"The Yeasty Boys"

What do honeybees, citizen science, and exotic yeasts have in common? In this talk, we’ll explore how Swedish honey became an unexpected goldmine for discovering wild yeasts. By teaming up with beekeepers across the country, we uncovered over 90 species of yeasts that thrive in honey’s harsh, sugary environment—including several that might be entirely new to science. These microbes aren’t just curious oddities—they could play a role in future food, fermentation, and biotech innovations. Come hear the story of microbial hitchhikers, surprising discoveries, and the unexpected science hidden in honey.

Fungal phytopathogens—among the most destructive pests of global crops—pose an increasing threat to food security, especially as climate change accelerates their spread and resistance to antifungals rapidly develops. In nature, fungi are locked in an evolutionary arms race—what if we could learn from their strategies? In this talk, we’ll explore how yeasts can suppress—or even kill—rival molds, and how harnessing these microbial interactions could help us protect food from spoilage and build a more secure, sustainable future.