Supporting Fungal Scientists From Low-Income Countries

Fungi are essential to life on Earth, supporting food production, ecosystem health, medicine, and climate resilience. Yet many scientists studying fungi, especially those working in low-income countries, face major barriers to sharing their work globally.

Each award in this fundraiser, led by the International Mycological Association, supports travel awards for mycologists from low-income countries to attend the International Mycological Congress (IMC13) in Incheon, South Korea, in 2027. Held only once every four years, IMC brings together ~1,000 fungal scientists from around the world—but many cannot attend due to the high cost of travel, visas, and registration.

Recent data show that over 60% of IMC attendees come from Europe and North America, while participation from Africa (~2.6%), Latin America (~6.9%), and South Asia (~7.5%) remains very low. These gaps reflect financial barriers, not a lack of scientific excellence.

Therefore, to address this, we are raising $30,000 to support at least 10 travel awards, with additional funds allowing us to support even more scientists. 

Each award helps build skills, collaborations, and long-term impact in research, education, and conservation. By supporting this campaign, you directly help make global science more inclusive.

Make an impact, donate here: https://gofund.me/e8748b556