Bringing science to the people! As a professional mycologist, I like to share my experience with a general public. Therefore I try to participate in several organizations and events, for mycophiles as well as myco-laymen, aid people in exploring the wonderful world of Fungi and create myco-awareness.
Royal Flemish Mycological Society
As a board member of the Royal Flemish Mycological Society (KVMV vzw) I am very active within the Belgian mycological community, participating and organizing excursions and events. This organization forms a bridge between professionals and non-professionals, and is open for everyone with an interest in Fungi. Furthermore, I am a member of the editorial board of the journal ("Sporen") of the organization.
Presentations & podcasts for the general public
I was invited by “Curieus” to give a presentation as part of their podcast “Difficult things explained easily”. The theme of the day: living together. I talked about the connection of fungi with their environment and focused on: “What are mycorrhiza?” (In Dutch)
Antigifcentrum (Belgian Poison Control Center)
I volunteer as a mycological expert for the Antigifcentrum (Belgian Poison Control Center), where I assist in the identification of mushrooms in suspected poisoning cases. My role is to help determine the species involved based on available information (e.g., photos or descriptions). Based on this identification, the Antigifcentrum’s medical team provides further advice on potential toxicity and necessary actions.
Other
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I offer my expertise, identifying Fungi or giving guided “mushroom tours” (upon request, usually voluntary for nature organizations).
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On the occasion of Ghent University’s 200th anniversary, the Faculty of Sciences organized an exhibition. Within this exhibition I designed some small guessing games for the visitors involving edibility, ecological strategies and trivial names of mushrooms.
