During 11-13 January 2017, the Centre of Excellence in Fungal Research conducted an international conference entitled “Towards a Natural Classification & Industrial Utilization of the Fungi” at E Park Building, Mae Fah Luang University.
According to Head of Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kevin David Hyde, this conference served as a platform for research collaboration development between mycologists from many countries such as China, Taiwan, UK, Germany and Thailand. The aim of this conference was to provide a venue for young researchers and postgraduates who are interested in mycology to present their latest research advances and share their knowledge and research experience. In addition, this forum sought to to strengthen existing collaborations and establish future networks for all participants.
The forum also bought in five-well known mycologists as keynote speakers including former President of the British Mycological Society, Prof. E. B. Gareth Jones; Head of the Research Department Mikrobielle Wirkstoffe (MWIS) at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Prof. Dr. Marc Stadler; former Senior Research Scientist of Landcare Research, Dr. Eric McKenzie; BBSRC funded researcher for the PROTREE project, Dr. Joanne Elizabeth Taylor; Senior Lecturer at the University of Mauritius, Dr. Rajesh Jeewon, and Professor of Botany at Goa University, Prof. Dr. Jayarama Bhat Darbhe. In addition, there were about 105 participants and 86 presentations which consisted of 40 oral presentations and 46 posters.
MFU President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, remarked that the centre for fungal research commenced as an institute in 2009 and then became a Center of Excellence in 2014. The development of the centre shows MFU’s full intention to support the study of fungi and determination to become a leading research centre in Thailand, Asia and the world. The achievements of the centre are also demonstrated by the increasing number of PhD students and a growing amount of publications in international academic journals.
