The main goal of this project is to further develop research-based education in mycology and molecular fungal ecology between the Universities of Copenhagen and Warsaw within the framework of Flagship 4, which focuses on environmental transitions, including biodiversity loss and climate change. Although fungi play a fundamental role in the functioning of most terrestrial ecosystems, they remain largely overlooked in conservation initiatives due to fragmented and dispersed biodiversity data, as well as a shortage of trained specialists.
Both the University of Warsaw and the University of Copenhagen are strongly committed to integrating fungal diversity data and coordinating mycological research efforts across Europe, as demonstrated by their joint involvement in the Biodiversa+ Partnership project FunDive – Monitoring and Mapping Fungal Diversity for Nature Conservation. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to establish a shared research-based educational framework that goes beyond traditional biodiversity research by incorporating digital skills development, data literacy, and societal engagement in support of fungal conservation. The planned research stays will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the current educational landscapes at the partner institutions, enabling the development of shared research-, challenge-, and evidence-based curricular elements that could be incorporated into future joint study programmes, including Blended Intensive Programmes. Through the integration of innovative educational approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives, the proposed project will directly contribute to the objectives of Flagship 4 and advance the 4EU+ Alliance’s strategic ambitions in the field of education.
“The project represents a unique opportunity to integrate complementary mycological expertise across career stages and institutions, fostering the development of research-based teaching, strengthening fungal ecology research networks, and providing a foundation for joint educational cooperation, including future joint master-level programmes in Biodiversity.”