New Publication Alert – MycoIndia (Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2025)

I am pleased to announce the publication of a Perspective article in MycoIndia: Shenoy, B. D. (2025). The misuse of artificial intelligence in mycological manuscripts: An editorial perspective. MycoIndia, 2(1), 1–2.  This article critically examines the growing misuse of AI tools in mycological writing—highlighting issues such as fabricated references, outdated taxonomic terms, stylistic flaws, and lack of critical synthesis. It also outlines best practices and ethical guidelines for responsible AI use in scholarly publishing. Read here - https://mycoindia.org/mycoindia-21-1%E2%80%932 [Published on 04.09.2025]. 

Dr. Belle Shenoy presented an invited talk on missing marine fungi and their importance to Biotechnology 

I was honored to deliver an invited talk at National Conference on “Harnessing Biotechnology: Driving Innovation in Healthcare, Agriculture and the Environment” (NCBH-25), organized by the Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India and sponsored by  Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India. My presentation, titled “Where Are the Missing Marine Fungi and Why Their Discovery Matters to Biotechnology,” explored the vast, largely untapped marine fungal diversity that remains undiscovered and its immense potential in advancing biotechnological innovations. I discussed how uncovering these hidden fungal species can lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes, emphasizing that the next big biotechnological leap may lie in understanding the organisms we have yet to find. [Published on 12.08.2025]. 

Dr. Belle Shenoy has been promoted to Senior Principal Scientist 

I am delighted to share that I have been promoted from Principal Scientist to Senior Principal Scientist.  My heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities and support that have made this possible. I must give special mention to MycoAsia and MycoIndia, which were vital platforms for showcasing my leadership skills and temperament to the scientific community and decision-makers within my organization. I am thankful for the role these platforms played in this progression. [Published on 05.08.2025].

Dr. Belle Shenoy will be at AFBCON 2025: Advancing Fungal Frontiers in Kolhapur

The Department of Botany at Rajaram College, Kolhapur, India is set to host the International Conference on Exploring Fungal Frontiers: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Advancing Fungal Biology (AFBCON 2025) from December 4–6, 2025. Organized in collaboration with Association of Fungal Biologists, the conference will bring together leading voices in fungal biology to explore innovations across ecology, medicine, and biotechnology. Dr. Shenoy will be at AFBCON 2025, joining researchers, students, and institutions from around the world in celebrating and supporting cutting-edge work in fungal science. For more details and to register, visit afbcon2025.in.  ​​[Published on 10.07.2025]. 

Dr. Belle D. Shenoy appointed Associate Editor of Environmental Microbiome 

Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy has been named Associate Editor of Environmental Microbiome, a leading journal from Springer Nature. The journal focuses on microbial communities in diverse ecosystems with relevance to climate, agriculture, and public health. ​[Published on 05.07.2025].

Times of India Features My Article Published in Mycological Spectrum

My recent paper has received media coverage in the  Times of India. The article highlights recent findings on the hidden complexity within fungal species, revealed through advanced DNA-based methods. You can read it here: New study suggests fungi are more complex than experts thought – Times of India [Published on 16.06.2025].

New Publication - "Do you believe in ‘new’ fungal species?"

Thrilled to share my latest article,​ "Do you believe in ‘new’ fungal species?”, just published in Mycological Spectrum! This piece dives deep into how molecular methods—like GCPSR and coalescent-based models—are reshaping fungal taxonomy, challenging traditional species concepts, and uncovering cryptic diversity. I also reflect on the importance of equitable access to these tools, especially in biodiversity-rich but resource-limited regions like India. ​Download it ​from here (open access): https://mycologicalspectrum.org/2025-04 . Grateful to the​ Assoc​iation of Fungal​ Biologists and all reviewers and colleagues who support work in fungal systematics. [Published on 12.06.2025].

Exciting opportunity for postdoctoral research in marine mycology 

Exciting opportunity for postdoctoral research in marine mycology is now open at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, India, under the guidance of Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy. This position is available under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) scheme, https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/npdf?HomePage=New. Interested candidates are encouraged to initiate contact with Dr. Shenoy at belleshenoy.nio@csir.res.in to discuss potential research themes and secure mentorship in advance of the upcoming application call. This is a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in marine mycology—students of mycology are strongly encouraged to apply.​ Thank you! [Published on 30.05.2025].