The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute
@westerdijkinst.bsky.social
Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute. Explore-Study-Preserve-Apply. Enriching and expanding the world's most excellent microbial biological resource centre.
🔗: https://wi.knaw.nl/
🔗: https://wi.knaw.nl/
Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course 23–27 February 2026👇
The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute invites you to an intensive, hands-on course exploring the vast and fascinating kingdom of fungi.
🔗 More information & registration: https://wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity
The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute invites you to an intensive, hands-on course exploring the vast and fascinating kingdom of fungi.
🔗 More information & registration: https://wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity
November 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Join our Fungal Biodiversity Course 23–27 February 2026👇
The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute invites you to an intensive, hands-on course exploring the vast and fascinating kingdom of fungi.
🔗 More information & registration: https://wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity
The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute invites you to an intensive, hands-on course exploring the vast and fascinating kingdom of fungi.
🔗 More information & registration: https://wi.knaw.nl/CourseFungalBiodiversity
Today, Dr. Ya Bin Zhou shared his insights on the role of 𝘊𝘺𝘱51 genes in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘶𝘴.
He discusses:
⭐The emergence and importance of antifungal resistance in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘶𝘴
⭐Homologous Cyp51 mutations that confer antifungal resistance A. flavus
He discusses:
⭐The emergence and importance of antifungal resistance in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘶𝘴
⭐Homologous Cyp51 mutations that confer antifungal resistance A. flavus
November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Today, Dr. Ya Bin Zhou shared his insights on the role of 𝘊𝘺𝘱51 genes in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘶𝘴.
He discusses:
⭐The emergence and importance of antifungal resistance in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘶𝘴
⭐Homologous Cyp51 mutations that confer antifungal resistance A. flavus
He discusses:
⭐The emergence and importance of antifungal resistance in 𝘈𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘶𝘴
⭐Homologous Cyp51 mutations that confer antifungal resistance A. flavus
How hot is too hot for fungi🔥?
Fungal ascospores, the survival structures of many mold species, can endure heat levels that rival those tolerated by bacterial spores like Bacillus subtilis.
Fungal ascospores, the survival structures of many mold species, can endure heat levels that rival those tolerated by bacterial spores like Bacillus subtilis.
November 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
How hot is too hot for fungi🔥?
Fungal ascospores, the survival structures of many mold species, can endure heat levels that rival those tolerated by bacterial spores like Bacillus subtilis.
Fungal ascospores, the survival structures of many mold species, can endure heat levels that rival those tolerated by bacterial spores like Bacillus subtilis.
We are delighted to share that the recently published book Dwalen door de Domstad (“Wandering through the Cathedral City”) by author Iris Dijkstra features an inspiring story about Johanna Westerdijk, our institute’s namesake and one of the most remarkable figures in Dutch science history.
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November 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
We are delighted to share that the recently published book Dwalen door de Domstad (“Wandering through the Cathedral City”) by author Iris Dijkstra features an inspiring story about Johanna Westerdijk, our institute’s namesake and one of the most remarkable figures in Dutch science history.
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Fungal infections are an often-overlooked challenge in public health, but Aspergillus fumigatus is an example of how serious the issue can become.
Increasing resistance to azole antifungals, which are essential treatments for patients with weakened immune systems, poses an urgent threat.
Increasing resistance to azole antifungals, which are essential treatments for patients with weakened immune systems, poses an urgent threat.
November 3, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Fungal infections are an often-overlooked challenge in public health, but Aspergillus fumigatus is an example of how serious the issue can become.
Increasing resistance to azole antifungals, which are essential treatments for patients with weakened immune systems, poses an urgent threat.
Increasing resistance to azole antifungals, which are essential treatments for patients with weakened immune systems, poses an urgent threat.
Today, Dr. Marizeth Groenewald shared her insights and knowledge on (bio)security.
In her talk she discusses:
⭐The definition and importance of biosecurity, also related to research and digital security
⭐ Information on the various biosecurity risk groups
⭐ The 8 pillars of biosecurity
In her talk she discusses:
⭐The definition and importance of biosecurity, also related to research and digital security
⭐ Information on the various biosecurity risk groups
⭐ The 8 pillars of biosecurity
November 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Today, Dr. Marizeth Groenewald shared her insights and knowledge on (bio)security.
In her talk she discusses:
⭐The definition and importance of biosecurity, also related to research and digital security
⭐ Information on the various biosecurity risk groups
⭐ The 8 pillars of biosecurity
In her talk she discusses:
⭐The definition and importance of biosecurity, also related to research and digital security
⭐ Information on the various biosecurity risk groups
⭐ The 8 pillars of biosecurity
During his recent visit to JEOL, our researcher Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis gave a presentation on his work with electron microscopy.
To his surprise, he discovered that one of the microscopic images he created years ago was proudly displayed in the JEOL building itself!
To his surprise, he discovered that one of the microscopic images he created years ago was proudly displayed in the JEOL building itself!
October 30, 2025 at 12:02 PM
During his recent visit to JEOL, our researcher Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis gave a presentation on his work with electron microscopy.
To his surprise, he discovered that one of the microscopic images he created years ago was proudly displayed in the JEOL building itself!
