European projects dedicated to fungi: today we aim to offer a brief overview of these opportunities. This is because mycology—the science studying fungi in all their forms and applications—is experiencing a period of extraordinary advancement thanks to European funding dedicated to research and innovation. Projects funded under Horizon Europe are opening new frontiers in understanding fungi, cultivation techniques, and biotechnological applications. This article provides a detailed analysis of the main European projects focused on fungi, examining their objectives, methodologies, expected results, and practical implications for mycologists, mushroom growers, and enthusiasts. Through data, statistics, and detailed tables, we will explore how European Union–funded research is transforming our approach to the fungal kingdom, with significant impacts across sectors ranging from sustainable agriculture to medicine, from the food industry to bioremediation. Horizon Europe is the European Union’s funding programme for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion for the period 2021–2027. This ambitious programme supports projects of scientific excellence and promotes transnational collaborations across all fields of knowledge, including mycology. Mycological projects funded by Horizon Europe focus on several thematic areas, from fungal biodiversity to biotechnological applications, from food safety to fungus-based solutions for environmental challenges. In this section, we will analyze the programme’s structure, the thematic clusters relevant to mycology, and the funding opportunities available to researchers, businesses, and sector organizations. Horizon Europe is organized into three main pillars, each with specific objectives and types of funded actions. The first pillar, Excellent Science, supports fundamental research through the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The second pillar, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, funds applied research projects in specific thematic clusters—including the one on food security, sustainable agriculture, and the bioeconomy, which is particularly relevant to mycology. The third pillar, Innovative Europe, aims to foster innovation and technology diffusion through the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6, dedicated to food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment, represents the most relevant funding area for mycological projects. With a budget of approximately €9 billion, this cluster funds projects addressing challenges such as food security, sustainable management of natural resources, development of the bioeconomy, and environmental protection. Mycological projects funded under this cluster range from characterization of fungal biodiversity to development of new mushroom cultivation techniques, from applications of fungi in bioremediation to mycelium-based solutions for sustainable agriculture. As shown in the table, Cluster 6 provides significant resources to fund mycological research and innovation, particularly in the thematic areas of sustainable food systems and circular bioeconomy. Fungal-focused projects can access substantial funding, especially if they demonstrate potential impact in terms of sustainability, food security, and development of innovative bioeconomy-based solutions. Numerous mycological research projects have received Horizon Europe funding, addressing diverse topics and developing innovative approaches to the study and application of fungi. These projects involve international consortia made up of universities, research centers, companies, and non-governmental organizations, creating valuable synergies for advancing mycological knowledge. In this section, we will closely examine some of the most significant projects, analyzing their objectives, methodologies, preliminary results, and practical applications for mycologists and mushroom growers. The FUNGITECH project, funded with €4.8 million under Horizon Europe, aims to develop innovative technologies for the sustainable cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Coordinated by Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the project involves 12 partners from 8 European countries, including research centers, universities, and mushroom cultivation companies. FUNGITECH’s specific objectives include optimizing cultivation substrates based on agricultural and agro-industrial waste, developing advanced monitoring systems for environmental control, selecting fungal strains with high productivity efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of mushroom cultivation. One of the most promising innovations developed in the FUNGITECH project is a real-time monitoring system based on IoT sensors and artificial intelligence. This system continuously tracks critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and mycelial development, automatically sending alerts if conditions deviate from optimal ranges. The collected data are analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify predictive patterns of yield and mushroom quality, supporting growers in operational decision-making. Real-world trials have demonstrated a 15–20% increase in yield and a 30% reduction in waste compared to traditional cultivation methods. The results of the FUNGITECH project offer significant opportunities for mushroom growers and industry companies. The developed technologies enable optimization of production processes, cost reduction, and improved environmental sustainability. In particular, innovative substrates based on agro-industrial waste—such as cereal straw, olive pomace, and coffee processing residues—provide an economically advantageous and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional substrates. These substrates, characterized by a reduced carbon footprint and lower input costs, can significantly enhance the competitiveness of the European mushroom cultivation sector. Biological conversion efficiency As shown in the table, the innovative substrates developed in the FUNGITECH project offer significant advantages in terms of yield, cost, and environmental sustainability. Biological conversion efficiency—the ability of the fungus to convert substrate into edible biomass—reaches 82% with innovative substrates, compared to 75% with traditional ones. This improvement translates into higher productivity and reduced waste, with positive economic and environmental outcomes for mushroom cultivation businesses. The MYCOMED project, funded with €5.2 million by Horizon Europe, focuses on the study of medicinal fungi and their therapeutic applications. Coordinated by the University of Helsinki in Finland, the project involves 15 partners from 10 European countries, including research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and organizations dedicated to complementary medicine. MYCOMED aims to scientifically characterize the medicinal properties of various fungal species, identify the bioactive compounds responsible for therapeutic effects, and develop standardized protocols for the cultivation, extraction, and formulation of medicinal mushroom–based products. The MYCOMED project employs multidisciplinary approaches integrating molecular biology, analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and omics sciences. Research activities include metabolomic characterization of fungal extracts, screening for biological activities (anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), preclinical toxicology studies, and controlled clinical trials. An innovative aspect of the project is the use of in silico models to predict interactions between fungal bioactive compounds and human molecular targets, accelerating the discovery of new therapeutic molecules. Preliminary results from MYCOMED have confirmed the immunomodulatory properties of several medicinal mushroom species, particularly from the genera Ganoderma, Lentinula, and Hericium. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that beta-glucans and other polysaccharides in these fungi can modulate immune system activity, enhancing responses against pathogens and tumor cells. These effects are mediated through interactions with specific receptors on immune cells—such as Dectin-1 and TLR receptors—that trigger intracellular signaling cascades leading to cytokine production and activation of defense mechanisms. The MYCOMED project results offer promising prospects for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. Scientific characterization of medicinal fungi and identification of the bioactive compounds responsible for therapeutic effects provide the foundation for developing new drugs and standardized mushroom-based dietary supplements. In particular, compounds identified in the project show potential for treating conditions such as immunodeficiencies, chronic inflammatory diseases, and as adjuncts in oncological therapies. The table highlights the richness and diversity of bioactive compounds present in the medicinal fungi studied in the MYCOMED project. The concentration of these compounds varies significantly across species and can be influenced by factors such as cultivation conditions, extraction methods, and fungal development stage. Standardization of cultivation and processing protocols—one of the project’s key objectives—is essential to ensure reproducibility and efficacy of medicinal mushroom–based products. The FUNGI-BIOREM project, funded with €3.7 million by Horizon Europe, explores the use of fungi in bioremediation and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Coordinated by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Germany, the project involves 9 partners from 6 European countries, including universities, research institutes, and companies specializing in environmental biotechnologies. FUNGI-BIOREM focuses on studying the degradative capabilities of fungi—particularly ligninolytic basidiomycetes—against various environmental contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, phthalates, and heavy metals. Thanks to their highly specialized enzymatic systems, fungi can degrade a wide range of recalcitrant organic compounds, including many environmental pollutants. Ligninolytic basidiomycetes, in particular, produce extracellular enzymes such as laccases, ligninolytic peroxidases, and manganese peroxidases, which catalyze the breakdown of complex aromatic compounds. These enzymes, characterized by broad substrate specificity, can oxidize and fragment persistent organic molecules, making them more bioavailable and biodegradable. The FUNGI-BIOREM project has developed innovative protocols for using fungi in the remediation of contaminated soils and