Fungal Ecology

Research areas focus on the ecology of fungi, biocrusts and cryptogams (algae, biofilms, bryophytes, cyanobacteria, and lichens). Our key areas include:

• Fungi in land management – integrating fungal ecology, conservation assessments, and bioinformatics into soil health, restoration, and revegetation practices.
• Nutrient cycling and decomposition – fungal roles in decomposition, nutrient mineralisation, carbon sequestration, soil formation, interactions with nitrogen-fixing organisms, and the contributions of saprotrophic fungi to ecosystem function.
• Plant interactions and symbioses – mycorrhizal partnerships, endophytes, the plant microbiome, and the influence of fungal networks roles in plant health
• Fungal-animal interactions –exploring how fungi support food webs, from invertebrate communities sustained by fungal sporebodies and mycelium to the ground-dwelling mammals and birds that depend on truffle-like fungi for food and disperse their spores in their scats
• Biosecurity and invasive interactions – managing weedy and pathogenic threats

Want to be part of this work? We're always keen to hear from students who are curious about the amazing interconnections of our world. Whether you're drawn to fungi, cryptogams, fieldwork, molecular ecology, conservation, bioinformatics or community interactions – reach out and let's talk about what's possible.

Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher –ecology, conservation, and invasive species

Dr Andrew Thornhill – cryptogam ecology and phylogeny, particularly bryophytes

Dr Adrienne Burns –  roles of algae and biofilms nutrient transfer between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

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