Toby Kiers
@tobykiers.bsky.social
Executive Director http://SPUN.earth
Society for the Protection of Underground Networks
Professor Evolutionary Biology (VU, Amsterdam)
Mycorrhizal Fungi, Evolution of Cooperation, Symbiosis
http://tobykiers.com
Society for the Protection of Underground Networks
Professor Evolutionary Biology (VU, Amsterdam)
Mycorrhizal Fungi, Evolution of Cooperation, Symbiosis
http://tobykiers.com
Reposted by Toby Kiers
With Merlin Sheldrake, @tobykiers.bsky.social, @hhwalter.bsky.social, & Fungi Foundation’s Giuliana Furci, we’re mapping deep soil fungi in the high-altitude grasslands of Peru. Special thanks to Cosmo Sheldrake, elders from the Q'ero and Ccorca communities and Miski Tours.
📸 Tomás Munita
📸 Tomás Munita
October 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
With Merlin Sheldrake, @tobykiers.bsky.social, @hhwalter.bsky.social, & Fungi Foundation’s Giuliana Furci, we’re mapping deep soil fungi in the high-altitude grasslands of Peru. Special thanks to Cosmo Sheldrake, elders from the Q'ero and Ccorca communities and Miski Tours.
📸 Tomás Munita
📸 Tomás Munita
Reposted by Toby Kiers
👏 Twaalf jonge onderzoekers zijn door de KNAW onderscheiden met een 𝗞𝗡𝗔𝗪 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. Met deze prijs erkent de KNAW hun wetenschappelijke talent maar ook hun rol als bijv. docent.
Benieuwd naar hun onderzoek? Kijk dan hier: www.knaw.nl/nl/nieuws/di...
Benieuwd naar hun onderzoek? Kijk dan hier: www.knaw.nl/nl/nieuws/di...
October 16, 2025 at 8:33 AM
👏 Twaalf jonge onderzoekers zijn door de KNAW onderscheiden met een 𝗞𝗡𝗔𝗪 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. Met deze prijs erkent de KNAW hun wetenschappelijke talent maar ook hun rol als bijv. docent.
Benieuwd naar hun onderzoek? Kijk dan hier: www.knaw.nl/nl/nieuws/di...
Benieuwd naar hun onderzoek? Kijk dan hier: www.knaw.nl/nl/nieuws/di...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Recently, we mapped endemic fungal networks in Zagori 🇬🇷 with @seanmaston.bsky.social, @vkokkoris.bsky.social and team.
Vikos Gorge is a hotspot for endangered species, with underground systems supported by rock formations ~160 million yrs old.
We're now returning to cover more ground.
Vikos Gorge is a hotspot for endangered species, with underground systems supported by rock formations ~160 million yrs old.
We're now returning to cover more ground.
October 10, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Recently, we mapped endemic fungal networks in Zagori 🇬🇷 with @seanmaston.bsky.social, @vkokkoris.bsky.social and team.
Vikos Gorge is a hotspot for endangered species, with underground systems supported by rock formations ~160 million yrs old.
We're now returning to cover more ground.
Vikos Gorge is a hotspot for endangered species, with underground systems supported by rock formations ~160 million yrs old.
We're now returning to cover more ground.
This week, I was awarded a MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant. So proud to be included among individuals recognized for “extraordinary originality & dedication in their creative pursuits”. This research has been possible because I collaborate with the most incredible teams.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/a...
MacArthur Foundation Announces 2025 ‘Genius Grant’ Winners
www.nytimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:19 AM
This week, I was awarded a MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant. So proud to be included among individuals recognized for “extraordinary originality & dedication in their creative pursuits”. This research has been possible because I collaborate with the most incredible teams.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/08/a...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Congrats to Executive Director @tobykiers.bsky.social on being named a 2025 #MacFellow by the MacArthur Foundation (buff.ly/HOU1qb7). Also called the “Genius Grant,” it’s one of the largest awards in the US, honoring exceptionally talented and creative individuals.
Shout out to fellow awardees! 👏
Shout out to fellow awardees! 👏
October 8, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Congrats to Executive Director @tobykiers.bsky.social on being named a 2025 #MacFellow by the MacArthur Foundation (buff.ly/HOU1qb7). Also called the “Genius Grant,” it’s one of the largest awards in the US, honoring exceptionally talented and creative individuals.
