Join us for the official launch of the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (MCAM) – a milestone marking a year of growth, new academic collaborations, and the start of a global effort to reimagine the role of applied mycology in building a sustainable future.
In early 2024, SWAGºÏ¼¯ was awarded £7.2 million by Research England through the Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund to establish the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (MCAM). Officially launched on 1 August 2024, MCAM represents a bold and timely investment in the untapped potential of fungi to support the transition to a greener, more sustainable global economy.
Fungi are among the most diverse organisms on Earth, contributing an estimated £42.5 trillion to the global economy in 2022, largely through food and medicine. Historically, mycology has focused on addressing the harmful effects of fungi, such as disease, food loss, and toxins. But the future of applied mycology lies in unlocking the transformative traits of fungi to advance net zero goals, biotechnological innovation, and sustainable development.
About the event
This special launch event celebrates the opening of MCAM and offers insight into:
- The vision and foundations behind the Centre
- MCAM’s mission to expand research and build capacity in applied mycology
- How fungi will help drive innovation in the green economy
- Opportunities to network
Through transdisciplinary research, talent development and a commitment to scientific excellence, MCAM will shape the next generation of mycologists and industry leaders.
We invite you to join us in marking the beginning of this exciting journey and to learn more about how MCAM is positioning fungi at the forefront of sustainable change.
Let’s unlock the power of fungi – together.
Event Programme
Registration and networking opens at 09:30 for a 10:00 start.
| 09:30-10:00 | Registration and networking |
| 10:00-12:05 |
Welcome to SWAGºÏ¼¯ Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE - Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences Official opening ceremony presentation Professor Angel Medina-Vaya - Director of the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology Expanding Excellence in England (E3) - Funding MCAM Dr Helena Mills - Head of Research Funding, Research England, SWAGºÏ¼¯RI Professor Naresh Magan: A Lasting Legacy Tara Magan - Daughter of Professor Naresh Magan Esther Baxter - Former Technician in the Applied Mycology Group Refreshment break and networking Fungi as a Solution: Driving Scientific Innovation for a Sustainable Future Susanne Gløersen - Founder and CEO, The Future is Fungi Award Mycology for the Future: Unlocking the Power of Fungal Research Professor Paul Dyer - British Mycological Society Treasurer and Professor of Fungal Biology at University of Nottingham |
| 12:05-12:50 | Lunch and networking |
| 12:50-16:00 |
Presentations from Research Themes Sustainable Food Production Dr Andrea Patriarca - Senior Lecturer in Mycology Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen - Senior Lecturer in Applied Molecular Mycology Dr Carla Cervini - Academic Fellow in Nutrition and Mycology Sustainable Mycoremediation Professor Roberto Parra Saldivar - Professor in Sustainable Mycoremediation Fungal-based Bioenergy Dr Abhishek Baghela - Senior Lecturer in Fungal-Based Bioenergy Sustainable Manufacturing Dr Vinod Kumar - Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Biomanufacturing Fungal Biomaterials Dr Wenjing Sun - Lecturer in Fungal Biomaterials Indoor and Environmental Mycology Dr Haoxiang Wu – Lecturer in Indoor and Environmental Mycology Panel session - Fungi for a Net Zero World Parallel session Tour of facilities & Individual discussions with academic staff |
| 16:00 |
Closure of ceremony Opportunity for further networking |
Who should attend
- Researchers and academics
- Students and early-career scientists
- Industry professionals
- Policy makers and funders
- Local councils
- Anyone curious about fungi and its role in the green economy
Cost
Free to attend.How to register
Please register to attend by completing the .
