LeivaLab: State-of-the art research led by the University of Chile’s academics.

Exploring atmospheric science through research, education, and innovation.

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Shaping the future: Driving society forward through research excellence.

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Fusing knowledge: Overcoming Challenges to Scientific Advance.

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Exploring the Horizon of Air Quality and Health

About us

Welcome to LeivaLab, a unit within the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chile. Our team is aimed at research, innovation, and education to unravel the complex relationship between atmospheric aerosols and health.

The LeivaLab Atmospheric Aerosol Research Laboratory, led by Dr Manuel Leiva, focuses on the study of the complex interactions between atmospheric aerosol particles and their impact on human health.
Our aim is to accurately identify and quantify atmospheric aerosol pollutants and their sources in order to assess their health effects using state-of-the-art technology and advanced data analysis methods.
It is our belief and hope that through scientific research in combination with innovation we can contribute to the knowledge needed to create a healthier environment for us and future generations.
We invite you to explore how our laboratory addresses the critical issue of air pollution through a comprehensive approach to research, projects, teaching and community outreach.
Join us!

Cutting-Edge Research: Access Our Scientific Papers.
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Our vision

Our team is driven by a commitment and vision to be a leader in atmospheric chemistry and environmental health research, with a particular focus on the impact of aerosol pollution on human health. Through rigorous research, dedicated teaching and broad community outreach, we are committed to unravelling the complex processes by which airborne particles threaten human health.
We expect not only to play a significant role in advancing scientific knowledge at the national and international level, but also to foster an informed community that is ready to address these critical challenges to human health now and in the future.

Our mission

Our mission is to conduct rigorous scientific research, train the next generation of scientists in the field, and provide independent knowledge and information to the public, decision-makers, and stakeholders to accurately identify and quantify atmospheric aerosol sources that pose significant health risks. Through the use of state-of-the-art technology and advanced data analysis methods, we analyze aerosols to determine their sources and assess their health impacts. We believe that thorough scientific investigation can lead to knowledge that promotes a healthier living environment.

Our values

Our scientific research is conducted with the highest standards of integrity, rigor and ethical behaviour.
The foundation of our work is empirical evidence and robust methodology, which is a guarantee of the reliability and accuracy of our findings.
Recognising that a variety of perspectives enhances the quality and impact of our research, we actively promote diversity and inclusion.
Driven by the belief that our scientific endeavours can make a meaningful difference to the world, our commitment extends to public and individual service.
These values guide us in creating an environment that fosters growth, learning and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of societal well-being.

How does air pollution affect your body? (source WHO)

EMPOWERING SOLUTIONS THROUGH ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

ACADEMIC INSIGHTS

Our academic endeavors encompass research, teaching, and outreach, alongside the provision of services and consulting aimed at addressing and offering solutions to various stakeholders.

RESEARCH

TEACHING

OUTREACH

CONSULTANCY

PUBLICATIONS

PROJECTS

COURSES

FACILITIES

Transforming Challenges into Scientific Triumphs

Our Lab's Remarkable Achievements

Funds raised since 2013
USD $ 1 million
ANID projects since 2013
Nº 5 Grants
Journal Articles since 2020
Nº + 20 articles

Behind the Scenes: Exploring Our Work Through Our Photo Gallery

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At the heart of LeivaLab's success is its people

Team Member

Each team member is the architect of their own destiny, contributing a verse to our ongoing story of achievement and progress. Our diversity is our strength. The unity of our team is the signature of the work of our team. Together we are a formidable force. We combine expertise, wisdom and unyielding determination with academic excellence and ethical principles to meet the challenges.

Manuel A. Leiva Guzmán

PhD in Chemistry, Lab Head

Associate Professor

Luis Felipe Sanchez Puentes

Chemistry PhD Student

Environmental Chemist

Loreto Villacura Monsalves

Chemistry PhD Student

MSc in Chemistry, Environmental Chemist

Javier Ramirez Arenas

Chemistry PhD Student

Environmental Chemist

Andrés Camil Burgos

Chemistry PhD Student

Environmental Chemist, Chemistry MCs Student

Tomás A. Claramunt Ancavil

Chemistry MCs Student

Environmental Chemist

Alondra M. Campos Catalán

Undergraduate Student

Environmental Chemistry

Constanza A. Valenzuela Alarcón

Undergraduate Student

Environmental Chemistry

Josefa Alarcón Paredes

Undergraduate Student

Environmental Chemistry

Romina Navarrete Feltrerr

Undergraduate Student

Bachelor of Science with a mention in Chemistry

Stay tuned for fresh content and valuable updates right here

Latest News

We keep you informed about the latest developments, breakthroughs, and events happening in our research lab. Stay tuned to discover the cutting-edge projects, insightful findings, and exciting opportunities emerging from our team.

