Background According to the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), allergic disease is the most common chronic disease of childhood in EU countries and seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by pollen affects up to 35% of the entire population. Having an accurate picture of the allergens in the air is of crucial importance. The current method based on counting pollen grains is not sufficient. A technique monitoring pollen and spore allergen would be much more useful. The monitoring should analyse the antigenicity and/or allergenicity, so as to able to advise the public about the risks of allergy. Objectives The main objective of the MONALISA project was to test an innovative air sampler, able to monitor pollen in the air by an on line antigenicity/allergenicity measurement. The air sampler was also expected to classify pollen and other microbiological particles, depending on their allergen load, as well being able to detect both pollen grains and smaller particles. To demonstrate its efficiency, the sampler was to be used in seven different bio-geographical climates. The final objective was to turn this prototype into a new standard tool to monitor pollen and other small microbiological particles with potential allergenic influence. Results The techniques for collecting pollen grains and preparing samples were defined and constantly improved over the course of the project, in line with the objectives. Further improvements are expected after-LIFE as the project partners are continuing to work on new sample collection protocols. The aim of validation of standards analysis protocols – so-called ELISA protocols (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay - by immunosampling for on-line antigens presence detection was partially met. The allergen level collected with the air sampler was too low in order to be efficiently detected with the immunosampling method. Therefore, the validation could not be done for this phase. However, some possibilities are being explored in order to increase the level of allergen collected and increase the reactivity of the ELISA protocol. This method already shows promising results and needs to be adapted. The inefficient detection of the allergens also affected the aim of demonstrating the association of the two technologies within an on-line automated system: Although a technique for this was developed, it could not be demonstrated fully. The addition of allergen measurements to the pollen data network has begun, but the results are not conclusive yet. However, the project has brought such measurements closer to fruition. The goal of training experts (both from project partners and elsewhere) to use the new air sampler has been achieved. Dissemination activities included the creation of a website and the participation in aerobiology and asthma conferences. The beneficiary created a strong network with its project partners, which is being extended as other institutes and universities invest in the method. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).