Motivation for CanFunNet
There are many ways that fungal researchers are separated from each other by artificial barriers between basic, medical, and applied sciences. We established the Canadian Fungal Network (CanFunNet) in 2019 to alleviate this problem in Canada by facilitating dialogue among scientists working across diverse sub-disciplines, institutions and countries. Our overall mission is to leverage the collective expertise of Canadian researchers and their colleagues abroad to address critical questions related to fungal ecology and fungal disease, as well as to enhance training opportunities and provided needed expertise to public health authorities.
The yearly CanFunNet Fungal Biology Conference
In pursuit of our mission, each year we host a National Conference. The first CanFunNet conference was held virtually in July 2020, with an audience of 310 participants from 89 institutions across Canada, and 63 presenters representing all career stages. This initial success was followed up by a joint virtual conference with the Great Lakes Mycology Meetings in May 2021 with 339 participants from 94 institutions in 15 countries and 152 presenters (see the 2020 program and 2021 program).
This year, we are excited to go west for the first time with CanFunNet for a virtual meeting hosted by the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Continuing in the footsteps of previous meetings, the CanFunNet22 program is being structured around an exciting line-up of plenary talks and invited sessions under the theme “Fungi at the Crossroads of Health and Ecosystems”. Our scientific program will continue to showcase cutting-edge mycological research from around the world with a distinctly Canadian angle. This year’s conference, after two years of a global pandemic, will feature thoughtful new interactive features that will provide enriched opportunities to exchange information and ideas and form networks and collaborations in fungal research. Check out this year's conference website here to learn more and register.
If you have an idea for CanFunNet, please be in touch! We are organizing under a cooperative model and welcome ideas, input, and additional organizers from the community.
This year, we are excited to go west for the first time with CanFunNet for a virtual meeting hosted by the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Continuing in the footsteps of previous meetings, the CanFunNet22 program is being structured around an exciting line-up of plenary talks and invited sessions under the theme “Fungi at the Crossroads of Health and Ecosystems”. Our scientific program will continue to showcase cutting-edge mycological research from around the world with a distinctly Canadian angle. This year’s conference, after two years of a global pandemic, will feature thoughtful new interactive features that will provide enriched opportunities to exchange information and ideas and form networks and collaborations in fungal research. Check out this year's conference website here to learn more and register.
If you have an idea for CanFunNet, please be in touch! We are organizing under a cooperative model and welcome ideas, input, and additional organizers from the community.
Why fungi?
The fungi comprise a morphologically diverse and metabolically versatile kingdom estimated to include 2.2 to 3.8 million species. Fungi are ubiquitous across Earth’s environments and their myriad activities underpin the health and functioning of ecosystems and societies. Many environmental fungi perform critical roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling; domesticated industrial fungi aid in the manufacturing of antimicrobials and wine and beer; mutualistic fungi promote plant and animal growth; and yeast are probably the best-studied eukaryotic model system for scientific and biomedical research.
Fungi are also incredibly successful pathogens, including the most prevalent pathogens of agriculturally important crops, insect, amphibian, and other animal species. Fungal pathogens of humans in particular are an increasingly important source of disease in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Over the past thirty years, the increasing threat of fungi as agricultural and human pathogens has become apparent and a growing cause of concern. In Canada, ~1.8% of the population (~650K people) are affected by serious fungal infections, and invasive fungal infections are an important cause of mortality, particularly among the ever- increasing population of elderly and immune-compromised individuals. In addition, Canadians are increasingly impacted by previously unrecognized fungal pathogens that have emerged because of changing environmental conditions.
Fungi are also incredibly successful pathogens, including the most prevalent pathogens of agriculturally important crops, insect, amphibian, and other animal species. Fungal pathogens of humans in particular are an increasingly important source of disease in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Over the past thirty years, the increasing threat of fungi as agricultural and human pathogens has become apparent and a growing cause of concern. In Canada, ~1.8% of the population (~650K people) are affected by serious fungal infections, and invasive fungal infections are an important cause of mortality, particularly among the ever- increasing population of elderly and immune-compromised individuals. In addition, Canadians are increasingly impacted by previously unrecognized fungal pathogens that have emerged because of changing environmental conditions.