Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP)

Dr. Yusuke Kiriyama

Dr. Yusuke Kiriyama is engaged in research on the analysis of atmospheric dynamics of air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and is affiliated with the Data Management Department of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research. He played a central role in the work on air quality simulation within ACAP, participated in international collaborative research programs, and contributed internationally through JICA projects. He earned his PhD in Science from Tokyo University of Science, where his doctoral research involved simulating the causes of high concentrations of photochemical oxidants.

Dr. Keiichi Sato

Dr. Keiichi Sato is involving research on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) source identification, and atmospheric deposition, currently serving as the Head of the Atmospheric Research Department at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP). With over a decade of experience in ACAP, he has played a role in long term monitoring of EANET and collaborative research programs with institutions in East Asian countries. He earned his PhD in Environmental Chemistry from Osaka Prefecture University, where his doctoral research explored the atmospheric behaviors of soluble substances in aqueous phase.

Mr. Gaston Melo-Felgueres

Mr. Gaston Melo-Felgueres is an international development professional specializing in digital transformation, AI governance, and sustainable development. Currently serving as Associate Expert at UN ESCAP, he manages projects across Asia-Pacific focused on helping governments develop national AI frameworks, implement digital cooperation initiatives, and build sustainable technology capacity. Previously, he served as International Policy Specialist at Google, managing government relations and AI integration across multiple regions.

Mr. Xavier Mari

Mr. Xavier MARI is a Senior Scientist at the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD). He has served as the IRD Representative in Thailand since September 2022, with extended responsibilities for India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
For the past 20 years, he has been working in partnership across the Asia–Pacific region. He leads the International Research Network Impact of Black Carbon in Southeast Asia (SOOT-SEA), which brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of scientists from Southeast Asian and European countries. This network addresses the multiple health, climate, environmental, and socio-political challenges associated with fine particulate air pollution in the Asia–Pacific region. He joined IRD in 2002 and has held postings for six years in New Caledonia (2004–2009) and eight years in Vietnam (2009–2013 and 2018–2022). His current work focuses on the establishment of a regional observatory for pollutants emitted from combustion processes. The goal of this observatory is to build robust scientific evidence on the characteristics and impacts of these pollutants through a multisectoral approach, to promote emission-reduction actions, and to support policymakers in designing targeted regulations aimed at reducing emissions and mitigating air pollution impacts. Throughout his career, he has been convinced of the need for cross-cutting, multidisciplinary, and multi-actor approaches—moving beyond thematic silos that have proven ineffective in addressing the major global challenges of our time.

Mr. Ekachai Lojanaphiwat

Mr. Ekachai Lojanaphiwat is a Project Advisor at GIZ Thailand, leading regional cooperation under the Southeast Asia Climate & Clean Air Initiative (SEACAI). His work focuses on improving air quality management and mitigating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) across the Mekong sub-region through evidence-based policies, technology applications, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. With over a decade of experience in environmental management and sustainable development, he has contributed to several ASEAN initiatives on transboundary haze pollution, circular economy, and climate resilience. Mr. Lojanaphiwat holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, an MBA, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Management at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).

Mr. Khamhu Tounalom

Mr. Khamhou Tounalom is the Director of the Environmental and Haze Research Center under the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR. With extensive experience in pollution emission inventory, haze management, and environmental policy implementation, Mr. Tounalom has led national and regional projects on air quality and sustainable environmental practices, contributing to Lao PDR’s efforts under the Stockholm Convention on POPs and regional haze cooperation initiatives.

Mr. Sitthideth Nonthaxay

Mr. Sitthideth Nonthaxay is the Director of the Environmental Quality Analysis Center at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR. An environmental engineer with over 12 years of experience, he specializes in water and air quality monitoring, laboratory management, and international environmental collaboration. Sitthideth has led national and regional projects under IAEA, EANET, MRC, and CASA, and is skilled in ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, isotopic analysis, and environmental data reporting. He serves as a key coordinator for ASEAN and UNEP initiatives, contributing to regional air quality and water management programs.