Shout out to fellow awardees! 👏
Shout out to fellow awardees! 👏
Reposted by Toby Kiers
So excited to be representing @spun.earth at the #IUCNCongress! 🌍✨ I’m eager to connect with you and explore how we can integrate mycorrhizal fungi into your conservation strategies. Schedule a time to meet up: www.spun.earth/events/iucn-...
🚨SPUN’S Biodiversity Conservation Strategist, @catiacanteiro.bsky.social will be at the #IUCNcongress presenting our latest mycorrhizal maps to conservation leaders.
Schedule a meeting with Cátia: buff.ly/dy2amO3
Visit SPUN’s event page: buff.ly/aQ7L97Y
Schedule a meeting with Cátia: buff.ly/dy2amO3
Visit SPUN’s event page: buff.ly/aQ7L97Y
SPUN at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
www.spun.earth
October 7, 2025 at 10:27 AM
So excited to be representing @spun.earth at the #IUCNCongress! 🌍✨ I’m eager to connect with you and explore how we can integrate mycorrhizal fungi into your conservation strategies. Schedule a time to meet up: www.spun.earth/events/iucn-...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Mycorrhizal allies: synergizing forest carbon and multifunctional restoration
@cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social by Tengteng Li (李腾腾), Richard Phillips, @mrillig.bsky.social, @gangst.bsky.social, @tobykiers.bsky.social, Paola Bonfante, Nico Eisenhauer & Zhanfeng Liu (刘占锋)
www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
@cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social by Tengteng Li (李腾腾), Richard Phillips, @mrillig.bsky.social, @gangst.bsky.social, @tobykiers.bsky.social, Paola Bonfante, Nico Eisenhauer & Zhanfeng Liu (刘占锋)
www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
Mycorrhizal allies: synergizing forest carbon and multifunctional restoration
While forest degradation persists across many regions, restoration efforts have predominantly
targeted aboveground carbon, often overlooking critical belowground ecosystem functions.
Plant–mycorrhizal...
www.cell.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Mycorrhizal allies: synergizing forest carbon and multifunctional restoration
@cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social by Tengteng Li (李腾腾), Richard Phillips, @mrillig.bsky.social, @gangst.bsky.social, @tobykiers.bsky.social, Paola Bonfante, Nico Eisenhauer & Zhanfeng Liu (刘占锋)
www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
@cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social by Tengteng Li (李腾腾), Richard Phillips, @mrillig.bsky.social, @gangst.bsky.social, @tobykiers.bsky.social, Paola Bonfante, Nico Eisenhauer & Zhanfeng Liu (刘占锋)
www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Fungal networks have remained in the dark, despite the extraordinary ways they sustain life on land and they need urgent protection.
Read the article by Taro Kaneko in the @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Read the article by Taro Kaneko in the @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
July 28, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Fungal networks have remained in the dark, despite the extraordinary ways they sustain life on land and they need urgent protection.
Read the article by Taro Kaneko in the @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Read the article by Taro Kaneko in the @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
📣 GSBI's latest blog has just been published 🎉
In this blog, Dr. Laura Van Galen discusses the mystery of dark taxa in ectomycorrhizal fungi 🍄
Read it here 👇
www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath...
In this blog, Dr. Laura Van Galen discusses the mystery of dark taxa in ectomycorrhizal fungi 🍄
Read it here 👇
www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath...
The problem of “dark taxa” in ectomycorrhizal fungal conservation and research — Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative
Laura van Galen, ETH Zürich (Switzerland) & SPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)
www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org
July 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
📣 GSBI's latest blog has just been published 🎉
In this blog, Dr. Laura Van Galen discusses the mystery of dark taxa in ectomycorrhizal fungi 🍄
Read it here 👇
www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath...
