Talk: Marvellous Mushrooms: The Science of Fungi with Dr Sam Gandy

This is a brand new talk and different to The Science of Magic Mushrooms which only focuses on psilocybin-producing mushrooms, this talk covers the science of all fungi!

Fungi play a hugely important role in Earth’s living systems, being the foundation which underpins much other life on this planet. They are everywhere – high up in the atmosphere in spore form, and at the bottom of oceans, as well as environments where few other forms of life can survive. Their spores are in every breath we take, and their mycelial networks underlie each and every step we take on soil. Fungi are agents of transformation and interconnection, able to breakdown and recycle organic matter, while having the ability to form associations with plants for the mutual betterment of both organisms through their mycelial networks.

Fungi are master chemical alchemists, concocting chemicals to consume, control, entice, repel, and even hunt. Fungi have a rich history of cultural usage, and the compounds they contain can feed, heal, intoxicate, or even kill us. While fungi are incredibly ancient, an alliance with them could be vital for a human future on this planet, and we’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to revealing their potential. In this talk, ecologist, fungi grower and psilocybin researcher Dr Sam Gandy will spin you a mycelial yarn, with the aim of inoculating your brain with the spores of fungal knowledge.

Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm – come down early to grab a good seat!

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Sam is a PhD ecologist and independent researcher. He has varied experience of working within the psychedelic field, including as a past scientific assistant to the director of the Beckley Foundation and as a research assistant with the Synthesis Institute. His work has also involved science communication, including a past role as a senior science writer for Wavepaths. A lifelong nature lover, he has a research interest in the capacity of psychedelics to influence human relationships with nature, and is a collaborator with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. His main work focus is within the ecological field, working as Innovation Team Leader with environmental consultancy Ecosulis.