British Mycological Society announces 'The Biology of Fungi' programme at IMC9

- 1700 Delegates to Meet at the 9th Mycological Congress 1-6 August 2010, Edinburgh

The British Mycological Society, in association with Elsevier, the world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information, today announced the final programme for the 9th Mycological Congress IMC9: The Biology of Fungi. This congress takes place every 4 years at a different venue around the world.

Taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, a comprehensive programme encompasses the latest research in all areas of fungal biology. More than 300 oral presentations are arranged within 45 thematic symposia and supplemented by over 1000 posters, optional special interest group meetings, field trips and an exhibition. A complementary public exhibition, entitled 'From Another Kingdom', will be hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh during the Congress and later into Autumn 2010.

Fungal biology has never been as important in our everyday lives as it is today because of the commercial importance for biotechnology, medicine and the food industry. Fungi also provide a model for studying the eukaryotic mode of life. Further, fungi are crucial to the functioning of the ecosystems of our planet because of the role they play in decomposition and nutrient cycling. New areas of research will be reviewed within the following five main themes of the congress: Cell biology, biochemistry and physiology; Environment, ecology and interactions; Evolution, biodiversity and systematics; Fungal pathogenesis and disease control; Genomics, genetics and molecular biology.

Nick Read, Professor of Fungal Cell Biology at the University of Edinburgh and Chair of IMC9, is looking forward to the culmination of years of planning, "The UK has a long tradition of being at the forefront of international mycology and we are exceptionally pleased to welcome more than 1700 delegates from around the world to hear from an eminent line up of plenary speakers and to enjoy a wide ranging programme. Edinburgh has much to offer our delegates and we are looking forward to bringing the mycological community together to sample Edinburgh's fantastic arts festival and hospitality as well as the latest science."

The 9th Mycological Congress takes place at the Edinburgh Convention Centre in Edinburgh, UK, 1-6 August 2010.

http://www.imc9.info