Creating with mycelium

Have you heard of materials that we can "grow"? In recent years, a fascinating trend has blossomed in industrial design, fashion, and art – the development of biological materials from microorganisms. These innovative materials offer a sustainable alternative to plastic, leather, and other environmentally harmful raw materials.

At our Green Lab, we are also following this future! That’s why we invite you to a unique course on fungal biocomposites, where you will have the opportunity to closely explore the creation of materials from mycelium – the underground, thread-like network of fungi. Mycelium is a natural master of connection: it intertwines organic waste, such as sawdust or agricultural residues, and transforms them into strong, lightweight, and even fire-resistant material. These mycocomposites are already being used as sustainable packaging, furniture, and even in construction!

Why are these materials so promising? Because they are completely biodegradable, and after use, they can be easily composted. Furthermore, their production requires little energy and causes minimal emissions – unlike plastic materials that burden the environment.

In this course, we won’t just be listening – we’ll be creating too! Participants will practically learn about fungal biotechnology and the circular economy. You will learn:

• How to create sterile conditions for cultivating mycelium in a home environment.
• How to create growing substrates and inoculate them correctly.
• How to prepare the optimal substrate for fungal growth and create your first biocomposites.

This will be an interactive, fun, and educational experience that will open the door to the world of biomaterials of the future. Join us and discover how nature can become your laboratory!

Course dates

4x 3 hours

• Thursday, April 16, from 17:00 to 20:00
• Thursday, April 23, from 17:00 to 20:00
• Thursday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00
• Thursday, May 7, from 17:00 to 20:00

Prior knowledge?

NO, prior knowledge is not required. Everyone interested in the development of new biomaterials is welcome.

About the mentor

The course will be led by Dr. Davor Kržišnik from the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, who is an expert in forestry with extensive teaching and research experience. His research focuses on the creation and testing of new biomaterials that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

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Participants should gather 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in the entrance hall of Center Rog. Please store your personal belongings in the lockers, which the mentor will show you. Please be on time, as late arrivals disrupt the workflow. In the case of a delay, entry to the lab cannot be guaranteed.

The program will be conducted in Slovenian unless stated otherwise.

The program is intended for participants older than 14 years, except where noted otherwise.

In case of cancellation, you will be notified two days before the scheduled start.

If you are unable to attend the program, the registration fee is non-refundable, and it is not possible to change the date. You can transfer your participation to another person, but please notify us at least 24 hours before the program begins at the email address: zeleni@center-rog.si

We look forward to your company and creative collaboration.

Photo: Mycopor