Nestor González Roldán
About
I am a Senior Researcher at the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF), currently based at the Department of Biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. I am trained as an immunologist, with an academic background in chemistry, pharmacy, and microbiology.
My work focuses on aerobiology, with particular emphasis on pollen monitoring and forecasting, allergenic exposure assessment, and the links between airborne biological particles, environmental conditions, and human health. Over the past years, I have been involved in the development and operation of pollen monitoring services in Germany and Sweden and have contributed to international research collaborations related to biodiversity, air quality, and allergy.
I am particularly interested in how environmental and climatic change influences pollen production, allergenicity, and population-level health outcomes, and in developing biologically relevant indicators that can support public health services and evidence-based decision-making.
Research
My research lies at the interface between biology, environment, and public health, with a particular focus on aerobiology and pollen-related allergic disease. I am interested in understanding how airborne biological particles, especially pollen, contribute to allergenic exposure in real-world environments and how this exposure can be assessed, monitored, and communicated in a meaningful way.
A central part of my work concerns pollen monitoring and forecasting. Traditional pollen services are largely based on pollen counts, which provide valuable information but do not fully capture the biological complexity of allergenic exposure. My research explores how pollen concentration, allergen content, atmospheric transport, and environmental conditions interact to influence allergenicity and health outcomes. I am particularly interested in developing approaches that move beyond simple quantification towards biologically relevant indicators of exposure that better reflect the actual burden experienced by individuals and populations.
My background in immunology informs much of this work, especially in relation to the mechanisms by which pollen triggers allergic inflammation. In addition to protein allergens, my research considers the role of pollen-associated bioactive compounds, such as lipids, and their potential contribution to immune modulation. This perspective allows me to link molecular and cellular processes with environmental measurements and population-level exposure.
I have been involved in the development and operation of pollen monitoring services in Germany and Sweden and have participated in international research collaborations addressing airborne biodiversity, air quality, and health. These experiences have shaped my interest in translational research and in the integration of monitoring data, modelling, and health-relevant interpretation.
At NTNU, my work is closely connected to public service through my role at the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF). I am particularly interested in research that supports evidence-based public health services, environmental risk assessment, and decision-making related to environmental change. A recurring theme in my work is the impact of climate and environmental change on pollen production, seasonality, allergenicity, and exposure patterns, and how this knowledge can be used to improve forecasting, communication, and preventive strategies.
Publications
Pollen-derived lipids promote pro-allergic immune responses
Airborne DNA and molecular methods in aerobiology
Outdoor airborne allergens: behavior and monitoring in Europe
European pollen reanalysis dataset (1980–2022)
Airborne pollen exposure and population-level respiratory health
Satellite data and modelling of fungal spore exposure
Lipid mediators from grass pollen in allergic inflammation
My research lies at the interface between biology, environment, and public health, with a particular focus on aerobiology and pollen-related allergic disease. I am interested in understanding how airborne biological particles, especially pollen, contribute to allergenic exposure in real-world environments and how this exposure can be assessed, monitored, and communicated in a meaningful way.
A central part of my work concerns pollen monitoring and forecasting. Traditional pollen services are largely based on pollen counts, which provide valuable information but do not fully capture the biological complexity of allergenic exposure. My research explores how pollen concentration, allergen content, atmospheric transport, and environmental conditions interact to influence allergenicity and health outcomes. I am particularly interested in developing approaches that move beyond simple quantification towards biologically relevant indicators of exposure that better reflect the actual burden experienced by individuals and populations.
My background in immunology informs much of this work, especially in relation to the mechanisms by which pollen triggers allergic inflammation. In addition to protein allergens, my research considers the role of pollen-associated bioactive compounds, such as lipids, and their potential contribution to immune modulation. This perspective allows me to link molecular and cellular processes with environmental measurements and population-level exposure.
I have been involved in the development and operation of pollen monitoring services in Germany and Sweden and have participated in international research collaborations addressing airborne biodiversity, air quality, and health. These experiences have shaped my interest in translational research and in the integration of monitoring data, modelling, and health-relevant interpretation.
At NTNU, my work is closely connected to public service through my role at the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF). I am particularly interested in research that supports evidence-based public health services, environmental risk assessment, and decision-making related to environmental change. A recurring theme in my work is the impact of climate and environmental change on pollen production, seasonality, allergenicity, and exposure patterns, and how this knowledge can be used to improve forecasting, communication, and preventive strategies.