In this blog, Dr. Laura Van Galen discusses the mystery of dark taxa in ectomycorrhizal fungi 🍄
Read it here 👇
www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
“For centuries, we’ve mapped mountains, forests, and oceans. But these fungi have remained in the dark, despite the extraordinary ways they sustain life on land.” @tobykiers.bsky.social , @spun.earth
Earth’s Underground Fungi Networks Need Urgent Protection: Study - EcoWatch
The underground fungi networks that help sustain Earth’s ecosystems are in need of urgent conservation action, according to SPUN.
www.ecowatch.com
July 25, 2025 at 8:48 PM
“For centuries, we’ve mapped mountains, forests, and oceans. But these fungi have remained in the dark, despite the extraordinary ways they sustain life on land.” @tobykiers.bsky.social , @spun.earth
Reposted by Toby Kiers
SPUN is featured in @science.org in a piece written by @humbertobasilio.bsky.social. Learn where some of the most unique fungal communities exist, such as West Africa’s Guinean forests, Tasmania’s temperate rainforests, and Brazil’s Cerrado savanna.
Read here: www.science.org/content/arti...
Read here: www.science.org/content/arti...
Most of Earth’s critical underground fungus is unprotected
First global map of mushrooms that form beneficial relationships with plant roots reveals 90% live outside of conservation areas
www.science.org
July 25, 2025 at 10:33 AM
SPUN is featured in @science.org in a piece written by @humbertobasilio.bsky.social. Learn where some of the most unique fungal communities exist, such as West Africa’s Guinean forests, Tasmania’s temperate rainforests, and Brazil’s Cerrado savanna.
Read here: www.science.org/content/arti...
Read here: www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Who lives underground?
Find out now in our new paper published in @nature.com.
Key finding: 90% of predicted mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas.
Read here: buff.ly/WmDqAP3 🧵
Find out now in our new paper published in @nature.com.
Key finding: 90% of predicted mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas.
Read here: buff.ly/WmDqAP3 🧵
July 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Who lives underground?
Find out now in our new paper published in @nature.com.
Key finding: 90% of predicted mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas.
Read here: buff.ly/WmDqAP3 🧵
Find out now in our new paper published in @nature.com.
Key finding: 90% of predicted mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots lie outside protected areas.
Read here: buff.ly/WmDqAP3 🧵
Reposted by Toby Kiers
We know most animals don’t cross the Wallace Line. Not even those with wings.
But what about fungi?
Underground Explorer Helbert Lim is studying the influence of the Wallace on fungal dispersal, with the potential of recording new species.
But what about fungi?
Underground Explorer Helbert Lim is studying the influence of the Wallace on fungal dispersal, with the potential of recording new species.
July 9, 2025 at 11:29 AM
We know most animals don’t cross the Wallace Line. Not even those with wings.
But what about fungi?
Underground Explorer Helbert Lim is studying the influence of the Wallace on fungal dispersal, with the potential of recording new species.
But what about fungi?
Underground Explorer Helbert Lim is studying the influence of the Wallace on fungal dispersal, with the potential of recording new species.
Reposted by Toby Kiers
🌾 New PhD chapter OneEarth @cp-oneearth.bsky.social
For decades, crops were thought to yield better outside their centers of origin by escaping native pests and diseases.
Using AI and remote sensing, we found no yield advantages for crops outside origins.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
For decades, crops were thought to yield better outside their centers of origin by escaping native pests and diseases.
Using AI and remote sensing, we found no yield advantages for crops outside origins.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Crop yields are not greater outside centers of origin
Scientists have long posited that crops achieve higher yields outside their centers of origin by escaping pests and pathogens. However, this assumptio…
www.sciencedirect.com
June 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM
🌾 New PhD chapter OneEarth @cp-oneearth.bsky.social
For decades, crops were thought to yield better outside their centers of origin by escaping native pests and diseases.
Using AI and remote sensing, we found no yield advantages for crops outside origins.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
For decades, crops were thought to yield better outside their centers of origin by escaping native pests and diseases.
Using AI and remote sensing, we found no yield advantages for crops outside origins.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
The saguaro cactus is an icon of the American West.
But little is known about a key factor to their long lives and resiliency hidden under the ground: mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers with @spun.earth are trying to change that.
My latest:
insideclimatenews.org/news/2206202...
But little is known about a key factor to their long lives and resiliency hidden under the ground: mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers with @spun.earth are trying to change that.
My latest:
insideclimatenews.org/news/2206202...
