STATE-of-the-art science facilities at the University of Worcester will help crack murder investigations and could provide the answer to the rising tide of allergies.

The £7 million Charles Darwin building was opened yesterday by the Duke of Gloucester, who is also the university’s chancellor.

The building contains the first purpose-built science facilities at the site in nearly 50 years and has contributed to a 44 per cent increase in applications for science courses.

It houses the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) which produces all UK pollen forecasts and can help police solve serious crimes, including murders and rapes.

The Duke of Gloucester, who admitted he was a hay fever sufferer, was given a tour of the new facilities and unveiled a plaque to mark the opening at the end of his visit.

He said: “I suspect hundreds of Charles Darwins will be coming from this university as a result of this.”

This unit is dedicated to tackling the environmental aspects of asthma, hay fever and airborne allergens such as pollen and the dust mite.

The building has a high-tech environmental test chamber which is capable of replicating almost any climate in the world for the purposes of research.

The chamber contained a Mercedes SLK which will be used in some of the tests and was donated by the car firm.

The building itself cost £5 million, funded by the university, but Advantage West Midlands provided £2 million for the research equipment.

University vice-chancellor David Green said: “Science has been at the heart of this institution since its foundation. It is a great day of celebration and of inspiration. Science is at the heart of realising human potential.”

He also gave his thanks to founder Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the NPARU, who is due to retire soon.

Prof Emberlin said the UK has one of the world’s highest rates of allergy, with 38 per cent of teenagers having from hay fever, and the new test chamber, which can mimic any environment in the world, would provide unique opportunities for research.

Pollen can also be used to link suspects to crimes. Prof Emberlin said: “It will definitely help with murder inquiries and forensics for rape cases and any serious crime.”

During his tour, the Duke examined dust mites under a microscope and even held some nunchucks – a martial arts weapon – as he met forensics students.

He was joined by mayor of Worcester Andy Roberts and the lord-lieutenant for Worcestershire Michael Brinton.

The facilities have a commercial element which university bosses say can generate income for further cutting edge research in future.