New Annual Award to Honour Excellence in Aquatic Mycology

Association for Fungal Biologists (AFB) is pleased to announce the institution of Prof. Kandikere Ramaiah Sridhar Award for Young Researchers in Aquatic Mycology. Named in honour of Prof. K.R. Sridhar—an internationally renowned mycologist and Editor-in-Chief of MycoIndia Journal of Indian Fungi—this award recognizes his pioneering contributions to fungal biology, particularly the study of freshwater fungi in the Western Ghats and coastal ecosystems of India.

This prestigious award will be presented annually during the AFB's conference to outstanding Ph.D. scholars who are actively engaged in aquatic mycology. The focus is on recognizing excellence in areas such as fungal biodiversity, taxonomy, phylogeny, systematics, ecology, and applied research related to fungi inhabiting aquatic environments. Only bona fide, registered Ph.D. scholars under the age of 35 are eligible to compete. Faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, and teachers are not eligible.

A special poster competition will be organized as part of the annual conference, and entries will be evaluated by a three-member jury appointed by the AFB. Winners will be selected based on the quality and originality of their work, and will be honoured during the valedictory session of the conference. The award includes a citation and a memento but does not carry a cash prize.

Instituted by Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy, Principal Scientist at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Visakhapatnam, India, this award aims to inspire and support emerging talent in the field of aquatic mycology. For nomination procedures and further details, researchers are encouraged to follow updates from AFB and Mycological Spectrum.

Download the full award details document here.

Published on 29 May 2025.

We are delighted to announce that Mycological Spectrum, the official journal of Association of Fungal Biologists has recently published three new research papers at https://mycologicalspectrum.org/articles that contribute significantly to our understanding of fungal biology:

Diversity of aquatic hyphomycetes in two coastal streams of southwest India    
Shekar Tejaswi, Kodandoor Sharathchandra, Kandikere Ramaiah Sridhar
Mycological Spectrum 2025/01. 

Azaphilone pigments from Penicillium maximae
Filipe Augusto Tironi Alves, Alice Ferreira-Silva, Ivanildo Evódio Marriel, Gabriel Franco dos Santos, Jacqueline Aparecida Takahashi
Mycological Spectrum 2025/02. 

Extraction and partial characterization of melanin pigment from Alternaria burnsii NFCCI 5753 and Cladosporium tenuissimum NFCCI 5754
Malika Suthar, Sanjay K. Singh
Mycological Spectrum 2025/03.

We encourage all our esteemed life members to consider submitting their own research to Mycological Spectrum. The journal welcomes original research articles, reviews, and short communications across all areas of fungal biology.

To learn more about the journal and submission process, please visit: https://mycologicalspectrum.org/author-guidelines

Let us continue to contribute to and support platforms that showcase the richness and relevance of fungal research. Thank you.

Warm regards,

Dr. Sunil Kumar Deshmukh

President, Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB)

Published on 20 May 2025.

We are pleased to announce the International Conference on “Exploring Fungal Frontiers: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Advancing Fungal Biology” (AFBCON 2025), scheduled from 4th to 6th December 2025 at Rajaram College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

This conference, organized by the Department of Botany, Rajaram College, in collaboration with the Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB), will also host the 3rd Annual Meet of AFB.

The event aims to bring together leading scientists, educators, industry professionals, and students to explore breakthroughs and interdisciplinary approaches in mycology. Themes include fungal biodiversity, biotechnology, conservation, clinical mycology, agriculture, industrial applications, and more.

First circular will be released soon.

For more details, contact: afbcon2025@gmail.com

Join us in Kolhapur and be part of a global dialogue on fungal biology!

Published on 20 May 2025.

We invite you to join the Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB), a dynamic community dedicated to promoting research, education, and collaboration in fungal biology. Membership provides opportunities to connect with fellow mycologists, participate in AFB-organized events and workshops, and stay informed through our official journal, Mycological Spectrum.

To apply for membership, download and complete the official AFB Membership Application Form. Once filled, please email the form to fungalbiologist@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the AFB community.

Published on 20 May 2025.

Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB) is pleased to invite applications for its distinguished Fellowship Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of mycology and allied sciences.

Applicants must have at least 15 peer-reviewed research publications over the past 10 years, including a minimum of 10 in SCI-listed journals. Articles published in high-quality emerging journals such as Mycological Spectrum are also considered. 

Leadership in collaborative research, mentoring of early-career scientists, and efforts to promote fungal biology through education and outreach are essential components of eligibility. 

A clear vision for advancing the field, along with active AFB life membership and a history of service to the association, are also required.

To apply, candidates must submit a CV and a cover letter describing their contributions to mycology and their vision for AFB to asso.fun.biol.president@gmail.com. 

Applications will be evaluated on scientific impact, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of fungal biology.

The application fee is Rs. 5000.

We welcome your nominations and applications as we work together to foster excellence and innovation in fungal research.

Download full announcement (PDF) 

Published on 20 May 2025.