Diploma in Digital Biodiversity Infrastructure for Fungi
Digitizing collections, managing biodiversity databases and linking specimens, sequences and names into connected fungal data.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Diploma in Digital Biodiversity Infrastructure for Fungi
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Diploma
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Digital Mycology: AI, Genomics & Data. A Fungaris program 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)
- 6 months (24 weeks) · 192 hours in total · 8 modules of 24 hours · 24 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to June 25, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: April 12, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
The Diploma in Digital Biodiversity Infrastructure for Fungi trains professionals to build and manage the data systems behind fungal biodiversity knowledge. You learn the foundations of biodiversity informatics and fungal nomenclature systems, then digitize and image collections, apply data standards and publish to GBIF. Further modules cover sequence repositories and UNITE curation, linking specimens, sequences and observations into connected data, and preparing data for red listing and conservation.
Herbaria and fungal collections hold irreplaceable records, but much of this information remains offline or disconnected from sequences and observations. Well-built infrastructure makes it usable for research, conservation policy and public engagement. This diploma suits herbarium curators, data managers and staff in conservation bodies. In the infrastructure project you design and partly implement a digitization or data integration project for a real collection or organization, including workflows, standards, publishing and long-term maintenance.
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 museums and herbaria, nature conservation, biodiversity research infrastructure, government environmental agencies.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Digitizing collections, managing biodiversity databases and linking specimens, sequences and names into connected fungal data.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Biodiversity informatics foundations; Fungal nomenclature systems; Collection digitization and imaging.
- Put them into practice: Standards and data publishing to GBIF; Sequence repositories and UNITE curation; Linking specimens, sequences and observations.
- Apply everything to a real case: Red listing and conservation data; Infrastructure project.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Plan and run collection digitization and imaging workflows.
- Apply Darwin Core and publish datasets to GBIF.
- Submit and curate fungal sequences in public repositories.
- Link specimens, sequences and observations with persistent identifiers.
- Prepare biodiversity data to support red-list assessments.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Herbarium curators, data managers and conservation bodies.
4.2Entry requirements
Some experience with biological collections, databases or biodiversity data is expected; no programming background is required.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Herbarium curator or collections manager
- Biodiversity data manager
- Digitization project coordinator
- Data officer in a conservation body
- Biodiversity informatics specialist
- Node manager or data publisher for biodiversity networks
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Biodiversity informatics foundations | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 02 | Fungal nomenclature systems | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 03 | Collection digitization and imaging | Foundations | 3 | 24 |
| 04 | Standards and data publishing to GBIF | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 05 | Sequence repositories and UNITE curation | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 06 | Linking specimens, sequences and observations | Practice | 3 | 24 |
| 07 | Red listing and conservation data | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| 08 | Infrastructure project | Application & project | 3 | 24 |
| Total | 192 |
8 modules × 24 hours = 192 hours: 48 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.
- Biodiversity data types
- Global infrastructures and networks
- Persistent identifiers
- Nomenclature codes and registration
- MycoBank and Index Fungorum
- Managing taxonomic backbones
- Digitization workflows
- Imaging specimens and labels
- Transcription and quality control
- Darwin Core and extensions
- Integrated Publishing Toolkit
- Datasets, DOIs and metrics
- GenBank and ENA submissions
- UNITE annotation and curation
- Linking sequences to vouchers
- Identifiers across systems
- Integrating observation platforms
- Building linked data
- IUCN criteria for fungi
- Preparing assessment data
- Conservation data and policy
- Scoping with the organization
- Implementing workflows
- Sustainability and maintenance
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A digitization or data integration project for a real collection or organization, including publishing and maintenance plans.
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 instructor 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 8 hours a week for 24 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, practical exercises in each module and an infrastructure project reviewed by the instructor.
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 instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Digital Mycology school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Diploma Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization 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 enrollment
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).
- A short résumé or a description of your experience in the field.
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $1,490
- Full payment before the start: $1,192 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($596) and 6 monthly installments of $149.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program 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 canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment 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 Diploma in Digital Biodiversity Infrastructure for Fungi?
Some experience with biological collections, databases or biodiversity data is expected; no programming background is required.
How is Diploma in Digital Biodiversity Infrastructure for Fungi taught?
Live online, in 8 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, practical exercises in each module and an infrastructure project reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A digitization or data integration project for a real collection or organization, including publishing and maintenance plans.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Diploma Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Diploma in Digital Biodiversity Infrastructure for Fungi?
The natural next step is Master in Fungal Genomics and Bioinformatics.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program 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 installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).