The evening will begin with Alison Pouliot, ecologist, photographer and author of the recently published books Funga Obscura and Mushroom DayIn her talk, "Curry Punk & Devil's Tooth – The Science & Aesthetics of Fungi," she explores the dual fascination of fungi: their biological role as well as their cultural impact. Why do we fear some fungi and revere others? How do aesthetics, mythology, and misconceptions shape our view of the fungal realm? Alison recounts encounters with fungi and their admirers in both hemispheres—and invites us to understand fungi not just as organisms, but as companions and sources of inspiration.

Afterwards, the Mycoverse Foundation will introduce itself – a platform for exchange and collaboration around the world of mushrooms.

The subsequent presentation will be given by Eva Fauma. In her talk, she will introduce selected mushroom species, explain their pharmacologically active components, and use concrete case studies to demonstrate how mushrooms are used in modern TEM – in a practical, well-founded, and inspiring manner.

An evening where aesthetics meets science, empirical knowledge meets research, and the fungi reveals itself in many facets – as a companion, a source of inspiration, and a bridge between worlds. Fungi & Feeling is an invitation to discover, understand, and encounter mushrooms anew.