Pollen Watch: Tackling allergies, empowering communities

A citizen science journey through climate, health, and collective action

Pollen allergies are on the rise in Switzerland, driven by longer pollen seasons and climate change. But what if everyone could help scientists understand and respond to this growing health challenge?

That’s the idea behind Pollen Watch—a collaborative project that invites citizens to take an active role in researching airborne pollen, air quality, and environmental health in their own communities.

By using easy-to-carry sensors and participating in workshops, non experts aka citizen scientists are helping researchers map pollen hotspots, identify triggers, and co-create knowledge that can improve lives and shape more resilient cities.

Bridging science and daily life: local action with global relevance
In collaboration with researchers and local partners, this initiative explores how urban design, transportation choices, and weather patterns all influence pollen exposure. From bike commuters in the city to walkers in the countryside, participants help answer key questions like:

• How does pollen vary between urban and rural spaces?

• What role do heatwaves, rainfall, or human activity play?

• How does daily movement—cycling, walking, or driving—affect exposure?

Science for everyone: sensors, stories, and shared knowledge
This project is about more than data. It’s about creating a sense of ownership over the environment and building connections between people, place, and policy. Through co-designed research questions and shared learning, Pollen Watch shows how science can be a collective effort—one that includes more voices and reflects more lived experiences.

Track, learn, and act: become part of the solution
Want to know how pollen affects your everyday life? Join the project and receive a personal sensor to track pollen levels along your regular routes. Whether you’re walking through a park or biking to work, your observations help create a fuller picture of our changing environment.

Contact us to get involved and become a part of the Pollen Watch network.

Source featured photo: Swissinfo