Institutions & Innovators

Building a Comprehensive Fungal Resource List
On this page, I am continually updating the list of important institutions and companies involved in fungal research, innovation, and applications. I spend a lot of time researching and reading to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date. However, if you know of any organizations that aren’t currently listed, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out, and I would be happy to evaluate and potentially add them to the list. Your contributions will help make this resource even more comprehensive.

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Here is a list of institutions represent a wide array of mycological research and applications, from conservation to industrial uses of fungi.

Universities – Research Ins.- Labs

Universities, independent research groups, and academic labs studying fungal biology, taxonomy, ecology, etc.

Harvard University – Farlow Herbarium: Harvard’s Farlow Herbarium is recognized for its extensive work on fungal systematics, biodiversity, and evolutionary genetics. The herbarium is a key resource for studying fungal species globally, making it a leading voice in fungal research. Farlow Herbaria include six collections and more than five million specimens of algae, bryophytes, fungi, and vascular plants. Together they form one of the largest university herbarium collections in the world, and the third largest herbarium in the United States. With their state-of-the art research laboratories and world class libraries, the HUH have been a centerpiece of biodiversity science since the early 1800s. Have a look at Pfister Lab and it can be a great idea to visit the Harvard Forest and Harvard Arboretum

University of California, Berkeley – Department of Plant & Microbial Biology: Known for cutting-edge research in fungal ecology, evolution, and genetics. The department includes world experts on plants, microbes, fungi, algae, photosynthesis, biofuels and virology. UC Berkeley Plant & Microbial Biology

Duke University – Department of Biology: Renowned for research on fungal symbiosis and endophytes, as well as fungal biodiversity. Duke Biology have a look at Lutzoni Lab and Magwene Lab and Vilgalis Lab

Boston University – Department of Biology: Renowned research institution with a strong focus on interdisciplinary science. The Bhatnagar Lab, specializes in soil microbial ecology, particularly focusing on how fungi and bacteria influence carbon and nutrient cycling within ecosystems. The lab’s work is pivotal in understanding the role of fungi in soil health, decomposition, and climate change adaptation.

Cornell University: At Cornell, several departments and institutes, including the School of Integrative Plant Science, the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and the Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease (CIHMID), are actively involved in cutting-edge fungal research. These efforts span from studying fungal-bacterial symbiosis to exploring fungal pathogens in plants and the role of fungi in environmental sustainability. Have a look at Cornell Center for Fungal Biology and Pawlowska Lab. Also check Prof. Katie Hodges‘s research and her Cornell Mushroom Blog!

University of California, Irvine: At the UC, Irvine, the Treseder Lab, focuses on understanding the role of fungi in ecosystem processes, particularly in relation to climate change. The lab studies how fungi contribute to carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, and soil decomposition. At Allison Lab researchers study how fungi, particularly soil decomposers, respond to climate stressors like drought. Their work focuses on fungal resilience, examining how fungi maintain their decomposition activities under different environmental conditions, crucial for understanding ecosystem stability in a changing climate. Also have a look at Martiny Lab where researchers study fungal diversity, and its impact on ecosystem processes. The lab investigates how changes in microbial communities affect soil functioning and ecosystem resilience, with a particular focus on the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms driving these changes. And the Wiles Lab focuses on the interactions between animals and microbes, including fungi, exploring how these interactions shape both microbial communities and host health. The lab uses a molecular and ecological approach to study the unseen connections between the microbial and animal worlds.

Imperial College London – Centre for Fungal Pathogenesis: Imperial College has developed a reputation for groundbreaking work in human fungal diseases, antifungal drug discovery, and pathogenic fungi. The Fungal Science Network brings together researchers at Imoerial and beyond to tackle global challenges in fungal science.

University of Wisconsin-Madison – Department of Bacteriology: Known for its focus on fungal metabolism, ecology, and interactions with other organisms, UW-Madison contributes key insights into fungal roles in environmental and agricultural systems. Have a look at Pringle Lab and Keller Lab

Massachustts Institute of Technology – At MIT, several labs are involved in groundbreaking fungal research. Whitehead Institute focuses on understanding how fungal pathogens invade human tissues, evade the immune system, and develop antibiotic resistance. Media Lab’s Mediated Matter Group worked on the Radiofungi: Biological Pigments for Radioprotection project. This research explored the use of fungal pigments, such as melanins and carotenoids, to protect organisms from radiation, including potential applications in space exploration. The project studied fungi like Aspergillus, known for its radioresistance, and aimed to develop new biocompatible materials for shielding against radiation. MIT also collaborates with the Broad Institute on the Fungal Genome Initiative, which focuses on sequencing the genomes of pathogenic fungi, such as different Candida species. This initiative seeks to understand the genetic basis of fungal virulence and drug resistance, aiming to improve treatments for fungal infections

University of California, San Diego (UCSD): Researchers at UCSD-Department of Bioengineering are investigating fungal contributions to microbial fuel cells (MFCs), exploring how fungi can degrade pollutants while generating electricity. This aligns with their broader work on environmental remediation and bioenergy production.