water, combining mycoremediation approaches with environmental engineering technologies. These protocols include optimizing fungal growth conditions, selecting high-efficiency degradative strains, developing bioreactors for contaminated water treatment, and refining bioaugmentation techniques for in situ soil remediation. Pilot-scale tests have demonstrated removal rates exceeding 80% for various contaminants, at lower costs than conventional remediation technologies. Mycoremediation offers numerous advantages over traditional remediation technologies, both economically and environmentally. Implementation costs are generally lower, thanks to the use of low-cost materials such as agricultural and agro-industrial waste substrates. Moreover, mycoremediation is a natural process that does not require aggressive chemicals and produces no toxic byproducts. Fungi used in cleanup processes can later be composted or used to produce enzymes and other high-value products, closing the material loop in a circular economy framework. As shown in the table, different fungal species exhibit specificity for different contaminant types and optimal operating conditions. Selecting the most appropriate fungal species for a given remediation context is crucial to maximize treatment efficiency and reduce time and costs. The FUNGI-BIOREM project is developing a searchable database linking contaminated site characteristics, contaminant types, and recommended fungal species, supporting professionals in designing customized mycoremediation interventions. Horizon Europe–funded projects are opening new frontiers in mycological research, with significant implications for multiple disciplines and application sectors. Future prospects include integrating omics sciences into fungal studies, developing innovative biotechnological applications, and exploring poorly known ecosystems to discover new species and bioactive compounds. In this section, we will examine emerging trends in mycological research and their potential impact on mycologists, mushroom growers, and other sector professionals. The application of omics sciences to mycology is revolutionizing our molecular-level understanding of fungi. Fungal genomics, in particular, is advancing rapidly thanks to next-generation sequencing technologies, which enable decoding the DNA of hundreds of fungal species at ever-lower costs. Horizon Europe–funded projects are contributing to this collective effort by generating genomic data that allow unprecedented detail in studying fungal evolution, ecology, and application potential. Integration of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data is enabling reconstruction of fungal metabolic networks and elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying processes such as lignin degradation, plant symbiosis, and production of bioactive compounds. These insights have practical applications—from selecting fungal strains with desirable traits for cultivation and biotechnology to metabolic engineering for optimizing the production of industrially relevant enzymes and metabolites. Fungal biotechnologies represent a rapidly evolving field, with applications ranging from functional food and ingredient production to the synthesis of innovative materials. Horizon Europe projects are exploring several frontiers in fungal biotechnology, including the production of alternative proteins via fungal mycelium fermentation, development of mycelium-based materials for sustainable packaging and construction, and use of fungi in producing biofuels and renewable chemicals. These applications leverage the unique metabolic capabilities of fungi to convert low-cost biomass into high-value products, contributing to the transition toward a circular, carbon-neutral economy. The table illustrates the diversity of emerging fungal biotechnology applications and their market potential. Mycelial proteins, in particular, are attracting growing interest as a sustainable alternative to animal proteins, with market projections exceeding $10 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, mycelium-based materials offer an innovative solution to reduce plastic use in packaging and construction, featuring interesting mechanical properties and a significantly lower environmental footprint than conventional materials. Projects funded by Horizon Europe are having a significant impact on advancing mycological knowledge and developing practical applications in the mushroom sector. Thanks to these projects, European mycological research is positioning itself at the global forefront, making important contributions in areas such as fungal biodiversity characterization, development of sustainable cultivation techniques, discovery of new bioactive compounds, and application of fungi in environmental remediation and industrial biotechnologies. In this final section, we will summarize the main outcomes and long-term prospects of EU-funded mycological research. Horizon Europe projects are generating knowledge and technologies with direct implications for mycologists, mushroom growers, and other sector professionals. Cultivation techniques developed in projects like FUNGITECH provide opportunities to increase productivity and sustainability in mushroom farming businesses, reducing costs and environmental impact. Knowledge generated on medicinal mushrooms in the