About

The International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM) is the official conference of International Mycorrhiza Society. The conference, which takes place every few years at locations around the world, provides an outstanding opportunity for mycorrhizal researchers to share information and exchange ideas. Participants include physiologists, geneticists, taxonomists, ecologists, inoculum producers, and land managers. The previous ICOMs have take place at the following places:

• ICOM1 in Berkeley (USA — 1996)
• ICOM2 in Uppsala (Sweden — 1998)
• ICOM3 in Adelaide (Australia — 2001)
• ICOM4 in Montreal (Canada — 2003)
• ICOM5 in Granada (Spain — 2006)
• ICOM6 in Belo Horizonte (Brazil — 2009)
• ICOM7 in New Delhi (India — 2013)

ICOM8 host and co-chairs

For the second time in its nearly 20 year history, the ICOM will return to the United States. As a leader in the field of mycorrhizal research, Northern Arizona University was selected by the International Mycorrhiza Society to host ICOM8. The conference will take place in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the university’s new High Country Conference Center, which is in walking distance from the historic downtown. This week-long event will not only allow researchers from around the world to exchange information, but also create an opportunity for participants to enjoy the culture and natural beauty of the southwestern United States.

Northern Arizona University professors Drs. Catherine (Kitty) Gehring and Nancy Collins Johnson jointly serve as the co-chairs for ICOM8:

• Kitty is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, whose research program focuses on improving understanding the functioning of fungi in natural and managed systems. Kitty also directs the Gehring Laboratory of Mycorrhizal Ecology and mentors doctoral students the Integrative Bioscience: Genes to Environment training program.
• Nancy is a Professor in the School of Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability and Department of Biological Sciences. Nancy studies arbuscular mycorrhizas, which are fungal symbioses with most terrestrial plants. Nancy also directs the Soil Ecology Lab.