NBIS makes data about pollen accessible

Itchy eyes, runny nose, a generally low energy level? If you recognize these feelings this time of the year; you might be allergic to pollen. About 25 percent of the population in Sweden (1) are allergic to pollen and if you're one of them, it can definitely lower your otherwise big enthusiasm about spring. The more pollen affects your life, the more important it becomes to know when and where certain pollen types are spreading. Easily accessible data as well as accurate forecasts can help to prepare with medicine or take other action to avoid allergic reactions.

The Swedish Museum of Natural History (NRM) together with a team of system developers at NBIS has recently released an updated version of the Open Pollen API that serves the public with exactly this type of data. An API is a standardized way to provide data so that other web developers can use it for building websites and applications. It's open for everyone to look at and free of charge.

The Open Pollen API was initially developed by NBIS System developers with a first release in early 2024. Now, the service is entering its third pollen season. "Before the API existed, this data was only accessible if you directly contacted the Swedish Museum of Natural History, which was cumbersome for everyone involved. Now it's open for everyone. To me, that's a huge improvement", says Henrike Wiemker, system developer at NBIS and manager for the project.

Several media stations and applications are already using the API, among them NRM themselves on their website nrm.se. The website got a big relaunch in 2025 and NBIS developers have helped to build the pages that inform about pollen data and pollen forecasts. Apart from that, NBIS developers have helped NRM to improve their internal software with new functionality. This has made the everyday work of pollen experts, not only at NRM but all over Sweden, easier and has reduced manual work.

The collaboration between NRM and NBIS system developers has been ongoing since 2023. "It has been both fun and interesting, and we have achieved a lot during this time", summarizes Henrike Wiemker. "Of course we hope to continue working together in future projects."

For more information:

• Check out the Open Pollen API: api.pollenrapporten.se/docs
• Learn more about pollen at NRM: https://www.nrm.se/natur--och-miljoovervakning/pollenovervakning/pollenrapporten
• Learn more about System Development at NBIS: https://nbis.se/services/software-development

(1) https://www.uu.se/nyheter/2022/2022-06-13-klimatforandringarna-ger-mer-pollen-i-luften

Photo by Akin Cakiner on Unsplash