THERE will be a royal opening at new state-of-the-art science facilities at the University of Worcester next month.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester will officially open the new teaching and research facility which produces the UK’s pollen forecasts.

The Charles Darwin building houses the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), which produces all of the UK’s pollen forecasts and assists police through its forensic services, on the ground floor; and the first floor includes state-of-the-art teaching laboratories.

The building also includes a hi-tech environmental test chamber, which is capable of replicating almost any climate in the world.

The £7 million new facility will be opened by the University’s Chancellor, HRH the Duke of Gloucester, on Wednesday, December 2.

Professor David Green, University vice chancellor, said: “This is an excellent addition to the University’s leading edge research and teaching facilities.

“It opens up important new areas including, for example, microbiology and research into eye allergies.

“I have no doubt that the outcome of the research conducted here will practically benefit many people in the region and beyond as well as provide an excellent training for our students.

“West Midlands firms will benefit as we are able to test their products independently and help them eliminate allergens.” Professor John Newbury, head of the university’s Institute of Science and the Environment, said: “We are very excited to have this new state-of-the-art facility.

“It will provide our students with the high quality equipment needed by today’s science graduates.”

The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit is dedicated to tackling environmental aspects of asthma, hayfever and airborne allergens such as pollen and house dust mite both indoors and outdoors.

The unit also carries out work on behalf of the police, analysing pollen and airborne particles to gather evidence in serious crime cases. This specialist unit will now expand its work within the new facility.

Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the unit, said: “The NPARU team is excited about the new building’s world class facilities for research and commercial activity in aerobiology and allergy, microbiology, forensic palynology and related topics. In particular, the controlled environment room, which can replicate most climatic conditions and has unique features, can be used for a wide range of work, such as aerosol and pollution research, testing materials and appliances, pathogen viability and allergens, and will enable NPARU to be a centre of excellence at the European level.”

The project was supported by Advantage West Midlands and the Central Technology Belt.