Fun Fact of the Month 🍄
Mycelium-based materials do not react to water in exactly the same way. Their moisture behaviour can change depending on the fungal species, substrate, surface structure, and manufacturing conditions — making moisture control an important part of designing mycelium products.
Key Sector Updates 🌍
1. New Research Investigates Moisture Behaviour of Mycelium Materials
Region: Europe (Czech Republic)
Category: Research / Construction / Materials
Summary:
New research published in Materials & Design in October 2026 investigates the water-related properties of pure fungal mycelium and mycelium-based composites. The researchers examined factors including moisture absorption, thickness swelling, fungal species, substrate composition, and surface structure to better understand how these materials behave when exposed to water and high humidity.
Relevance to Mycelium Sector:
Moisture sensitivity remains an important challenge for the wider use of mycelium materials, particularly in construction. Better understanding of water absorption and dimensional changes can support the development of more durable and predictable mycelium-based products.
👉- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2026.116963
2. Building with Fungi Conference Comes to Berlin
Region: Europe (Germany)
Category: Construction / Research / Conference
Summary:
The international Building with Fungi conference takes place in Berlin from 13–16 October 2026. Organised within the MY-CO BUILD research network, the event focuses on fungal biotechnology and the development of biologically produced, biodegradable materials for the built environment.
Relevance to Mycelium Sector:
A dedicated international conference on fungal-based construction demonstrates the growing scientific interest in mycelium as a building material. It also creates an important platform for researchers from materials science, biotechnology, engineering, and architecture to exchange knowledge and advance practical applications.
👉- https://www.my-co-build.com/
3. New Austrian Project Explores Mycelium for Buildings and Smart Systems
Region: Europe (Austria)
Category: Research / Construction / Innovation
Summary:
The five-year BFUNGI project — Building(s) Tomorrow(s) with Fungi: Mycelium as Material and Method — begins on 1 October 2026 with approximately €1.3 million in funding from the Austrian Science Fund. Researchers from multiple disciplines will investigate mycelium-based solutions ranging from sustainable construction materials to biodegradable smart systems and electronics.
Relevance to Mycelium Sector:
BFUNGI expands mycelium research beyond individual material products by connecting architecture, materials science, design, electronics, and circular economy principles. The project could help identify new applications for fungal materials while strengthening collaboration between scientific research and practical implementation.
