Common Mycorrhizal Networks: Evidence & Controversies
A critical review of the so-called wood wide web: what is known, what is disputed and how future studies could resolve it.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Common Mycorrhizal Networks: Evidence & Controversies
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
Few ideas in fungal ecology have captured public imagination like the wood wide web, the notion that trees share resources and signals through common mycorrhizal networks. This course takes a careful look at the evidence. It explains what common mycorrhizal networks are and how they are detected, then reviews the studies on carbon, nutrient and water transfer between plants and the claims about signalling, kin recognition and mother trees.
Recent critical reviews have argued that some popular claims go beyond what the field data support, and the debate matters for forest management, education and science communication. The course suits researchers, educators and science communicators who want to engage with the topic accurately. A module on methodological challenges examines isotope labelling, network mapping and alternative explanations for observed patterns, while another compares public narratives with the scientific literature. In the final project, students design an experiment or field study that could test a specific claim about mycorrhizal networks, explaining the controls, measurements and potential confounding factors.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in ecology, useful in areas such as research and academia, science communication and media, environmental education, forestry.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
A critical review of the so-called wood wide web: what is known, what is disputed and how future studies could resolve it.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: What Common Mycorrhizal Networks Are; Evidence for Resource Transfer Between Plants.
- Put them into practice: Signalling, Kin Recognition and Mother Trees; Methodological Challenges and Alternative Explanations.
- Apply everything to a real case: Public Narratives versus Scientific Consensus; Designing the Next Generation of Experiments.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain what common mycorrhizal networks are and how they form.
- Evaluate evidence for resource transfer between connected plants.
- Critically assess claims about signalling, kin recognition and mother trees.
- Identify methodological pitfalls in network studies.
- Design an experiment to test a specific network hypothesis.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Researchers, educators and science communicators.
4.2Entry requirements
A basic background in biology or ecology is recommended, along with comfort reading scientific papers.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Researcher in plant and fungal ecology
- Science communicator or journalist
- Environmental educator
- Forest ecologist advising on evidence-based management
- Museum or outreach content developer
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | What Common Mycorrhizal Networks Are | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Evidence for Resource Transfer Between Plants | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Signalling, Kin Recognition and Mother Trees | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Methodological Challenges and Alternative Explanations | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Public Narratives versus Scientific Consensus | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Designing the Next Generation of Experiments | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Defining common mycorrhizal networks
- Arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal networks
- Detecting network connections
- Carbon transfer studies
- Nitrogen, phosphorus and water movement
- Direction and magnitude of transfer
- Defence signalling between plants
- Kin recognition claims
- The mother tree concept
- Isotope labelling and its pitfalls
- Soil pathways other than hyphae
- Alternative explanations for results
- How the story spread
- Comparing claims with evidence
- Responsible science communication
- Key unanswered questions
- Experimental controls and replication
- Field versus greenhouse approaches
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
An experimental or field study design to test a specific claim about mycorrhizal networks.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, critical paper reviews in each module and a final experimental design reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Ecology school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Common Mycorrhizal Networks: Evidence & Controversies?
A basic background in biology or ecology is recommended, along with comfort reading scientific papers.
How is Common Mycorrhizal Networks: Evidence & Controversies taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, critical paper reviews in each module and a final experimental design reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
An experimental or field study design to test a specific claim about mycorrhizal networks.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Common Mycorrhizal Networks: Evidence & Controversies?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
From our species guide.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).