University of Florida – Department of Plant Pathology: Matthew Smith Lab focuses on fungal ecology, evolution, and systematics. Prof. Matthew Smith is the curator of the Fungal Collection (Fungarium) of the Florida Museum of Natural History where he curates specimens and studies fungal biodiversity.

Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute: Formerly the CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, it is a major global hub for fungal biodiversity research, including taxonomy, ecology, and genomics.

University of Minnesota: At the University of Minnesota, multiple labs are dedicated to studying various aspects of fungal biology, ranging from plant-fungal interactions to pathogenic fungi affecting humans and crops. These labs collectively contribute to understanding fungal ecology, plant pathology, and disease mechanisms, addressing both agricultural and medical challenges. Kennedy Lab focuses on the ecology of fungi and their interactions with trees. McCaghey Lab‘s research centers on understanding the ecology and epidemiology of soil-associated fungi and enhancing host disease resistance to improve crop disease management.

The University of Oxford, Department of Plant Sciences: Engages in research to understand the genetics of fungi to discover new antibiotics and other bioactive compounds. They are particularly interested in the potential of fungi to provide new classes of antibiotics that can combat antimicrobial resistance.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Research

Organizations exploring fungi-based treatments, antibiotics, and therapies. Firms in synthetic biology leveraging fungi for pharmaceutical or industrial applications.

MycoMedica: Develops medicinal mushroom supplements, focusing on the use of fungal compounds to boost immune health, alleviate stress, and improve overall wellness. They harness various medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail for their health benefits.

Novartis: Conducts research into fungal metabolites, such as cyclosporine, which was derived from Tolypocladium inflatum and is used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplants. Novartis focuses on discovering and developing more fungal-derived medicines to treat various conditions.

Johnson & Johnson: Researches the use of fungi-derived compounds for antibiotics and other medical treatments. They study Penicillium and other fungi to find new solutions for combating bacterial infections and drug-resistant diseases.

Astellas Pharma: Has been working with fungi for antifungal treatments, particularly focusing on invasive fungal infections that affect immunocompromised patients. They developed drugs such as micafungin, an echinocandin, from fungal sources to combat life-threatening infections.

The Fungal Biodiversity Centre (CBS-KNAW, Netherlands): A major research center studying fungal biodiversity, aiming to identify and understand bioactive compounds produced by fungi. Their work supports the discovery of new antibiotics and medical treatments derived from fungi.

Mushroom General Research Institute (Hukoto): Researches the use of medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake in treating cancer, immune system disorders, and other conditions. Their work is focused on validating the medicinal benefits of these fungi and developing supplements or medications from them.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service: Conducts research on the medicinal properties of fungi, focusing on mycotoxins and beneficial fungal metabolites. Their work aims at understanding fungal compounds that can be used to create pharmaceutical products.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology: Also known as the Hans Knöll Institute, it researches natural products derived from fungi, including their use in treating infectious diseases. Their focus includes the discovery and development of fungal-derived compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications.

National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR, USA): Located at the University of Mississippi, this center focuses on natural products, including fungi, to discover novel medicinal compounds. Their research includes the study of fungi for antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Education and Training Centers-Not for Profits

Institutes, online platforms, or organizations promoting public awareness and education about fungi, mycology, mushroom cultivation, and fungal biology.

North American Mycological Association is a Leading a community of amateur mycologists and mushroom clubs and organizes workshops, webinars, and regional forays focused on mushroom identification, foraging, and mycological research. They offer mycologist certification for those who wish to deepen their expertise.

USDA Fungal Databases is the only actively curated nomenclature database focused on plant pathogenic fungi. It is a base for foundational research and service in national and international mycology and plant pathology. The world-renowned fungus-host-location database, literature database, and the nomenclature database for agriculturally important fungi can be searched.

The International Mycological Association is a global organization dedicated to promoting the study of fungi. It serves as an umbrella organization for mycological societies and organizations worldwide, fostering communication, collaboration, and coordination of fungal research. The IMA organizes the International Mycological Congress, which is a major event bringing together mycologists from all over the world to share their research and advancements in fungal biology. IMA Fungus is the flagship journal of the International Mycological Association.

The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute performs highly innovative mycological research that contributes to the discovery and understanding of fungi and its biodiversity and potential solutions to societal challenges. The Institute has an encompassing and high-quality collection of living fungi and related meta data.

Boston Mycological Club is one of the oldest and most active mycological societies in North America. It focuses on exploring and understanding fungi, hosting regular forays, lectures, and educational events throughout the year. Members include both amateur enthusiasts and professional mycologists, fostering a community passionate about the ecology, identification, and conservation of fungi.

British Mycological Society promotes the study of fungi in the UK. It organizes field forays, workshops, and publishes research through journals like Fungal Biology and Symposia BMS also hosts annual conferences, bringing together mycologists from different backgrounds.

European Mycological Association is a network of mycologists across Europe working on fungal conservation, biodiversity, and research. They coordinate regional forays, workshops, and publish journals to disseminate information about fungi in Europe.

Australasian Mycological Society aims to further mycological knowledge in Australia and New Zealand through workshops, symposiums, and field trips. It supports fungal conservation efforts and provides a platform for collaboration among mycologists in the region.

Mycological Society of Toronto conducts forays, workshops, and monthly meetings to promote the study of fungi in Canada. It aims to increase awareness about the importance of fungi in ecosystems.

German Society for Mycology is committed to fungal research and conservation in Germany. The society conducts mycological forays, organizes scientific meetings, and offers workshops to encourage public participation in studying fungi.

Mycological Society of San Francisco is one of the most well-known mycological clubs in the United States. It offers regular forays, monthly meetings, and an annual Fungus Fair that draws many participants. The club actively contributes to education and culinary exploration of mushrooms.

Vancouver Mycological Society is dedicated to increasing the understanding of fungi in the Vancouver area through mushroom forays, educational meetings, and special events like their annual mushroom show. They focus on both culinary and ecological aspects of fungi.

New York Mycological Society was founded by the famous composer and mycologist John Cage, NYMS conducts weekly forays, educational events, and offers resources for mushroom identification and conservation. They are very active in promoting fungi in urban environments.

Puget Sound Mycological Society is one of the largest and most active mycological societies in North America. They organize multiple annual forays, workshops, and an annual Wild Mushroom Show which attracts thousands of attendees.

Los Angeles Mycological Society is a non-profit group whose purpose is to foster and expand the understanding and appreciation of mycology. It provides a platform for mycology enthusiasts in Southern California, organizing monthly meetings, mushroom forays, and educational events.

The Northeast Mycological Federation (NEMF)’s main activity is its annual foray. On a rotating basis member clubs or groups of clubs host three days of fungus collection and identification, lectures and workshops. Topics often include fungus identification, medicinal uses, textile dyeing, and photography.

Fungi Foundation (Fundación Fungi): dedicated exclusively to fungi, focused on fungal conservation, research, and education. The Fungi Foundation works on fungal biodiversity preservation, public awareness, and regulatory policy related to fungi.

Fungimap is a not for profit, citizen-science organisation dedicated to furthering the conservation and knowledge of Australian fungi. We started our work in 1995 as a mapping project and incorporated as an association in 2005.

MykoWeb devoted to the science of mycology and the hobby of mushrooming. It is a production of Michael Wood, a past president of the Mycological Society of San Francisco. MykoWeb is one of the first internet mycology mushrooming sites.

Fungal Diversity Survey is the nonprofit focusing on North American fungal conservation and documentation.

Mycelium Innovation & Sustainable Materials

Companies using fungi for developing new materials (e.g., mycelium-based packaging, construction materials, fabric, dyes).

Ecovative Design: innovates using fungal mycelium to create sustainable alternatives to plastics, leather, and building materials. Their work spans biodesign, biomaterials, and environmental sustainability.

MycoWorks: creates a mycelium-based leather alternative. They aim to revolutionize the fashion and textile industries by offering sustainable, high-quality materials derived from fungi.

Bolt Threads: creates a mycelium-based leather alternative, Mylo. Bolt Threads partners with major fashion brands to create sustainable products. They are leaders in biofabrication and material innovation.

