In collaboration with the University of Vienna, the YSU Chair of Botany and Mycology organized the "Biodiversity of Fungi in Armenia: Advancing Towards COP17" Autumn School, bringing together students and leading Armenian and international specialists in the field. The program aimed to expand participants' theoretical knowledge and practical skills in fungal biodiversity research, sampling, morphological identification and molecular analysis.
The autumn school was organized as part of APPEAR Academic Project 373, "Biodiversity Assessment and DNA Barcoding of Mycorrhizal and Xylotrophic Fungi in Forested Regions of Armenia" (BioBarFungArm). Participants included 18 students, along with Armenian and Austrian researchers and lecturers.
From theoretical knowledge to hands-on experience
The five-day program featured scientific lectures, fieldwork and hands-on laboratory sessions. Particular attention was given to mycorrhizal and wood-decaying fungi, their species diversity and their ecological significance in forest ecosystems.
Field research was conducted in Dilijan and Sevan national parks and at Stepanavan Dendropark. Over the five days of field and laboratory work, participants collected and identified around 240 fungal species. Students gained practical experience in collecting and documenting fungi, examining their morphological characteristics, identifying specimens through microscopy and preparing samples for DNA barcoding.
Applying modern research methods
On the final day of the autumn school, the YSU Faculty of Biology hosted practical sessions. Participants examined the collected fungal specimens and explored modern species identification methods, using laboratory facilities upgraded under the APPEAR program.
The program also addressed challenges in conserving fungal biodiversity in the context of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Discussions emphasized the role of fungi in maintaining ecosystem stability and the importance of including them in biodiversity monitoring, conservation strategies and environmental policy.
Participants receive certificates
Students who successfully completed the autumn school received certificates of participation and 3 ECTS credits, recognizing the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they had acquired during the program.
The international autumn school made a significant contribution to achieving the educational and research objectives of the BioBarFungArm project. It helped develop students' professional skills, promote knowledge exchange between Armenian and Austrian specialists and expand international academic cooperation.
The event also encouraged the active participation of female researchers and students in scientific activities, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and women's professional advancement in science.
By bringing together scientific research, practical training and biodiversity conservation, the autumn school contributed to the development of mycology in Armenia and the strengthening of international scientific and educational cooperation.
