Berkeley Award: Johanna Rhodes
In recognition of an outstanding original scientific contribution to mycology by researchers at an early stage of their career.
Awarded to Dr Johanna Rhodes, Imperial College London, for research on understanding the epidemiology of fungal pathogens, how fungal pathogens of humans, mammals and plants have evolved, and how and why antifungal drug resistance has emerged and spread.
John Webster Award: John W. Taylor
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to fungal biology research over an extended career.
Awarded to Prof John W. Taylor, University of California, Berkeley, one of the best-known mycologists worldwide. John has had a profound impact on fungal research over his career, spanning areas such as fungal phylogenetics, population biology, molecular ecology, and medical mycology - as demonatrated by his publications output.
Field Mycology Award: Thomas Læssøe and Jens Petersen
In recognition of contributions to the advancement of British field mycology, through conservational, taxonomic, recording or educational activities.
Awarded to Dr Thomas Læssøe and Dr Jens Petersen for their extensive contribution to the taxonomic knowledge of fungi for the serious amateur. Of particular note are their books in multiple volumes: ‘Funga Nordica’ and ‘Fungi of Temperate Europe’; also ‘The Kingdom of Fungi’ (JP); ‘Fungi you can eat’ (JP); ‘The Genus Mycena’ (TL). Both Thomas and Jens regularly share their expertise and willingly give their time to support BMS members at various Field Meetings.
Fungal Outreach Award: Richard Fortey
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to fungal education or outreach
Awarded to Prof Richard Fortey, who has been running the Fungus Survey of Oxfordshire local group since 2011 in addition to giving lectures around the UK to promote mycology, including for UK Fungus Day. Richard’s latest book ‘Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind’ has just been published and the BBC programme ‘The Magic of Mushrooms’ aired this year.
Benefactors' Medal: Geoffrey Kibby
Awarded to those who have given outstanding service to the Society.
Awarded to Geoffrey Kibby for his long-standing role as Senior Editor of the Society’s Field Mycology journal. This journal has been under Geoffrey’s steer since the first issue in 2000.
Naresh Magan Lecture Award: Harun M. Murithri
Awarded by the British Mycological Society and the International Society for Mycotoxicology.
Dr Harun Murithi, University of Illinois and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), gave his award presentation - “Know Your Enemy”: Strategies to Manage Soybean Rust Fungus in Smallholder Farms in Africa - to open a symposium held in honour of Professor Naresh Magan during the 12th International Mycological Congress, 11 - 15 August 2024 in Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Tony Trinci Award: Seána Duggan
Awarded by the British Mycological Society and Microbiology Society
Dr Seána Duggan of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, UK, gave her award presentation, ‘A Copper Economy Underlies Synergy of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilms’ at the Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference.