Researchers at Menzies are leading a project valued at over $8.9 million to significantly boost the national pollen monitoring network to help prevent deadly thunderstorm asthma events as climate change intensifies allergen risks.
As the climate warms, airborne allergens are becoming more intense, persistent, and unpredictable- and pollen storms can cause sudden, life-threatening breathing difficulties for people with asthma or allergies.
This new initiative, 'Mitigating Increasing Risks from Pollen Storms by Expanding and Enhancing the Australian Bioaerosol Monitoring Network', has the potential to save lives and prevent significant health emergencies across the country.
Professor Fay Johnston, public health physician and environmental epidemiologist at Menzies, said the project is an important step in improving national preparedness:
"Millions of Australians live with asthma or hay fever. When extreme pollen events occur, thousands of people can experience serious symptoms at the same time," Professor Johnston said.
"Climate change is making pollen seasons longer, more intense, and more unpredictable. This project will allow us to identify higher risk periods earlier to better enable individuals and health services to be prepared."
The upgraded national network will make it easier to track pollen grains and fungal spores in the air that can affect our health. It will cover more areas, improve the accuracy of forecasts, and bring together data from across Australia. This means clearer, consistent health messages when conditions are high-risk.
The upgraded national network will make it easier to track pollen grains and fungal spores in the air that can affect our health. It will cover more areas, improve the accuracy of forecasts, and bring together data from across Australia. This means clearer, consistent health messages when conditions are high-risk.
The project will be led by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, with AirHealth Pty Ltd as a key delivery partner providing the advanced monitoring technology and real time data systems needed to build the enhanced network.
AirHealth will lead the delivery of advanced automated pollen monitoring systems, machine learning models tuned to Australian allergen species, and the real time digital communication tools that will support early alerts and public health responses.
"AirHealth's systems will be central to creating a modern and highly responsive national network," said Dr Edwin Lampugnani, Chief Executive Officer at AirHealth.
"By integrating advanced, almost real-time, monitoring devices with our data platforms, we can give Australians earlier and more accurate warnings on high-risk days. This will help protect lives and reduce pressure on hospitals and emergency services."
The project, funded by the third round of the Australian Government's Disaster Ready Fund, brings together the University of Tasmania, AirHealth, state governments, researchers, public health agencies, and environmental monitoring partners across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia.
The project will deliver key upgrades, including:
- Adding new automated 'real-time' pollen monitors in areas that currently lack coverage
- Upgrading existing sites for continuous, multi-species detection
- Improving AI tools to identify Australian allergens more accurately
- Linking forecasts to public health alert systems for real-time warnings during high-risk conditions
Professor Johnston said the project will provide broad benefits across the health, environment, and emergency management sectors.
"Timely information helps emergency departments, general practitioners, schools, aged care facilities, workplaces, and families prepare for days when respiratory hazards are elevated. Better monitoring means better forecasting. And better forecasting means better planning, fewer severe episodes, and more confidence for people managing chronic respiratory conditions."
Implementation of the project is planned to begin in 2026, with staged delivery across all participating states.