To his surprise, he discovered that one of the microscopic images he created years ago was proudly displayed in the JEOL building itself!
Lepiota is currently one of the largest genera in Agaricales. Although only one species of Lepiota was previously known from Benin, the present study introduces a further 13 that are new to science.
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/wuysydchkm
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/wuysydchkm
October 30, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Lepiota is currently one of the largest genera in Agaricales. Although only one species of Lepiota was previously known from Benin, the present study introduces a further 13 that are new to science.
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/wuysydchkm
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/wuysydchkm
Cytospora from above: The genus Cytospora was divided into 10 species complexes, with 23 new species being described from Tibet
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China
https://f.mtr.cool/qqfdbhthin
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China
https://f.mtr.cool/qqfdbhthin
October 29, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Cytospora from above: The genus Cytospora was divided into 10 species complexes, with 23 new species being described from Tibet
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China
https://f.mtr.cool/qqfdbhthin
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China
https://f.mtr.cool/qqfdbhthin
Culturable lichen-associated fungi from the Antarctic revealed several new species in genera such as Dactylospora, Petrophila, Knufia, Pseudeurotium and Kurtzmanomyces.
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rmjvmyfruj
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rmjvmyfruj
October 28, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Culturable lichen-associated fungi from the Antarctic revealed several new species in genera such as Dactylospora, Petrophila, Knufia, Pseudeurotium and Kurtzmanomyces.
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rmjvmyfruj
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rmjvmyfruj
Today, Jiayao Tian from the Fungal Natural Products group of Jerome shared her insights on discovering novel antibiotics from microbial resources.
October 27, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Today, Jiayao Tian from the Fungal Natural Products group of Jerome shared her insights on discovering novel antibiotics from microbial resources.
A new study led by researchers at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute reveals how one of the world’s most studied industrial fungi, Aspergillus niger, regulates the use of plant-derived sugars
October 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A new study led by researchers at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute reveals how one of the world’s most studied industrial fungi, Aspergillus niger, regulates the use of plant-derived sugars
Yesterday, members of the Westerdijk Institute joined the BioSB HotTopics & NIME Symposium: Microbial Ecology, held right here at Utrecht Science Park
Our researchers showcased the exciting breadth of microbial ecology studied at the institute:
Our researchers showcased the exciting breadth of microbial ecology studied at the institute:
October 8, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Yesterday, members of the Westerdijk Institute joined the BioSB HotTopics & NIME Symposium: Microbial Ecology, held right here at Utrecht Science Park
Our researchers showcased the exciting breadth of microbial ecology studied at the institute:
Our researchers showcased the exciting breadth of microbial ecology studied at the institute:
A revision of genera of Sordariomycetes displaying holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis, with notes on their ecology and global distribution
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/zklifsyjhf
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/zklifsyjhf
October 3, 2025 at 7:02 AM
A revision of genera of Sordariomycetes displaying holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis, with notes on their ecology and global distribution
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/zklifsyjhf
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/zklifsyjhf
Yesterday, our own Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis took the audience on a fascinating journey into the world of fungi during Utrecht Science Week.
In his lecture he shared:
🍄 The rich history of the Westerdijk Institute & Johanna Westerdijk
🌍 What fungi are and their crucial role in nature
In his lecture he shared:
🍄 The rich history of the Westerdijk Institute & Johanna Westerdijk
🌍 What fungi are and their crucial role in nature
October 2, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Yesterday, our own Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis took the audience on a fascinating journey into the world of fungi during Utrecht Science Week.
In his lecture he shared:
🍄 The rich history of the Westerdijk Institute & Johanna Westerdijk
🌍 What fungi are and their crucial role in nature
In his lecture he shared:
🍄 The rich history of the Westerdijk Institute & Johanna Westerdijk
🌍 What fungi are and their crucial role in nature
Several genera of Lecanicillium-like microfungi are potential biocontrol agents of Hemileia vastatrix – the causal agent of coffee leaf rust (CLR)
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rwuehifacp
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rwuehifacp
October 2, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Several genera of Lecanicillium-like microfungi are potential biocontrol agents of Hemileia vastatrix – the causal agent of coffee leaf rust (CLR)
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rwuehifacp
🔗 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
https://f.mtr.cool/rwuehifacp
Accepted species lists for Eurotiales (incl. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Talaromyces) as revealed by a phylogenetic species concept. Of the species described since 2023, 130 of the 171 species are accepted, and 41 are reduced to synonyms.
October 1, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Accepted species lists for Eurotiales (incl. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces and Talaromyces) as revealed by a phylogenetic species concept. Of the species described since 2023, 130 of the 171 species are accepted, and 41 are reduced to synonyms.
We are proud to have contributed to the special Walking Dinner at the Utrecht Science Park, where the central theme was infectious diseases.
September 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
We are proud to have contributed to the special Walking Dinner at the Utrecht Science Park, where the central theme was infectious diseases.
Today, Martin Meijer, on behalf of the lab managers of the Westerdijk Institute, shared insights on lab safety and sustainability.
