How our research helps hay fever sufferers
Bioaerosols, including pollen grains and fungal spores, contribute to seasonal hay fever and asthma, including Melbourne’s ‘thunderstorm asthma’ events. The AirWatch team use pollen and spore counting facilities at our Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses as part of a state-wide pollen monitoring network. We publish daily counts and forecasts during the hay fever season (1 October to 31 December) to help hay fever sufferers assess their risk of exposure. We also support immunologists, allergists and the medical community with key data for clinical studies and research.
Our research areas
The amount of pollen in the air is driven by a range of factors including temperature, wind, rainfall and the season. Having up-to-date pollen counts and reliable forecasts can help asthma and hay fever suffers to take preventative measures such as limiting time outdoors and having medications at hand.
Pollen counts and forecasts
We collect and count pollen and fungal spores, including grass pollen, which is the main cause of asthma and hay fever symptoms. We also publish grass pollen counts and 24-hour forecasts.
Thunderstorm asthma
Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high airborne grass pollen and atmospheric conditions. Our data collection and research are key in tackling this epidemic.
Improving sensor tech
Pollen collection and counting is a laborious, manual process that includes staining pollen grains with dyes and counting them under a microscope. We’re developing cutting-edge new sensor technology that will provide automatic, real-time pollen counts.
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Thunderstorm asthma is brought on when storms play havoc with pollen. The surprise element makes it so dangerous.
Associate Professor Cenk Suphioglu
Associate Professor of Biomedical Science
Our researchers
The Deakin AirWatch facility was established in 2012 by the University’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, and is maintained by Associate Professor Cenk Suphioglu and his team of research fellows and PhD students.
Associate Professor Cenk Suphioglu is an environmental allergist and heads the NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL) and Deakin AirWatch.
Our partnerships
We share data and work collaborative with the Victorian Government Department of Health and the Bureau of Meteorology.
For the latest up-to-date epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast, visit the VicEmergency website.
For other pollen count and forecast sites in Victoria, visit Melbourne Pollen.
Our publications
Mechanism of grass-pollen-induced asthma, Suphioglu, Singh M B, Taylor P, Bellomo R, Holmes P, Puy R, Knox RB
Major grass pollen allergen Lol p 1 binds to diesel exhaust particles: implications for asthma and air pollution, Knox RB, Suphioglu C, Taylor P, Desai R, Watson HC, Peng JL, Bursill LA
Two consecutive thunderstorm associated epidemics of asthma in the city of Melbourne: the possible role of rye grass pollen, Bellomo R, Holmes P, Gigliotti P, Treloar A, Suphioglu C, Singh MB, Knox B
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in our research, want to collaborate or wish to stay updated on the latest developments please reach out.
Email Associate Professor Cenk Suphioglu
+61 3 5227 2886