Track, learn, and act
Pollen Watch is a research project that everyone can participate in!
Are you or someone close to you affected by pollen allergy? Or are you simply interested in the topic and how it is affected by climate change?
Then step into the shoes of a scientist for a while, measure pollen levels in real-time together with other interested people and learn more about pollen allergies and climate change!
Why is Pollen Watch important and why do we need you?
Pollen Watch aims to better understand pollen allergies and how climate change affects them. Using a citizen-science approach, the project actively involves people who are affected or interested. Participants receive sensors to measure air quality and airborne pollen concentrations and help analyze the collected data, contributing directly to the research process.
Pollen allergies are a growing challenge in Switzerland due to rising temperatures and higher pollen levels, affecting countless individuals. Mapping the distribution of airborne pollen and identifying its triggers is essential to understanding and mitigating this problem.
While advanced monitoring stations exist in Switzerland, they cannot capture the full picture of regional patterns or individual exposure. That’s where citizen science comes in: everyday people help fill the gaps by monitoring air quality and pollen with sensors, creating a detailed map of local hotspots. With different activities we ensure participants learn how to collect and interpret the data - making science collaborative and impactful.
Key questions we explore together:
- How do pollen levels differ between urban and rural areas?
- What role do environmental conditions, e.g. rainfall, and heat waves play?
- How do human activities influence pollen dispersion?
- How does commuting (e.g., biking, walking, driving) affect individual exposure?
Join us now!
Come to one of our info events to learn more, join our WhatsApp community. You can also find many of your questions answered here . Would you have more questions or suggestions, please contact us by email.
Follow the Pollen Watch Journey
February 2026
Get to know the project: we invite everyone interested to join our information events, ask questions, and find out how to take part.
March & April 2026
It’s measurement time! Together with other participants, you will measure airborne pollen and air quality.
April & May 2026
Dive into the results: we are planning follow-up activities and workshops where you can explore, discuss, and better understand the data you helped collect.
June - Aug 2026
Stay tuned! Further activities and announcements will follow as the project continues.
Upcoming events
With this citizen science project, we bring science and society together to better understand pollen in a changing climate. Apart from participatory pollen measurements, the aim is to open a dialogue around pollen, climate change, and participatory science through a series of engaging and playful community events.
💡 From citizen science workshops
🎨 To art experiences at Kunsthaus Zürich
🌼 To hands-on activities like making dandelion honey
🎲 And even playful formats exploring sustainability
There’s something for everyone interested in climate, science, and participation.
👉 More information about the events and registration here.
Contact
Grant information
Title: Pollen Watch: Tracking pollen levels on daily routes
Acronym: Pollen Watch
Duration: 2025-2026
Funding Agency: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
Funding Scheme: Agora
Contact: Lubna Dada(lubna.dada@psi.ch)
Grant info: data.snf.ch