Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

Fungal Interactions

12 - 14 September 2023, Newcastle upon Tyne

The theme of this year's Annual Scientific Meeting is Fungal Interactions, to coincide with the launch of our new, open access journal of the same name.

Fungi are at the forefront of many world issues: food security and animal health, soil health and fertility, waste decomposition and treatment, biodeterioration, bioremediation, and biofuel production among others. Their activities directly influence ecosystem function and human wellbeing in multiple positive and negative contexts. Therefore, understanding their biology and the way they interact across natural and synthetic habitats is paramount in order to fully understand their roles and functions, and how such findings can be exploited to tackle current and future global challenges.

The Student Research Conference takes place on Monday 11 September, the day before the main meeting.  This one-day conference provides postgradute students with the  opportunity to meet fellow students and senior researchers, share ideas and research updates and listen to career-focused talks from invited speakers.

The main meeting, from Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 September, will feature talks from renowned, international researchers covering an exciting and broad range of fungal interactions, including:

• Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, other fungi), plants and animals 
• Habitats - any natural or synthetic niche, including extreme environments
• Environmental changes - including stresses, anti-fungal drugs, pollutants, climate change
• Biotechnology

Poster presentations will showcase the latest research and social events throughout the meeting will enable participants to catch up with colleagues, make new contacts and enjoy the conference location!

Speakers

Draft programme

Social programme

• Monday 11 September - Welcome buffet, drinks and networking at the Copthorne Hotel.
• Tuesday 12 September - A visit to Wylam Brewery, including a tour of the brewery, followed by a 3 course dinner.  The Brewery is about a 40 minute walk from the Copthorne Hotel, and taxis can be arranged for those who prefer not to walk.
• Wednesday 13 September - Drinks reception and 3 course conference dinner at the Copthorne Hotel.

Location

The Copthorne Hotel is located in the Quayside in the heart of the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, just around the corner from Newcastle train station and 8 miles from Newcastle International Airport.  

Newcastle upon Tyne is a university city on the River Tyne in northeast England.  Along with its twin city, Gateshead, Newcastle was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution and is now a centre of business, arts and sciences. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in registrations for the event.

The conference is taking place at the Copthorne Hotel.

Other hotels within 15 minutes walking distance of the Copthorne are:

• Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter
• Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside (formerly Jurys Inn)
• Newcastle City Centre Premier Inn (Millenium Bridge
• Newcastle City Centre Premier Inn (Quayside)

Registration

Registration for the Annual Scientific Meeting includes attendance at all sessions at the 3 day conference, 12 - 14 September 2023, and 3 evening social events. The meeting registration fee does not include accommodation.  Rooms can be booked at the Copthorne Hotel or at a number of nearby hotels (see above).

Registration for the Student Research Conference includes attendance at the 1 day conference, 11 September 2023, plus accommodation at the Copthorne Hotel, and tour of the Quayside and dinner on Sunday 10 September.

Registration fees: