Fungal biology and infection in a changing world: launching a new era of discovery

In June this year, the International Conference on Cryptococcus and Cryptococcosis (ICCC) held a panel discussion on climate change and what influence this may have on fungi and fungal diseases. Our EIC and several npj Fungal Science associate editors and editorial board members attended. While listening to the discussion, it became clear that many of the questions raised were a road map of how the mycology and fungal immunology fields can move forward to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us in the future. The launch of npj Fungal Science marks an increasing recognition that fungal diseases of plants, animals and humans are a significant threat to the health of our world, requiring more interdisciplinary research, investment and global attention.