FUN-EX INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EXTREMOPHILIC FUNGI
SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2026. JAÉN, SPAIN
A Journey into the World of Extremophilic Fungi in Jaén, Spain – Land of Castles and Legends
In the heart of Jaén, a region renowned for its majestic castles and captivating legends, the Second International Conference on Extremophilic Fungi invites the global scientific community to explore the fascinating world of fungi that defy life's boundaries. These extraordinary organisms thrive in some of the most hostile environments on Earth, from arid deserts and icy tundras to hypersaline lakes and acidic springs.
Building on the inaugural event's success, this second edition will bring together leading researchers, early-career scientists, and students to delve deeper into the diversity, adaptations, and innovative applications of extremophilic fungi. As a rapidly growing field, extreme mycology not only broadens our understanding of life in extreme conditions but also opens doors to groundbreaking biotechnological, medical, and environmental solutions.
Set against Jaén’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes, this conference offers a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge science with the charm of one of Spain’s most storied regions. Join us in Jaén, where ancient legends meet modern discovery and contribute to the future of extreme mycology in a truly inspiring setting.
Scientific Organizing Committee
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Ramón Batista - co-chair
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Elisabet Aranda - co-chair
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Yordanis Pérez - co-chair
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Ana María Fernández - UJA
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María del Rayo Sánchez - UAEM
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Gabriela Ángeles de Paz - UGR
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Nina Gunde-Cimerman - LJU
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Deborah González - UAEM
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Tatiana Robledo - UGR
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Lyselle Ruíz - UJA
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Ninfa Ramírez - UAEMex
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Tonatiuh Moreno - UAEM
Program structure
(There may be minor program changes)
Call for abstracts
The organizing committee invites authors to submit abstracts for on-site presentation within any of the topic listed below. Submissions are sought for oral and poster presentations. The scientific committee will select the high relevance abstracts to present as Oral Communication. Additional details are outlined below:
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All abstract must be written in English.
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All accepted abstracts will be published in the Proceedings Book.
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An author may submit a maximum of ONE abstract as first author.
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The presenting author must be registered in the Congress.
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Abstracts should be up to 300 words, written in English and uploaded in the platform.
Topics
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Rock-Inhabiting Fungi.
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Fungi in low water activity environments.
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Fungi across temperature gradients.
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Astrobiology and Fungal Dispersal.
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Microbial interactions.
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Radiation, Acidity and Other Extreme Environments.
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Black Fungi.
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Omics and Molecular Tools for Extremophilic Fungi.
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Biotechnology and Bioremediation.
Oral Communications
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Oral Communications will be 15 mins of on-site presentation including Q&A.
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The presentation must be done in English.
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Abstracts will be grouped by topics. A Chair will provide comments on the field of research covered in the session highlight particular findings and stimulate Q&A.
Posters
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Posters must be written in English and printed in vertical format using following measures: A0 portrait format.
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Posters should be placed in their correspondent panels at registration time and should remain there until the closing ceremony of the Congress. The correspondent panels will be informed by email to all corresponding authors some days before the Congress.
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During the poster walk session the presenting author must be stand up close to the poster to inform about the poster and answer the questions from other researchers.
Key dates
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Abstracts submission opening: October 20th 2025
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Abstract submission deadline: April 30th, 2026
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Communication to authors: May 15th, 2026
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Registration deadline: June 30th, 2026
Registration
To formalize the participation you must fill the mandatory fields in the registration form. Payment could be made by bank transfer or credit card through the registration platform. If bank transfer is chosen, you must state clearly the name and the reference received by email.
Registration fee
The early registration fee for all requests received before June 1st, 2026 is 440 €. The registration fee for undergraduate & PhD students is 290 €.
Registrations formalized from June 1st, 2026 onward will have a surcharge of 50 €. The registration includes the attendance to all the presentations and communications announced in the program, welcome pack, e-Proceedings Book, attendance and participation certificates, coffee breaks, lunches, meeting dinner and the activities of the social program.
Important dates
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Abstracts submission opening: October 20th, 2025
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Registration opening: January 1st, 2026
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Abstract submission deadline: April 30th, 2026
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Communication to authors: May 15th, 2026
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Early bird registration: before June 1st, 2026
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Registration deadline: June 30th, 2026
THE REGISTRATION FORM WILL OPEN ON JANUARY 1st, 2026
Venue
The Congress will take place in buildings C1 and D1 of the Lagunillas Campus of the University of Jaén. You can find detailed information on how to get to Jaén to plan your visit here.
We will publish a list of recommended hotels at a later date.