Mogu: creates mycelium-based materials for interior design, including acoustic panels and tiles. Their products emphasize sustainability and innovation in architecture and home design. They focus on sustainable alternatives for design and architectural spaces that can be extended to fashion.

Biohm: produces mycelium-based building materials, such as insulation and construction panels. They are committed to creating sustainable, circular solutions for the construction industry.

Grown.bio: A Netherlands-based company producing biodegradable mycelium packaging and materials. Grown.bio uses fungi to create sustainable solutions for a variety of industries, from packaging to interior design.

MycoTEX (NEFFA): Based in the Netherlands, MycoTEX develops textiles directly from mycelium, allowing for biodegradable and customizable clothing, thus reducing waste throughout the production process.

Faber Futures: Utilizes fungi-based dyes for sustainable fabric coloration. They explore using natural dyes derived from fungi to reduce the environmental impact of conventional chemical dyeing processes.

Fungi in Food and Beverage Industry

List of companies that innovate using fungi in food production (e.g., food dye, protein).

Nature’s Fynd: produces a protein derived from a unique microbe found in geothermal springs. Their goal is to provide sustainable food alternatives using fungi-based protein, targeting plant-based foods.

Michroma: engineers fungi to produce natural pigments through precision fermentation. Their fungal pigments are stable, non-toxic, and designed to be used as alternatives to artificial food dyes in a wide range of food products.

ENOUGH (formerly 3F BIO): is working on creating mycoprotein not only for protein but also as a fat replacement. This breakthrough involves using fungi to produce a healthy fat alternative, which can help reduce the fat content in meat and dairy alternatives, making plant-based products healthier and more appealing to consumers.

Prime Roots and Meati Foods are using fungi to create fish and seafood alternatives. They grow mycelium that mimics the texture of fish fillets, providing a sustainable and plant-based alternative to seafood, reducing the impact on marine ecosystems.

Mycotechnology uses a technology to put the metabolic engine of mushroom mycelia to work through submerged fermentation which allows the mycelia to feed, grow, and create specific outputs that are the foundation of naturally transformative ingredients.

EniferBio is transforming circular economy by-products into planet friendly protein. Their PEKILO® is a highly nutritious, fungi-based protein with neutral taste and color. As a versatile and sustainable source of nutrients, PEKILO® makes an ideal drop-in ingredient for aquafeed, pet food, and food production.

Also have a look at Naplasol , transforming mycelium into delicious culinary creations. Kaapa biotech, a Finnish-based biotechnology company with expertise in scalable, novel fungal applications for taking a wide-range of mycological solutions to market.

Waste Management & Mycoremediation

Firms specializing in the use of fungi for breaking down waste, plastics, and pollutants; utilizing mycelium for soil detoxification and ecosystem restoration.

MycoCycle specializes in using fungi to convert waste into reusable resources. They work with mycoremediation techniques to degrade construction and demolition waste, making it possible to divert these materials from landfills.
CoRenewal: A non-profit organization that uses fungi for bioremediation of contaminated soils, particularly from mining activities. They focus on using fungal solutions to detoxify ecosystems affected by pollutants like heavy metals.

Expert websites and blogs

Michael Kuo runs the website MushroomExpert.com, which is a well-regarded resource for mushroom enthusiasts and mycologists. The site provides detailed descriptions of a wide variety of fungi, emphasizing their identification, ecology, and taxonomy. Kuo offers practical identification keys, high-quality photographs, and detailed species profiles, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced mushroom foragers. The website also includes educational content about mushroom biology and Kuo’s personal experiences in the field, making it accessible and engaging for anyone interested in mycology.
MycoBank is the on-line repository and nomenclatural registry provided in collaboration between the International Mycological Association and the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute.
Mushroom Observer is a community-driven platform where users can share photographs, identifications, and observations of mushrooms from around the world. It aims to record mushroom diversity and includes contributions from both amateur and professional mycologists.
Mykoweb, created by Mycologist Michael Wood, features a large collection of mushroom descriptions, photographs, and keys for identification. It also includes articles, reviews, and links to other resources in the field of mycology.
iNaturalist is a citizen science platform that allows users to document observations of all kinds of organisms, including fungi. The fungi section is an excellent resource for mushroom identification, allowing the community to contribute to species recognition.
The Cornell Mushroom Blog is an informative platform curated by Kathie T. Hodge, Associate Professor of Mycology at Cornell University. The blog shares updates, insights, and educational resources about mushrooms and fungi. It covers a wide variety of topics, including mushroom identification, cultivation, foraging, and the role of fungi in ecosystems. The blog features posts by faculty, researchers, and students, providing valuable tips for mushroom enthusiasts, such as information on local fungi species, seasonal foraging advice, and sustainable cultivation techniques. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in learning about fungi from an academic perspective while staying connected to practical mycology.
And for cooking The Forager’s Report provides a wealth of information on foraging edible wild mushrooms, with emphasis on identification guides, seasonal availability, and recipes. It’s aimed at foragers and those interested in wild edibles.
The Mushroom Council provides a directory and guide to different mushrooms, emphasizing culinary mushrooms. It offers descriptions, recipes, and uses for both wild and cultivated mushrooms, focusing on edible varieties.
Fungi magazine explores the world of mycology from many different angles, with regular features ranging from toxicology to medicinal mushrooms, from photography to book reviews. It provides articles on a wide range of topics, including mushroom identification, cultivation, foraging, scientific discoveries, and culinary uses. It also features stunning photography and contributions from leading voices in mycology, making it a visually appealing and educational publication.

