About us | MedUni Vienna

Only pollen allergy sufferers know what suffering from a pollen allergy is like. Fun fact: We personally are affected as well.

We are there for all whether old or young, who want to inform themselves about pollination in Vienna. We provide accurate and scientific substantiated forecasts free of charge.
It´s our passion to give the best possible support. Find out more about us here.

Team

Mag. Maximilian Bastl PhD

University Assistent

Within the aerobiologic and palynologic field, I acquired particular competences in pollen analysis and in quality management (also regarding pollen data) and detailed knowledge on the sweet grass family in the scientific field.

Contact: maximilian.bastl@meduniwien.ac.at
MedUni Vienna Researcher Profile

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Publications
You can view my publication list here on ORCID.

Short CV

since 2024 science communicator together with Katharina Bastl as „Pollenpaar“ on social media
since 2024 committee member of the European Aerobiology Society (EAS)
since 2023 member of the Austrian Standards Institute for air quality CEN/TC 264 WG39
2023 setup of the MedUni Vienna pollen trap and development of pollen service Vienna
2018 participation in the grass determination course of the Zoologic-Botanical Society Austria
2017 doctoral degree in natural science at the University Vienna
2015 “Advanced Course of Aerobiology” European Aerobiology Society
2012 honorary award of the federal minister (Federal Ministry Republic of Austria Science and Research)
2011 „European Course of Basic Aerobiology” European Aerobiology Society
since 2011 employed at the Department for Otorhinolaryngology at the MedUni Vienna
2007-2011 diploma study in biology at the University Vienna

Mag. Dr. Katharina Bastl

University Assistent

My focus is on the combination of science with service as well as on science communication.

Contact: katharina.bastl@meduniwien.ac.at
MedUni Vienna Researcher Profile

More information

Publications
You can view my publication list here on ORCID.

Short CV

600th science ambassador at „Young Science“ of the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research
since 2025 special guest editor for the special issue „Pollen monitoring and Health risks“ in the scientific journal „Atmosphere“
since 2024 science communicator together with Maximilian Bastl as „Pollenpaar“ on social media
2023 setup of the MedUni Vienna pollen trap and development of pollen service Vienna
2019 festive tribute in the frame of the New Year reception of the MedUni Vienna for special academic achievements in dialogue with the general public
2016 contribution to the knowledge park of the GeoSphere Austria
2015 reconstruction of the „Allergy garden Oberlaa“ in Vienna and performed guided tours
2015 “Advanced Course of Aerobiology” European Aerobiology Society
2013 „European Course of Basic Aerobiology” European Aerobiology Society
2012 Award of Excellence (Federal Ministry Republic of Austria Science and Research) and Tilly-Edinger award (Paleontological Society Germany)
since 2012 employed at the Department for Otorhinolaryngology at the MedUni Vienna
2008-2012 doctoral degree in natural science at the University Vienna
2004-2008 diploma study in biology at the University Vienna

Karen Kölzer PhD

University assistant (maternity leave replacement)

I have been involved in pollen analyses since my studies. I perform research in the fields of aerobiology as well as melissopalynology.

Contact: karen.koelzer@meduniwien.ac.at
MedUni Vienna Researcher Profile

More information

Publications
You can view my publication list here on ORCID.

Short CV

Since 2024 maternity leave replacement at the Department for Otorhinolaryngology at the MedUni Vienna
2020 – 2025 PhD in Life Sciences at the University of Vienna; Research topic: pollen diversity in urban honey
2020 – 2021 Reviewer at the fusion of the pollen databases PONET and PalDat
2019 – 2024 Research assistant and Praedoc at the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Department of Apiculture and Bee Protection
2015 – 2019 Master‘s degree at the University of Vienna (Botany); Thesis topic: Comparative studies of pollen diversity in honey of multiple honeybee subspecies
2011 – 2015 Bachelor’s degree in biology with emphasis on botany at the University of Vienna