Latest News
Dr. Manuel Leiva Appointed to the Operational Committee for Revising Chile’s Lead PM10 Air Quality Standards

Dr. Manuel Leiva has been invited to join the operational committee charged with revising Chile’s lead PM10 air quality standards. This committee is dedicated to updating norms to protect public health from the chronic effects of lead exposure by ensuring regulations are scientifically robust and reflect international best practices. With his deep expertise in atmospheric sciences and redox chemistry, Dr. Leiva is set to bring innovative insights into the mechanisms by which airborne particulate matter induces oxidative stress. Public input is welcome until May 07 via consultasciudadanas.mma.gob.cl or through your regional SEREMI office.

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Talk and Keynotes
Dr. Manuel Leiva’s Keynote on Atmospheric Pollution & Oxidative Potential at III Workshop on Chemistry and Biochemistry RedOx

At the III Workshop on Chemistry and Biochemistry RedOx, held March 19–20, 2025, top experts gathered under the theme “Oxidants, Signaling, and Metabolic Control” at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. In my keynote, “Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Potential: More Than Meets the Eye,” I explored the intricate dynamics between airborne particulate matter and its ability to induce oxidative stress. I discussed the significance of the Anthropocene on air quality, introduced innovative measurement techniques like the DTT assay, and examined the profound health and economic impacts of air pollution. The workshop’s interdisciplinary approach highlighted the need to merge chemical insights with biological perspectives to effectively address modern environmental challenges.

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Latest News
Celebrating Our Team’s Progression: Loreto Villacura Wins ANID Scholarship for Internship at Sapienza University.

We are thrilled to celebrate Loreto Villacura’s achievement in securing an ANID scholarship for a prestigious internship at Sapienza University of Rome, one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe, renowned internationally. Under the guidance of Dr. Lorenzo Massimi, a respected member of the Italian Society of Aerosols, Loreto will engage in cutting-edge research at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Natural Sciences in the Department of Environmental Biology. The internship will focus on sampling atmospheric particles, analyzing their oxidative potential, and studying oxidative stress induced by these particles in model organisms.

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Latest News
Celebrating Our Team’s Progression: Javier Ramirez’s Advanced WRF Meteorology Learning Experience at the University of Zagreb.

Javier Ramirez, a Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry, successfully completed the “Advanced WRF Meteorology Learning Experience” at the University of Zagreb, under the supervision of Dr. Zvjezdana B. Klaić. His work focused on atmospheric air mass transport using the Weather Research and Forecasting model, contributing significantly to pollution studies in Chile. His achievements in this prestigious internship mark a crucial milestone in his academic and professional development in meteorology.

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Article
Inter-continental Variability in the Relationship of Oxidative Potential and Cytotoxicity with PM2.5 Mass

According to our new collaborative paper published in Nature Communications, a comprehensive global analysis of PM2.5 samples from different geographical locations provides a robust understanding of the variability in PM2.5 toxicity. Underscoring the importance of chemical composition in assessing health effects, the results show that the relationship between PM2.5 mass and its oxidative potential and cytotoxicity is non-linear. To more accurately predict health outcomes, the study argues for the development of localised concentration-response functions that incorporate oxidative potential.

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Outreach and Public Support
Enhancing Air Quality: Our Laboratory’s Role in Shaping Public Policy

Our laboratory has been instrumental in shaping public policy on air quality. We have been involved in key initiatives such as the public consultation on benzene standards and the development of primary national air quality standards for arsenic and lead bound to PM10. Dr. Manuel Leiva contributed to a Ministry of Environment workshop to develop a roadmap for national air quality standards aimed at improving public health and environmental protection. Through these efforts, we expect to have significantly influenced the regulatory framework and strengthened the basis for better managing air quality in the country.

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