National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit

The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit or NPARU[1] is a research institute in Worcester. It produces the UK's pollen count, and was the world's first pollen forecasting service.

National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit
NPARU
Location within Worcestershire
Former namesNational Pollen and Hayfever Bureau, National Pollen Research Unit
General information
TypeMicrobiology Research Centre
AddressWorcester, WR2 6AJ
Coordinates52.1975°N 2.244°W / 52.1975; -2.244
Elevation30 m (98 ft)
Current tenantsNPRU
Completed2009
Inaugurated2 December 2009
Cost£7m
Technical details
Floor count2
Floor area15,000 sq m
Design and construction
ArchitectBDP

History

Aerobiology is the study of organic particles and organisms in the atmosphere. The National Pollen and Hayfever Bureau was founded in Norwich on 21 April 1983. Forecasts for Britain's six million sufferers of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) began from 1 June 1983; it was funded by Fisons Pharmaceuticals.[2] Most hay fever sufferers are aged 15–24 in the months of June and July. Treatments are Beconase (beclometasone dipropionate) and Flixonase (fluticasone propionate). In May 1984 it was about to close when funding by Fisons was withdrawn; the centre continued with funding from Fisons.

Clarityline, a 24-hour helpline for the pollen count began in April 1994.[3]

It became the National Pollen Research Unit, and moved to Worcester. The new building was officially opened on 2 December 2009 by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.[4]

Function

Its pollen forecasts are produced in collaboration with the Met Office.

Structure

It is housed in the Charles Darwin Building, designed by the Building Design Partnership.[5] It was built in 2009 at a cost of £7m. It is situated in the west of Worcester, off the A443 and north of the Three Choirs Way.

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See also

References
  1. Companies House
  2. National Archives
  3. Independent April 1994
  4. Times, 3 December 2009, page 91
  5. BDP
  6. Education for Health
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