Searching for Hidden Fungi in the Sonoran Desert - Inside Climate News
Mycorrhizal fungi are vital to ecosystems around the world, but remain largely understudied, especially in arid regions. They may prove critical to the survival of fragile deserts stressed by climate ...
insideclimatenews.org
June 23, 2025 at 6:10 PM
The saguaro cactus is an icon of the American West.
But little is known about a key factor to their long lives and resiliency hidden under the ground: mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers with @spun.earth are trying to change that.
My latest:
insideclimatenews.org/news/2206202...
But little is known about a key factor to their long lives and resiliency hidden under the ground: mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers with @spun.earth are trying to change that.
My latest:
insideclimatenews.org/news/2206202...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
🧪🧬Should we reignite genetic manipulation attempts on #arbuscular #mycorrhizal #fungi? Our review in @cp-trendsmicrobiol.bsky.social suggests the time is ripe.
With: Midge Woodward @paszkowskilab.bsky.social @alexdallaire.bsky.social
Open access🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ti...
#scicomm
With: Midge Woodward @paszkowskilab.bsky.social @alexdallaire.bsky.social
Open access🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ti...
#scicomm
June 20, 2025 at 6:37 AM
🧪🧬Should we reignite genetic manipulation attempts on #arbuscular #mycorrhizal #fungi? Our review in @cp-trendsmicrobiol.bsky.social suggests the time is ripe.
With: Midge Woodward @paszkowskilab.bsky.social @alexdallaire.bsky.social
Open access🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ti...
#scicomm
With: Midge Woodward @paszkowskilab.bsky.social @alexdallaire.bsky.social
Open access🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ti...
#scicomm
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Is genetic manipulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi possible?
@cp-trendsmicrobiol.bsky.social review from @vkokkoris.bsky.social
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
@cp-trendsmicrobiol.bsky.social review from @vkokkoris.bsky.social
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
Is genetic manipulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi possible?
Unlike many fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have proven recalcitrant to genetic
manipulation due to their obligate biotrophic lifestyle and multinucleate, coenocytic
cellular structure. In th...
www.cell.com
June 20, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Is genetic manipulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi possible?
@cp-trendsmicrobiol.bsky.social review from @vkokkoris.bsky.social
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
@cp-trendsmicrobiol.bsky.social review from @vkokkoris.bsky.social
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Find out why SPUN scientists @camilletruong.bsky.social and @laura-vangalen.bsky.social are desperate to know more about dark taxa in this new article by Daniel Graham, featured on BBC Magazine's Discover Wildlife: www.discoverwildlife.com/environment/...
Dark taxa: why scientists are desperate to know more about this secret network of underground life | Discover Wildlife
Huge numbers of subterranean fungi remain unknown to science, posing problems for conservation around the world, say researchers.
www.discoverwildlife.com
June 18, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Find out why SPUN scientists @camilletruong.bsky.social and @laura-vangalen.bsky.social are desperate to know more about dark taxa in this new article by Daniel Graham, featured on BBC Magazine's Discover Wildlife: www.discoverwildlife.com/environment/...
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Have you ever heard of the term “dark taxa”?
Published in @currentbiology.bsky.social, a new study reveals an astonishing 83% of ectomycorrhizal #fungi are classified as dark taxa, existing only through their DNA sequences and eluding formal classification. 🧵
Published in @currentbiology.bsky.social, a new study reveals an astonishing 83% of ectomycorrhizal #fungi are classified as dark taxa, existing only through their DNA sequences and eluding formal classification. 🧵
June 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Have you ever heard of the term “dark taxa”?
Published in @currentbiology.bsky.social, a new study reveals an astonishing 83% of ectomycorrhizal #fungi are classified as dark taxa, existing only through their DNA sequences and eluding formal classification. 🧵
Published in @currentbiology.bsky.social, a new study reveals an astonishing 83% of ectomycorrhizal #fungi are classified as dark taxa, existing only through their DNA sequences and eluding formal classification. 🧵
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Vital DNA research on ‘invisible’ species of fungi performing those functions that transformed 🌍 and maintain essential ecosystem functions
Still so much to learn! 🍄🟫
Huge congratulations to @spun.earth & the wonderful @bethanfmanley.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social &
@thecrobe.bsky.social
Still so much to learn! 🍄🟫
Huge congratulations to @spun.earth & the wonderful @bethanfmanley.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social &
@thecrobe.bsky.social
Our paper shows that most ectomycorrhizal fungal species (83% of OTUs) are "dark taxa": species we detect in DNA, but can't match to known species names. We map global "darkspots" - the parts of the world most in need of more research. @spun.earth @ethz.ch www.cell.com/current-biol...
