Operational pollen monitoring networks have developed across Europe, and the world more generally, in response to the increasing prevalence of pollen allergy and asthma. Routine pollen observations are in large part currently still based on time-intensive manual techniques developed in the 1950s. These methods suffer from low temporal resolution and long delays in data availability. Recent technological developments are revolutionising the field making real-time high-temporal resolution measurements possible. This paper describes the rationale behind the EUMETNET AutoPollen programme, which aims to develop a prototype automatic pollen monitoring network across Europe. We provide a brief description of the current state-of-the-art, then an overview of new technologies, and finally the main tasks of the AutoPollen programme.

While in its infancy, the technology behind automatic pollen monitoring is rapidly developing. At this early stage, it is essential that the opportunity be taken to establish a standardised European network that provides information corresponding to users’ needs and which avoids unnecessary duplication or harmonisation efforts in future. The EUMETNET AutoPollen programme aims to fulfil this task in a collaborative, efficient, and effective manner, covering all aspects of the information chain from the standardisation of measurements through to the provision of products co-designed with end-users.

This paper describes the rationale behind a European automatic pollen monitoring network, first providing a brief description of the current state-of-the-art, then an overview of new technologies, and finally the main tasks of the EUMETNET AutoPollen programme.

Clot, B., Gilge, S., Hajkova, L. et al. The EUMETNET AutoPollen programme: establishing a prototype automatic pollen monitoring network in Europe. Aerobiologia (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-020-09666-4

Swisens solutions are presented as one of the many measurement systems that bring a technological breakthrough for automated pollen monitoring. For us, SwisensPoleno Mars is the future standard for automated pollen measurement.