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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

🍄 💊 Fungi are a largely unexploited source of bioactive compounds. Mycobiomics 2.0 unites 13 institutions from 11 countries in the search for new anti-fungals against antimicrobial resistance. We're proud the Westerdijk Institute is a partner! wi.knaw.nl/news/details/142207 📸Thijs Rooimans

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Reposted by The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute

Hubrecht Institute @hubrechtinstitute.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

For 110 years, the Hubrecht Institute has been studying the development of cells, tissues and organisms to discover how life works on the smallest scale. To celebrate this, we are opening our doors on Saturday, 6 June 2026. Read more here: www.hubrecht.eu/zooming-in-o...

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Perfect for (micro)biology students, PhD candidates, and professionals eager to strengthen their skills in fungal systematics and ecology. 🗓️ When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

🔍 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨: Identify fungi using microscopy and molecular tools Master aseptic techniques and cultivation methods Understand the ecological and diagnostic roles of fungi Visit the world-renowned culture collection

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Join the Fungal Biodiversity Course at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and explore the amazing diversity of fungi through hands-on experience. 👩‍🔬 Discover, identify, and explore the fungal world! wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Perfect for (micro)biology students, PhDs, and professionals eager to deepen their understanding of fungi. 🗓️ When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands 👉 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

wi.knaw.nl

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

🔬 Gain hands-on experience in fungal systematics, ecology, and diagnostics from soil mycology to plant pathogens. 🧫 Learn both morphological and molecular identification methods. 🏛️ Includes a tour of the culture collection!

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course at the Westerdijk Institute 👉 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

🗓️ When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands 👉 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

wi.knaw.nl

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

✅ Understand fungi in daily life, diagnostics, and bioinformatics ✅ Experience an exclusive tour of the culture collection 🎓 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧: (Micro)biology students, PhD candidates, technicians, and scientists seeking a strong foundation in fungal biodiversity.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

🔬 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭: ✅ Learn aseptic techniques, cultivation, and microscopic examination of fungi ✅ Discover major fungal groups: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, and yeasts ✅ Explore molecular and morphological identification methods

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course! Fungi are among the most diverse and essential organisms on our planet. They influence ecosystems, agriculture, medicine, and industry. This comprehensive course offers a deep dive into the biodiversity, systematics, and ecology of the Fungal Kingdom.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

📅 When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands 👉 Secure your spot now!

wi.knaw.nl

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

🧫 Gain hands-on experience with fungal cultivation and microscopy. 🏛️ Includes a tour of the CBS culture collection! Perfect for students, PhD candidates, and professionals eager to deepen their mycological knowledge.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course at the Westerdijk Institute! 👇 🔬 Explore fungal systematics, ecology, and diagnostics—from soil mycology to plant pathogens. 💡 Learn both morphological and molecular identification methods.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

📅 When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands 👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts in mycology and expand your network within the global fungal research community.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

🎓 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧: Ideal for (micro)biology students, PhD candidates, technicians, and researchers who want to develop a comprehensive understanding of fungal biodiversity.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

✅ Clinical fungi diagnostics ✅ Fungi in daily life ✅ Exclusive tour of the culture collection

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

🧫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: ✅ Introduction to the Fungal Kingdom: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, and yeasts ✅ Aseptic working, media, and microscopic examination techniques ✅ Polyphasic identification and molecular methods

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

The course combines morphological and molecular identification techniques, offering participants both theoretical insights and practical experience in fungal cultivation and recognition.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧: Gain a solid foundation in fungal systematics, ecology, and diagnostics, from soil mycology to plant pathogens.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course 23–27 February 2026👇 The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute invites you to an intensive, hands-on course exploring the vast and fascinating kingdom of fungi. 🔗 More information & registration: wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

wi.knaw.nl

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course at the Westerdijk Institute 👉 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

🗓️ When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands 👉 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

wi.knaw.nl

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

📅 When: 23–27 February 2026 📍 Where: Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands 👉 Secure your spot now!

wi.knaw.nl

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Wonyong Kim, Tania Keiko Shishido, Huong T. Pham, Kyo Bin Kang, Rundong Liu, Matti Wahlsten, Jerome Collemare, Hyun Park, Soon-Ok Oh, Hyung-Ho Ha, Hangun Kim, and Jae-Seoun Hur

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Congratulations to the authors, and especially to Tania Keiko Shishido, who was a guest postdoc at the Westerdijk Institute and successfully performed the very first heterologous expression of a lichen gene in the host Aspergillus oryzae.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

3️⃣ By inserting lichen genes into Aspergillus oryzae, the researchers successfully produced notable lichen acids, including 4-O-demethylbarbatic acid and virensic acid, showing that these pathways can be reconstructed outside of lichens.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

2️⃣ Species differ not only in these core genes but also in the “tailoring enzymes” surrounding them. These enzymes modify the initial molecule in different ways, explaining why some lichens make simple compounds while others produce chemically complex “depsidones.”

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

📌 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬: 1️⃣ The study identifies PKS1 and PKS23 as key polyketide synthases. These enzymes initiate the synthesis of important lichen acids such as atranorin and barbatic acid.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

By combining genomics, synthetic biology and chemistry, this international collaboration between the Westerdijk Institute, Chonnam National University and Sunchon National University (South Korea), and the University of Helsinki, the team uncovered the blueprints of lichen acids.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Yet, the genes and enzymes behind these compounds have remained largely mysterious because lichen fungi grow slowly and are difficult to manipulate in the lab.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Understanding how lichen produce their natural chemicals could lead to: ✨ Sustainable lab-based production of valuable lichen compounds ✨ New bio-inspired medicines or antioxidants ✨ Better insight into how lichens evolved and adapted over millions of years

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Lichen acids protect lichens from sunlight, insects, microbes, and other stresses. They’re also of growing interest for medicine, cosmetics, and biotechnology.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

A newly published study takes a major step toward solving one of lichen biology’s biggest questions, namely, how these symbiotic organisms produce their remarkable array of compounds known as lichen acids.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

And with hundreds of citizen scientists helping to collect specimens across the country, it truly is a national effort. A big thank-you to the many colleagues, researchers, technicians, and volunteers who made this possible.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

From monitoring fenced dune areas to evaluate grazing pressure to assessing the ecological impact of offshore wind farms or nature-inclusive construction, ARISE is opening new doors for evidence-based environmental decision-making.

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The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute @westerdijkinst.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Tasks that once took scientists days, such as manually identifying species from hundreds of images, can now be completed in minutes. That time saved goes straight back into deeper research and better understanding the health of our ecosystems.

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