The biogeography and conservation of Earth’s ‘dark’ ectomycorrhizal fungi
In this review, van Galen et al. use global soil metabarcoding databases to evaluate
current estimates of the total number of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal species on Earth,
outline the current state o...
www.cell.com
June 10, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Vital DNA research on ‘invisible’ species of fungi performing those functions that transformed 🌍 and maintain essential ecosystem functions
Still so much to learn! 🍄🟫
Huge congratulations to @spun.earth & the wonderful @bethanfmanley.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social &
@thecrobe.bsky.social
Still so much to learn! 🍄🟫
Huge congratulations to @spun.earth & the wonderful @bethanfmanley.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social &
@thecrobe.bsky.social
Reposted by Toby Kiers
📢Our synthesis of current knowledge on the fascinating cell of #arbuscular #mycorrhizal fungi is out @currentbiology.bsky.social, part of the special #fungi issue. With @rachaelcargill.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social @thomasshimizu.bsky.social
Open access link: www.cell.com/current-biol...
1/4
Open access link: www.cell.com/current-biol...
1/4
June 10, 2025 at 9:20 AM
📢Our synthesis of current knowledge on the fascinating cell of #arbuscular #mycorrhizal fungi is out @currentbiology.bsky.social, part of the special #fungi issue. With @rachaelcargill.bsky.social @tobykiers.bsky.social @thomasshimizu.bsky.social
Open access link: www.cell.com/current-biol...
1/4
Open access link: www.cell.com/current-biol...
1/4
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Most fungi in Madagascar remain a mystery and one of few Malagasy mycologists, Underground Explorer Dr. Anna Ralaiveloarisoa, is working alongside Kew Madagascar and PBZT, to urgently catalog fungal communities before they vanish.
June 10, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Most fungi in Madagascar remain a mystery and one of few Malagasy mycologists, Underground Explorer Dr. Anna Ralaiveloarisoa, is working alongside Kew Madagascar and PBZT, to urgently catalog fungal communities before they vanish.
Reposted by Toby Kiers
Healthy soil fosters a thriving ecosystem. In Mexico, nearly 45% of land has degraded soils and we lack sufficient data.
Underground Explorer Roberto Garibay, alongside UNAM experts, are working on the Atlas of Mexico’s Soil Biodiversity to enhance research, education, and outreach efforts.
Underground Explorer Roberto Garibay, alongside UNAM experts, are working on the Atlas of Mexico’s Soil Biodiversity to enhance research, education, and outreach efforts.
May 27, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Healthy soil fosters a thriving ecosystem. In Mexico, nearly 45% of land has degraded soils and we lack sufficient data.
Underground Explorer Roberto Garibay, alongside UNAM experts, are working on the Atlas of Mexico’s Soil Biodiversity to enhance research, education, and outreach efforts.
Underground Explorer Roberto Garibay, alongside UNAM experts, are working on the Atlas of Mexico’s Soil Biodiversity to enhance research, education, and outreach efforts.
Digging deep for mycorrhizal fungi at 12K feet in upland Peru. Great to be led by @hhwalter.bsky.social as we explored deep soil fungal communities and their role in regulating the climate. Sound ON for full experience of Cosmo Sheldrake on clawhammer banjo ⬇️
What fungi live deep in the Earth’s grassland soils? We joined @hhwalter.bsky.social in Manu National Park in Peru to sample mycorrhizal fungi in high-altitude grasslands.
This project with Fungi Foundation explores how deep soil fungi help regulate the Earth's carbon cycle.
🌍 #BiodiversityDay
This project with Fungi Foundation explores how deep soil fungi help regulate the Earth's carbon cycle.
🌍 #BiodiversityDay
May 23, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Digging deep for mycorrhizal fungi at 12K feet in upland Peru. Great to be led by @hhwalter.bsky.social as we explored deep soil fungal communities and their role in regulating the climate. Sound ON for full experience of Cosmo Sheldrake on clawhammer banjo ⬇️