In his talk, he discusses the 4 areas of lab safety, which include:
⭐ Personal & Emergency Safety
⭐ Chemical & Biological Management
In his talk, he discusses the 4 areas of lab safety, which include:
⭐ Personal & Emergency Safety
⭐ Chemical & Biological Management
September 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Today, Martin Meijer, on behalf of the lab managers of the Westerdijk Institute, shared insights on lab safety and sustainability.
In his talk, he discusses the 4 areas of lab safety, which include:
⭐ Personal & Emergency Safety
⭐ Chemical & Biological Management
In his talk, he discusses the 4 areas of lab safety, which include:
⭐ Personal & Emergency Safety
⭐ Chemical & Biological Management
Discover History and Nature at the IISG Open Day!
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the International Institute of Social History (IISG) will open its doors for a festive Open Day.
This year marks IISG’s 90th anniversary, the perfect moment to explore the richness of its archives.
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the International Institute of Social History (IISG) will open its doors for a festive Open Day.
This year marks IISG’s 90th anniversary, the perfect moment to explore the richness of its archives.
September 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Discover History and Nature at the IISG Open Day!
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the International Institute of Social History (IISG) will open its doors for a festive Open Day.
This year marks IISG’s 90th anniversary, the perfect moment to explore the richness of its archives.
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the International Institute of Social History (IISG) will open its doors for a festive Open Day.
This year marks IISG’s 90th anniversary, the perfect moment to explore the richness of its archives.
Fungi are everywhere: on your food, in the soil, and in the air. Yet, how much do we really know about them?
As part of 𝐔𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, the Westerdijk Institute is opening its doors and joining the program with a unique in-person lecture by microbiologist Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis.
As part of 𝐔𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, the Westerdijk Institute is opening its doors and joining the program with a unique in-person lecture by microbiologist Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis.
September 23, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Fungi are everywhere: on your food, in the soil, and in the air. Yet, how much do we really know about them?
As part of 𝐔𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, the Westerdijk Institute is opening its doors and joining the program with a unique in-person lecture by microbiologist Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis.
As part of 𝐔𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, the Westerdijk Institute is opening its doors and joining the program with a unique in-person lecture by microbiologist Dr. Jan Dijksterhuis.
Today, Dr. Roya Choupannejad from the Fungal Natural Products Group headed by Jerome Collemare shared her insights on natural antimicrobials against food spoilage fungi.
She discusses:
⭐ The challenges food spoilage fungi present to food and beverage industries
She discusses:
⭐ The challenges food spoilage fungi present to food and beverage industries
September 22, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Today, Dr. Roya Choupannejad from the Fungal Natural Products Group headed by Jerome Collemare shared her insights on natural antimicrobials against food spoilage fungi.
She discusses:
⭐ The challenges food spoilage fungi present to food and beverage industries
She discusses:
⭐ The challenges food spoilage fungi present to food and beverage industries
Her work provides a major step forward in fungal taxonomy and ecology, focusing on the Bionectriaceae family and the diverse group of acremonium-like fungi with roles spanning agriculture, biotechnology, medicine, and the environment.
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September 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Her work provides a major step forward in fungal taxonomy and ecology, focusing on the Bionectriaceae family and the diverse group of acremonium-like fungi with roles spanning agriculture, biotechnology, medicine, and the environment.
2/4
2/4
🎓 PhDone!
On September 17th, Lin Zhao from the Evolutionary Phytopathology Group of Pedro Crous successfully defended her PhD entitled ‘Revision of Bionectriaceae and acremonium-like fungi in Hypocreales’.
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On September 17th, Lin Zhao from the Evolutionary Phytopathology Group of Pedro Crous successfully defended her PhD entitled ‘Revision of Bionectriaceae and acremonium-like fungi in Hypocreales’.
1/4
September 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
🎓 PhDone!
On September 17th, Lin Zhao from the Evolutionary Phytopathology Group of Pedro Crous successfully defended her PhD entitled ‘Revision of Bionectriaceae and acremonium-like fungi in Hypocreales’.
1/4
On September 17th, Lin Zhao from the Evolutionary Phytopathology Group of Pedro Crous successfully defended her PhD entitled ‘Revision of Bionectriaceae and acremonium-like fungi in Hypocreales’.
1/4
A new study uncovers surprising differences between two enzymes in Aspergillus niger that are central to how fungi break down plant biomass.
🔗 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
L-Xylulose Reductase A and B from Aspergillus niger Have Distinct Biochemical Properties and Expression Profiles
https://f.mtr.cool/zznquyzovd
🔗 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
L-Xylulose Reductase A and B from Aspergillus niger Have Distinct Biochemical Properties and Expression Profiles
https://f.mtr.cool/zznquyzovd
September 18, 2025 at 8:03 AM
A new study uncovers surprising differences between two enzymes in Aspergillus niger that are central to how fungi break down plant biomass.
🔗 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
L-Xylulose Reductase A and B from Aspergillus niger Have Distinct Biochemical Properties and Expression Profiles
https://f.mtr.cool/zznquyzovd
🔗 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞:
L-Xylulose Reductase A and B from Aspergillus niger Have Distinct Biochemical Properties and Expression Profiles
https://f.mtr.cool/zznquyzovd