The conference is expected to draw more than 500 delegates from Australia and around the world to tropical North Queensland for the meeting.
The Cairns conference will be the first time the biennial event has been held in Australia.
Mycorrhiza is the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants.
The event will bring together scientists, researchers, land managers and policy makers to explore evolution, genomics, climate adaption and ecosystem resilience through more than 230 scientific talks. There will be a special focus on developing the younger generation in the field with four early-career scientists to be spotlighted in special plenary sessions.
“We’re excited to bring this conference to Australia,” said ICOM2026 co-convenor, Association Professor Jonathan M. Plett.
“The diversity of mycorrhizal research here is matched only by the diversity of the ecosystems themselves.
“Cairns provides the perfect stage to discuss how mycorrhizal fungi can support a sustainable and resilient future.”
The successful conference bid received support from Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.
“This event aligns perfectly with our region’s focus on ecological stewardship, scientific collaboration and sustainable travel,” said the bureau’s head, Tara Bennett.
“Delegates will experience not only a world-class conference but also the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.”
