Biology and Biotechnology of Fungi 
Speaker of the special group
Molekulare Mikrobiologie und Genetik
Universität Göttingen
Grisebachstr. 8
37077 Göttingen
kheimel@gwdg.de
Deputy speaker of the special group
Technische Universität München
TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan
Pilzbiotechnologie in der Holzwissenschaft
Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2
85354 Freising
benz@hfm.tum.de
Fungal biology and biotechnology have been the subject of active research in Germany for decades. The far-reaching importance of fungi for humans and the environment is undisputed, whether because they are feared pathogens, are used as efficient biotechnological production platforms, contribute to the material cycle within ecosystems as saprophytes or symbionts in mycorrhiza and lichens, or are used as easily manageable and genetically accessible model systems for eukaryotes. The development and application of the latest systems biology technologies now allows a deeper and holistic insight into the molecular genetics and metabolic performance of fungal systems. This will significantly improve our understanding of their biology and applications. The more than 150 members of the specialist group "Biology and Biotechnology of Fungi" dedicate their research and teaching activities to these topics. The group's activities include the annual mini-symposium as part of the VAAM annual conference and a biennial conference entitled "Molecular Biology of Fungi", which has great international appeal.
