What the XI Latin American Congress of Mycology – Panama 2023 left us

The XI Latin American Congress of Mycology (XI CLAM) was held from October 9 to 13, 2023, in Panama City, establishing itself as a key platform for strengthening mycology in the region. Organized with the support of the Latin American Mycological Association (ALM), the congress brought together the Latin American and international scientific community around fungi and their ecological, biotechnological, and cultural relevance.

Participation and International Reach

The event welcomed researchers, students, and professionals from Latin America, Europe, and the United States, fostering a rich diversity of scientific approaches and experiences related to the study of the Kingdom Fungi.

One of the most significant moments was the presentation of a documentary on fungal diversity in Panama, which was part of the official program and provided an audiovisual perspective on the biological and cultural value of the local mycobiota.

Keynote Lectures, Presentations, and Academic Spaces

The XI CLAM was developed through three main participation formats:

8 keynote lectures delivered by renowned international mycologists such as Robert W. Barreto, Priscila Chaverri, Pedro W. Crous, Toni Gabaldón, Laura Guzmán Dávalos, Meike Piepenbring, Marc Stadler, and Roxana G. Vitale.
120 oral presentations, organized into thematic symposia addressing current research trends.
146 poster presentations, highlighting emerging and collaborative research across diverse fields of mycology.

Thematic Areas Addressed

During the congress, research was presented across 12 main thematic areas:

Ecology and evolution of fungi
Environmental mycology
Plant-associated fungi
Animal-associated fungi
Medical mycology
Fungal biotechnology
Systematics, diversity, and taxonomy
Fungal genetics and genomics
Chemistry and bioprospecting
Fungal conservation
Ethnomycology
Mycotourism and mycoculture

Key scientific advances were also highlighted, such as:

Applications of nanoparticles to control phytopathogenic fungi.
Strategies for managing Fusarium in wheat crops.
Studies on the impact of toxic fungi in agriculture.
Innovations in the use of fungi for industry, health, and the environment.

This gathering not only enabled the sharing of knowledge, but also fostered collaboration networks and strengthened the role of mycology in addressing the scientific, social, and environmental challenges faced by our societies.

Building on the path established in Panama, we enthusiastically prepare for the XII Latin American Congress of Mycology, to be held in Quito – Ecuador in 2026. Quito – Ecuador en 2026 .