Delpro (Glossop) | Euro banknote coating driers |
| 2002 | Post-doctoral (University of Leeds) | Airflow and UV-C disease prevention |
| 2010 | Director, Pathogen Control Research Institute | Pathogen control and ventilation |
| 2014 | Promoted to Professor | Environmental fluid flow |
| 2016 | Founder, Low-Energy Ventilation Network | Building physics and cognitive performance |
| 2020 | UK Government COVID-19 Advisory Board | SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wells-Riley equation?
The Wells-Riley equation is a mathematical model used to estimate the probability that a person will become infected by airborne pathogens in a specific environment. Professor Noakes expanded this model to include stochastic effects for more precise risk assessments.
How does ventilation affect hospital safety?
Proper ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne viruses and bacteria. Because one in fifty people acquire an infection while in the hospital, Noakes' work in fluid flow and computational monitoring helps reduce these rates and the associated costs of follow-up care.
What is the Low-Energy Ventilation Network (LEVN)?
Founded by Noakes in 2016, LEVN is a team dedicated to studying building physics, specifically exploring how the indoor environment and ventilation impact the cognitive performance of occupants.
What role did Professor Noakes play during the COVID-19 pandemic?
She served on the UK Government's COVID-19 scientific advisory board, focusing on the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the importance of ventilation in reducing the inhalation of viral particles.
Which academic journals is Professor Noakes associated with?
She serves on the editorial boards of the Wiley journal Indoor Air and the Elsevier journal Building and Environment.