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Mycology is the field of science that is mostly driven by the community. Not only do citizen scientists contribute to taxonomic and ecological research, but they play a vital role in collecting data for the conservation of threatened fungi. Citizen scientists also drive many innovations in applied mycology, including in cultivation, myco-materials, and medicinal fungi. In this workshop, we will discuss issues facing fungal ecology, conservation, and regeneration in Australia and how community science can help overcome them. There will also be a chance for hands-on experience looking for fungal DNA in the environment as well as extracting and sequencing fungal DNA using a portable DNA sequencer.

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Ema Corro is a mycologist who believes that the best way to protect the environment is to involve the community in all aspects of science and conservation.
Ema loves everything about fungi and is always amazed by their ability to increase people’s sense of connection with the natural world. She is coordinator of MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology which is an organisation that aims to raise awareness of the importance of fungi in health, sustainability and the environment, as well as providing scientific training and resources to the community. She also coordinates the Wild Fungi DNA project which is developing environmental DNA techniques that citizen scientists can use to search for rare and endangered fungi. She is also researching using waste to produce sustainable mycelium-based construction materials
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