Future of Fungi Panel Discussion

Our panelists discuss the future of fungi, in uses beyond food and medicine - from materials to cleaning up our human made mess, via composting

Confirmed panelists:

Kit Ondaatje Rolls: Kit is a biodesigner, fungi researcher, and author. She holds an MA in Biodesign from Central Saint Martins, where she specialised in regenerative systems and mycelium-based materials. She founded the London Native Fungi Library, a living genetic archive of medicinal mushroom strains sourced from Greater London, which she cultivates and extracts into native mushroom tinctures. Her work explores the ecological, cultural, and creative worlds of fungi, encouraging deeper engagement with the natural world. Her book 'FUNGI: Creatures & Cultures' was published by Watkins Books earlier in Jul

Alice Sophia Pefanis: Alice Sophia Pefanis represents Flete Field Lab, a community interest company focused on the development and testing of low tech, nature based solutions for freshwater remediation. She began foraging fungi in Eastern Europe as a child and later honed her identification skills in Canada and the United Kingdom, going on to specialise in edible, medicinal and mycoremediation species across the Northern Hemisphere. With a background in mycology, ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture, her work centres on the application of fungal systems, particularly mycofiltration, to reduce nutrient and microbial pollution in freshwater environments. She has led field based research trials investigating the performance of hyperlocal wood decaying fungi, including Trametes versicolor, in dynamic freshwater systems, alongside multiple trials using Pleurotus pulmonarius to remediate dairy wastewater and sewage overflow pollution. Alongside her research, she lectures on ecology and agriculture courses, leads fungal forays in the UK and delivers workshops that translate scientific knowledge into applied and accessible practices, supporting communities to engage with fungi as collaborators in ecosystem repair.

Please note: This event is included in Festival Passes