EMPA Showcases Alina Begley’s Long-Term Atmospheric Screening Work on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Postdoctoral researcher Alina Begley examines the atmosphere using long‑term screening with an analytical setup that includes a time‑of‑flight mass spectrometer. Image: Empa

(IN BRIEF) EMPA is highlighting the work of postdoctoral researcher Alina Begley for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, showcasing her long-term atmospheric screening that detects both known and previously unidentified climate-relevant gases using an advanced analytical setup and the Empa-developed ALPINAC software her research strengthens the scientific basis for environmental regulation and has already demonstrated the measurable impact of policies restricting high-impact greenhouse gases such as desflurane while Begley’s motivation stems from firsthand experience with severe air pollution in Beijing her work now treats the planet like a patient under continuous monitoring supported by Empa’s Restart Grant, which ensures continuity of her research during maternity leave and reflects Empa’s broader commitment to preventing career setbacks for scientists who take extended breaks.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 9-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Empa, Switzerland’s Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, is marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2026 by spotlighting the work of postdoctoral researcher Alina Begley, whose long-term atmospheric monitoring is helping to identify climate-relevant trace gases and strengthen the scientific basis for environmental regulation. Supported by an Empa Restart Grant, Begley’s research combines advanced analytical chemistry with climate science, ensuring that both known and previously unidentified pollutants can be detected, measured, and tracked over time.

Begley’s professional path was shaped by her teenage years in Beijing, when air pollution levels were among the highest ever recorded. She recalls that even brief time spent outdoors left a strong smell of smoke on clothing, a stark contrast to the cleaner air she experienced during trips to Europe. These experiences instilled in her a deep conviction that access to clean air should be considered a fundamental human right, motivating her to dedicate her career to understanding and mitigating air pollution.

At Empa, Begley describes her work using a medical analogy, portraying the Earth as a patient undergoing continuous health screening. Instead of analyzing blood samples, her team examines air collected from different regions worldwide over many years. Because the exact composition of these samples is unknown in advance, Empa’s climate gases laboratory in Dübendorf employs a highly sophisticated analytical system that integrates air pre-concentration, gas chromatography, electron ionization, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A central element of this approach is the Empa-developed software ALPINAC, short for ALgorithmic Process for Identification of Non-targeted Atmospheric Compounds. By combining automated signal detection, database comparisons, and machine learning techniques, ALPINAC can reconstruct molecular structures even when only fragmented data is available. This enables researchers to identify both regulated substances and entirely new compounds that may pose risks to the ozone layer or contribute to global warming.

Begley’s research provides valuable evidence for policymakers and industry as they seek to regulate harmful chemicals. Her long-term measurements have already demonstrated the tangible impact of international regulatory efforts. For example, data from Empa’s laboratory shows a clear decline in atmospheric levels of desflurane, a powerful greenhouse gas used in anesthesia, following transnational recommendations to limit its use. At the same time, an increase in the less environmentally damaging alternative sevoflurane has been observed, illustrating how policy shifts translate into measurable environmental outcomes.

On a personal level, Begley’s commitment to protecting the planet has taken on added significance as she prepares to welcome her first child in March. Empa’s Restart Grant program ensures that her research continues during her maternity leave by funding temporary support in the laboratory. After her return, the grant will also help her resume her work seamlessly while respecting safety restrictions related to breastfeeding.

More broadly, Empa’s Restart Grant initiative is designed to prevent career interruptions for researchers who take extended leave due to family or health reasons. By providing short-term financial support to cover routine tasks and project continuity, the program enables scientists to re-enter their roles without setbacks and complete their work on schedule.

Further information

Dr. Alina Begley
Air Pollution / Environmental Technology
Phone +41 58 765 6515
alina.begley@empa.ch

Dr. Stefan Reimann
Air Pollution / Environmental Technology
Phone +41 58 765 4638
stefan.reimann@empa.ch

Editor / Media contact

Mirjam Schwaller
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 4386
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA