BMS Events
24 Apr 2024
19:30 – 21:00
19:30 – 21:00
BMS Talk: Exploiting fungal sex for food production and food security Research
Three University of Nottingham PhD students share their research on fungi important in mycoprotein production, disease of oilseed rape and brassica crops, and better blue cheese.
- Meddling with mycoprotein: novel strain development of Fusarium venenatum - Alex Pate
- Sex as a weapon: using fungal sexual hormones to control plant disease - Lisa Humbert
- A bitter tug-of-war: the search for better blue cheese - Jonathan Heale
Meddling with mycoprotein: novel strain development of Fusarium venenatum - Alex Pate
The filamentous fungus Fusarium venenatum is used by Quorn to produce mycoprotein, the main ingredient in its meat-alternative products. The current production strain has been in use for several decades and generates a product high in protein and fibre, and low in fat. With additional environmental benefits, a growing consumer base, and commercial competition, there are incentives to improve or replace it with a superior strain. However, there are barriers to altering the production process, such as the production of mycotoxins on different sugar feedstocks, and the accumulation of texture-distorting mutants over extended fermentation times. Alex will dicuss the search for new production candidates among existing strains and the exploration of new strains, including attempts to identify the evidenced - but unobserved - sexual lifecycle of F. venenatum.
Sex as a weapon: using fungal sexual hormones to control plant disease - Lisa Humbert
Pyrenopiziza brassicae is the causative agent of Light Leaf Spot disease on oilseed rape and brassica crops and is an economically important fungal pathogen worldwide. The fungus undergoes both sexual and asexual reproduction in the field, with chemical signaling molecules modulating the switch between the two methods. When sexual hormones from P. brassicae are applied to a single isolate, premature development of sexual structures is induced and asexual sporulation is repressed. In her talk, Lisa will discuss research to investigate the use of these sexual hormones as a novel disease control agent for Light Leaf Spot, controlling of the spread of asexual spores.
A bitter tug-of-war: the search for better blue cheese - Jonathan Heale
Mould-ripened cheeses, such as stilton, gorgonzola and camembert, are a luxury food consumed across the world, particularly in Europe. They are made by introducing edible moulds to the cheese, producing characteristic flavours and textures, and a distinctive product. “Blue” cheeses are ripened with the mould Penicillium roqueforti, resulting in blue veins and a strong flavour. Traditionally, these cheeses have been made with only a small number of domesticated strains with minimal genetic variability. The recent discovery of how to induce sexual reproduction in this species has enabled the generation of novel strains. However, not all of the resulting cheeses have been palatable; some are extremely bitter, for reasons not currently understood. In this talk, Jonathan will explain how blue cheese is made, the challenges currently facing its production, and how current work is solving these issues.
22 May 2024
19:30 – 21:00
19:30 – 21:00
BMS Talk: Finding fungi in the West Midlands Field
The West Midlands is a heavily urbanised area of England that contains a surprising diversity of fungi. This talk will explore the fungi of the West Midlands including the history of mycology in the region, from the early explorations by Dr William Withering in the 1700s to the present day. It will also feature some of the fungal habitats and species that can be found in the area. The West Midlands is home to one of the newest fungus groups in the country and the talk will cover the experience of starting and running a fungus group.
Registration will open soon.
Lukas Large lives in the West Midlands and is the curator of Natural Science with Birmingham Museums Trust. He previously worked for the Lost and Found Fungus Project at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and is the founder and chair of the West Midlands Fungus Group.
11 Aug 2024 – 15 Aug 2024
BMS at the 12th International Mycological Congress (IMC12) Research
Maastricht, The Netherlands
The BMS will be participating in IMC12 - The 12th International Mycological Congress, in Maastricht, August 2024.
The meeting will cover six themes: Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology; Environment, Ecology and Interactions; Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics; Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control; Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology; Nomenclature.
28 Oct 2024 – 4 Nov 2024
Autumn Field Meeting 2024 Field
Taking place in the Forest of Dean, with 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast and dinner at the Bells Hotel and Country Club, Coleford, Gloucestershire.
This event is now fully booked.
If you'd like to be added to the waiting list, please email Sally Hawkes at sally@britmycolsoc.info
The Coleford base for this meeting lies between the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both areas are rich in ancient semi-natural woodland: 800 hectares in the limestone Wye Gorge which also has 45 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the designated area, and the more managed environment of mature Oaks and Douglas Fir in the Forest of Dean, which was designated the first national Forest Park in 1938. Both areas are strongholds for nature: beavers have been recently introduced and wild boar frequent the forest.
Geoffrey Kibby has kindly offered to tutor this event. So we can expect his expertise will enrich our week!
Costs
- BMS Member - Single room - £490
- BMS Member - Sharing a room - £420 per person (£840 for two)
- Non-Member - Single room - £630
- Non-Member - Sharing a room - £560 per person (£1120 for two
Location
Bells Hotel and Country Club, Lords Hill, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8BE
Payment:
- A minimum payment of the deposit (per person, per event) is due at the time of booking.
- Full payment will be due on request, usually no later than six weeks before the event.
- Payment can be made by bank transfer, debit/credit card or by cheque.
In the event of cancellation:
- Deposits are non-refundable.
- Full Payments minus the Deposit will only be refunded if a replacement participant is found. Waiting lists are held however we cannot guarantee that the place will be filled, particularly for late cancellations.
- Refunds may be given for cancellations made under extenuating circumstances, at the discretion of the BMS.
- You may wish to take out travel insurance to help cover your costs.
If you have any queries regarding the Autumn Meeting, please contact Sally Hawkes, Events and Member Services Officer, at sally@britmycolsoc.info
Local fungus groups
Fungus groups exist in many parts of the UK and are run on a voluntary basis by enthusiasts seeking to share their knowledge of fungi and improve identification skills. Groups offer a welcoming environment for newcomers and experts alike.
BMS Talks
Our online talks take place once a month and are open to everyone, at any level of interest or expertise in fungi. Speakers cover a variety of topics including scientific research, field mycology, art, history and cuture.
BMS grants
BMS offers a number of grants to support work, study, meeting attendance and other activities in fungal biology and field mycology.
BMS Awards for mycology
To celebrate and recognise exceptional contributions to mycology, the BMS seeks nominations for the following awards:
- Early-career researchers who have made an outstanding original scientific contribution to mycology (Berkeley Award)
- Individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to fungal biology research over an extended career (John Webster Award)
- Those who have made an outstanding contribution to fungal education or outreach (Fungal Outreach Award)
- Those who have contributed to the advancement of British field mycology (Field Mycology Award)
- Individuals who have given outstanding service to the Society (BMS Benefactors' Medal)
Nominees may be drawn from any nation and need not be members of the BMS. Deadline for nominations is 31 May.
Undergraduate Student Vacation Bursaries
The BMS offers bursaries to support undergraduate students in gaining valuable practical experience in any area of fungal biology research. The awards of up to £3,300 are intended to support the student for 4 to 10 weeks in the summer vacation prior to their final year of study. Deadline for applications: 30 April.
Latest issue of Field Mycology - February 2024
On the cover: Phaeolepiota aurea, part of a prolific fruiting of over 100 fruitbodies in Kew Gardens in November, 2023. Credit: Geoffrey Kibby.
This issues includes:
- Rare, new and interesting fungi from the Cairngorms – Mario Tortelli, Geoffrey Kibby & Claudi X. Soler
- Book reviews: Mushroom Foraging Guide 2023, Foraging Pocket Guide 2020 and Foraging Field Journal 2020-2023 - all by Wild Food UK; The genus Psathyrella s.l. by Leif Örstadius.
Join the Society
Membership of the BMS is open to all who are interested in promoting, supporting and learning about the world of fungi.
Join now and your membership will be valid until 31 December 2024. Plus, we offer a discounted fee for the first year of a new, Full Membership.
Fungal biology research articles
The BMS journals Fungal Biology, Fungal Ecology and Fungal Biology Reviews feature the latest scientific research papers and discussions.
Call for submissions to Fungal Interactions
Fungal Interactions is the new, open access, international journal from the British Mycological Society, published by Elsevier.
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Get involved with the British Mycological Society
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Membership of the BMS is open to all who are interested in promoting, supporting and learning about the world of fungi.
What's on
See the programme of BMS conferences, meetings and workshops and other selected mycology-focused events.