Species interactions in tree-fungus systems
MicrobeNet^Net Working Group Meeting
What
A four‑day meeting centered on wood ecology, with a particular focus on species interactions within tree–fungus systems. This mini‑symposium brings together leading experts to synthesize the current state of the field, highlight emerging research frontiers, and establish new opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Where
University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS), Michigan, USA
When
June 17-21, 2026 (Wed – Sat)
Costs
Travel and local costs of invited and confirmed participants will be covered from the meeting budget. The meeting is supported by NSF-funded project MicrobeNet^Net.
Preliminary agenda
June 17, Wed
Morning: Arrivals, check-in
Afternoon: Introduction. Project presentations, invited talks
June 18, Thu
Morning: Field trip, UMBS property. Discussion, field and lab experimental methods
Afternoon: Social
June 19, Fri
Morning: Field trip, Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Afternoon: Meeting dinner
June 20, Sat
Morning: Databases and data standards
Afternoon: Higher education. Networking in the US and worldwide.
June 21, Sun
Departures
Summary
A four‑day meeting on wood ecology will be held at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) from June 17–21, 2026. The event will convene researchers from diverse fields, including mycology, entomology, forest ecology, plant and fungal biochemistry, and microbiology, to assess the current state of the field and strengthen international collaboration. Participants will exchange expertise on metabarcoding, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and database development, while also addressing emerging opportunities and challenges in data standardization. The meeting will include a review of species‑interaction data, with special attention to advancing approaches for integrating species traits.
The program will feature interactive talks by leading experts, daily field excursions with demonstrations of sampling methods, and poster or oral presentations by early‑career researchers. Dedicated time for discussion, hands‑on sessions, and well‑paced breaks will help create an intellectually stimulating and collegial atmosphere that supports both formal and informal networking.
Focusing on wood as a habitat (both dead and living) rather than on specific taxonomic groups, the meeting will bring together specialists representing a wide range of methodological and conceptual perspectives. Participants will explore multiple microhabitats, including fine and coarse woody debris, tree hollows, standing and fallen trees, and other substrates. Capturing species co‑occurrences and interactions across these habitats will contribute to the development of more robust ecological data systems. This North American initiative will strengthen existing ties with Nordic research groups studying dead wood ecology and aims to broaden collaborative networks internationally. Through data‑intensive and interdisciplinary inquiry, the meeting seeks to deepen our understanding of lignicolous species and support the integration of this knowledge into land management, education, and conservation.
Because morphological and molecular research on lignicolous organisms remains a relatively underrepresented niche despite the ecological importance of dead wood habitats, the participation of early‑career researchers is especially vital. Providing exposure to a range of current methods, datasets, and research communities will help ensure that emerging scholars remain connected, well‑supported, and engaged in this growing area of ecological science.
Organizer
Maria Shumskaya, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Kean University, NJ, USA
Supported by
Dmitry Schigel, Ph.D.
University of Helsinki, Finland; Lead scientific officer, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Secretariat
Maria Shumskaya, Ph.D. 