MYCOMED project supports the development of scientifically validated health-promoting mushroom products, opening new markets for industry players. Applications of mycoremediation developed in FUNGI-BIOREM create business opportunities for environmental remediation and waste management companies. Beyond practical applications, Horizon Europe projects are helping train a new generation of researchers and professionals in mycology. Young scientists involved in these projects acquire multidisciplinary skills and international experience, preparing them to become future leaders in mycological research. At the same time, dissemination of results through scientific publications, outreach events, and digital platforms is raising awareness of the importance of fungi for society and the environment, stimulating interest in mycology among students and citizens. The outlook for future mycological research appears extremely promising, with continued funding opportunities under Horizon Europe and other European programmes. Emerging trends include increasing integration between mycology and data science, study of the fungal microbiome and its interactions with other organisms, exploration of extreme environments to discover fungi with unique properties, and development of fungal applications to address global challenges such as climate change, food security, and the transition to a circular economy. Mycological research is poised to play an increasingly important role in delivering sustainable and innovative solutions for 21st-century society. In conclusion, European projects dedicated to fungi are transforming mycology from a niche discipline into a strategic research field with broad scientific, economic, and social impact. Thanks to Horizon Europe funding, the European mycological community is laying the groundwork for a future in which fungi are recognized as valuable resources for human health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Continued investment in mycological research is essential to fully harness the potential of these extraordinary organisms and address the complex challenges facing humanity in the coming decades.European projects: Horizon Europe, the framework programme for research and Innovation
Structure and pillars of Horizon Europe
Cluster 6: food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture, and environment
Thematic area Budget (million €) Percentage of total Environment and Biodiversity 2,150 23.9% Sustainable Food Systems 1,830 20.3% Circular Bioeconomy 1,690 18.8% Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Areas 1,560 17.3% Oceans, Seas and Inland Waters 1,270 14.1% Governance for Sustainability 500 5.6% Total 9,000 100% Innovative mycological research projects funded by Horizon Europe
FUNGITECH: advanced technologies for sustainable mushroom cultivation
Results and practical applications of FUNGITECH
Substrate type Yield (kg mushrooms/m²) Cost (€/tonne) Carbon footprint (kg CO₂ eq/tonne) Traditional substrate (straw + supplements) 28.5 120 85 75% Innovative substrate (agro-industrial waste) 30.2 65 42 82% Percentage change +6% -46% -51% +9% MYCOMED: medicinal fungi and therapeutic applications
Research methodologies and innovative approaches
Prospects for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries
Fungal species Bioactive compound Biological activity Concentration (mg/g dry weight) Potential therapeutic application Ganoderma lucidum Beta-glucans Immunomodulatory 45–65 Immunodeficiencies, oncology adjunct Lentinula edodes Lentinan Antitumor, immunostimulatory 30–50 Integrative oncology therapies Hericium erinaceus Erinacine Neuroprotective, regenerative 0.5–1.2 Neurodegenerative diseases Cordyceps militaris Cordycepin Energizing, anti-inflammatory 2.5–4.8 Chronic fatigue syndrome, athletic performance Trametes versicolor PSK (Krestin) Antitumor, immunomodulatory 35–55 Oncology therapies, recurrence prevention FUNGI-BIOREM: fungi in bioremediation and environmental remediation
Degradation mechanisms and practical applications
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Mycoremediation
Fungal species Contaminant type Removal rate (%) Treatment time (days) Optimal conditions Pleurotus ostreatus Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 85 45 pH 5.5–6.5, 25–28°C Trametes versicolor Chlorinated pesticides 78 60 pH 4.5–5.5, 28–30°C Phanerochaete chrysosporium Azo dyes 92 30 pH 4.0–5.0, 30–35°C Bjerkandera adusta Phthalates 75 50 pH 5.0–6.0, 25–28°C Ganoderma lucidum Heavy metals (bioaccumulation) 65 90 pH 5.5–6.5, 28–30°C Future outlook and new frontiers in mycological research
Omics mycology: genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics
Innovative fungal biotechnologies
Application area Fungal species Product/Process Development stage Market impact potential Food Fusarium venenatum Mycelial protein (meat alternative) Commercial High Materials Ganoderma spp. Mycelium-based packaging materials Pilot scale Medium–High Energy Aspergillus niger Enzymes for biofuel production Industrial scale High Pharmaceuticals Penicillium chrysogenum Antibiotic precursors Commercial High Cosmetics Tremella fuciformis Hydrating and anti-aging ingredients Pilot scale Medium European projects: Europe’s impact on mycology
Implications for mycologists, growers, and sector professionals
Outlook for future mycological research