Open Science, FAIR Data and Reproducible Workflows in Mycology
Making mycological data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable, with version control, workflow managers and data standards.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Open Science, FAIR Data and Reproducible Workflows in Mycology
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Digital Mycology: AI, Genomics & Data. 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
Open Science, FAIR Data and Reproducible Workflows in Mycology gives researchers and data managers practical tools to make their work findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. You apply the FAIR principles to real mycological data, structure records with Darwin Core and MIxS standards, and track changes with Git. Workflow managers such as Snakemake and Nextflow, together with containers, show how to make analyses run the same way on any computer.
Funders and journals increasingly require open data and reproducible methods, and collaborative projects depend on shared standards. Many labs still keep data in scattered spreadsheets and scripts that only one person understands. The course suits researchers, data managers and lab leads who want sustainable practices rather than one-off fixes. In the final project you take an existing analysis or dataset from your work, restructure it as a version-controlled, containerised workflow and prepare it for deposit in a repository with an appropriate licence.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in digital mycology, useful in areas such as academic research, biodiversity informatics, research infrastructure, biotechnology R&D.
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:
Making mycological data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable, with version control, workflow managers and data standards.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: FAIR principles in practice; Data standards: Darwin Core and MIxS.
- Put them into practice: Version control with Git; Workflow managers: Snakemake and Nextflow.
- Apply everything to a real case: Containers and computational environments; Repositories, licences and data papers.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Apply FAIR principles and write data management plans.
- Structure mycological data with Darwin Core and MIxS standards.
- Use Git to version and share code and documentation.
- Build reproducible pipelines with Snakemake or Nextflow.
- Package analyses in containers and deposit data with clear licences.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Researchers, data managers and lab leads.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic experience with R, Python or the command line is recommended; no prior knowledge of Git or workflow tools is needed.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Research data manager in a biology institute
- Lab lead implementing reproducible practices
- Bioinformatics workflow developer
- Data steward for biodiversity projects
- Open science officer in a research organisation
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | FAIR principles in practice | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Data standards: Darwin Core and MIxS | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Version control with Git | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Workflow managers: Snakemake and Nextflow | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Containers and computational environments | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Repositories, licences and data papers | 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.
- Findable and accessible data
- Interoperability and reuse
- Data management plans
- Darwin Core terms for fungi
- MIxS for sequence data
- Mapping your data to standards
- Repositories, commits and branches
- Collaborating on GitHub or GitLab
- Version control for data and code
- Why workflow managers matter
- Writing Snakemake rules
- Introduction to Nextflow
- Conda environments
- Docker and Apptainer containers
- Recording computational environments
- Choosing a repository
- Open licences for data and code
- Writing a data paper
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
A version-controlled, containerised workflow for an existing dataset, prepared for repository deposit with a licence.
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
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, hands-on exercises in each module and a final project 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 Digital Mycology 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 Open Science, FAIR Data and Reproducible Workflows in Mycology?
Basic experience with R, Python or the command line is recommended; no prior knowledge of Git or workflow tools is needed.
How is Open Science, FAIR Data and Reproducible Workflows in Mycology taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, hands-on exercises in each module and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A version-controlled, containerised workflow for an existing dataset, prepared for repository deposit with a licence.
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 Open Science, FAIR Data and Reproducible Workflows in Mycology?
The natural next step is Diploma in Fungal Bioinformatics.
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.
Keep branching.
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).