ISHAM working group: Species concept in Aspergillus
Convener: Robert A Samson
CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre
Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
The aim of the working group
Developing and understanding Aspergillus systematics is that the species concept is still in state of flux and that there is an urgent need to discuss and standardize the protocol how to recognize a species in Aspergillus. A consortium of clinicians and mycologists with a common interest in Aspergillus could alleviate much of these issues. Development of such a forum would facilitate ease of knowledge sharing, prompt identification of areas for immediate research, development of new molecular diagnostics, prevent repetitive data generation and foster an environment where research is completed in a timely fashion.
Activities and plans
- Our immediate plans are to bring together a group of mycologists with various disciplines particularly in the molecular areas who can contribute to the discussion on Aspergillus systematics and that they could meet in an International workshop to be held in April 2007 (see meetings). This workshop is ONLY for invited participants/speakers.
- Setting up a website with an Aspergillus database with molecular and phenotypic data for identification.
- Organize symposia at international congresses e.g. IUMS congress in 2008.
International collaboration
The working group is very open for any collaboration with other working groups and ISHAM. This group also will work closely with the International Commission of Penicillium and Aspergillus (ICPA) of the IUMS Mycology Division.
