Exploring the potential for the healthy protein-rich termite fungal crops to be used for human consumption

Luka has spent the past few years working as a research consultant, focusing on the cultivation of Termitomyces cultures among other laboratory methods. In addition, he is responsible for the group’s dissemination activities on social media and at events. Alongside his work, Luka has been involved in several projects within the group. From quantifying the impact of microbes associated with fungus-farming termites on plant decomposition in a savannah ecosystem to his latest project comparing the culturomics of soil fungi and bacteria in a compartmentalized Portuguese cave ecosystem recognized as a subterranean biodiversity hotspot.

Kristian is designing methods for advanced inoculation methods for Termitomyces with liquid mediums for 3D-structures and cataloging Podaxis spore samples from the last 300 years.

Anders wrote his bachelor’s thesis in the group on termite diversity in Senegal, aiming to contribute to more effective chimpanzee conservation in West Africa. His next research project with the group focuses on investigating volatile compounds produced by microbial communities in a Portugues cave ecosystem.

Pieter has a very strong interest in mycology. In his masters thesis, he is researching the effectiveness of indoor mould sampling methods in cooperation with the Indoor climate laboratory at Rambøll Danmark. He will specifically be assessing if DNA-based sampling methods can reveal fungal diversity uncaptured by traditional methods.