Dominik Begerow

Prof. Dr. Dominik Begerow is a Professor and Head of the Research Unit for Organismic Botany and Mycology at the University of Hamburg, affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences (Department of Biology). His research focuses on fungal systematics, evolutionary biology, and host-parasite interactions, with emphasis on taxonomic revisions and phylogenomics of Basidiomycota.

Research interests span mycology, fungal ecology, and evolutionary adaptations in parasitic fungi. Key areas include host specificity in plant-fungal systems, mycoparasite diversity, and the development of taxonomic frameworks for understudied fungal lineages. His work integrates molecular phylogenetics with morphological studies.

Recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on fungal taxonomy and systematics, with themes including: reclassification of parasitic fungi, nomenclature standards, global fungal biodiversity inventories, and ecological interactions between fungi and other organisms. Articles frequently appear in high-impact mycology journals like Studies in Mycology and Fungal Diversity.

Awards:

• Ars Legendi Prize (2013)

Leads multiple research projects, including studies on host specificity genetics in Ustilaginales and large-scale phylogenomic analyses of Basidiomycota. Heads the Organismic Botany and Mycology research group with facilities at the University of Hamburg.