Fungal Architecture and Design Projects

Companies and research organizations exploring the use of fungi in sustainable architecture, creating biodegradable building materials or innovative design solutions using mycelium.

Fungal Architecture at the University of West England: The team at UWE Bristol is exploring the use of mycelium in “living architecture,” focusing on the integration of fungi into building design for self-healing and adaptable structures. Their research investigates how fungi can create sustainable, self-sustaining building materials. Fungal Architectures is a cross-disciplinary research project that seeks to develop a fully integrated structural and computational living substrate using fungal mycelium.
Living Architecture Project (LIAR): An EU-funded collaborative project exploring the integration of biological organisms, including fungi, into architectural systems. They investigate the potential of mycelium to create responsive, biodegradable, and energy-efficient building materials.
MycoTree by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): An experimental architectural project utilizing load-bearing mycelium structures. The goal is to show that mycelium composites can function in structural applications, providing an ecological alternative to traditional materials in architecture.
The Mediated Matter Group at MIT Media Lab: Conducts research on mycelium-based materials for architecture and construction. Their work includes exploring mycelium for use in lightweight, biodegradable building components that can help reduce the carbon footprint of construction.
University of British Columbia (UBC) Mycelium Research: UBC researchers explore the role of biotechnology in the future of architecture and are investigating the use of mycelium for biodegradable, lightweight building panels that can provide effective insulation while being environmentally friendly and fully compostable at the end of their lifecycle.

Fungi-Inspired Art and Cultural Groups

Art collectives or museums focused on fungi as a theme in art and culture and cultural organizations hosting fungi-related workshops, educational programs, and festivals.

The Mycological Twist: An art collective that creates installations, workshops, and multimedia projects centered on fungi. Their work explores the intersection of fungi, ecology, and social issues, often engaging the public with educational and artistic experiences.
Radical Mycology Collective: An artist-activist group that explores fungi through art and science. They create collaborative installations, zines, and workshops, merging mycological knowledge with artistic expression to highlight the ecological and cultural significance of fungi.
Somerset House (UK): Hosted the “Mushrooms: The Art, Design, and Future of Fungi” exhibition, which brought together artists, designers, and scientists to celebrate the role of fungi in culture, design, and ecology. It included artworks, installations, and educational materials inspired by the fungal kingdom.
Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt: Held the “Fungus Exhibition” that brought together artworks inspired by mushrooms and fungi. The exhibition examined how mushrooms are seen in culture, mythology, and their artistic representations.
Fungi Cosmology is a project co-created by LabVerde (Brazil), CAB Patagonia (Chile), artists-in-labs program (CH), foodculturedays (CH). Bringing together science and arts professionals from Brazil, Chile, and Switzerland, the research includes lectures, workshops, and expeditions.
Fungi Film Fest is the world’s only film festival dedicated to the beauty, weirdness, and human influences of mushrooms, lichens, and micro fungi.
Fantastic Fungi Community: Inspired by the film “Fantastic Fungi,” this organization holds events and workshops that merge art, storytelling, and fungal science to inspire appreciation of mushrooms. They often collaborate with artists to create educational content and experiences.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK): Hosts exhibitions, guided walks, and workshops about fungi, integrating science with art. They explore the importance of fungi in ecosystems and culture, often using creative mediums to engage the public.

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