About
Professor Kevin Hyde
Dedicated to advancing mycology through research, education, and innovation—led by Professor Kevin D. Hyde, a global leader in fungal science and discovery.
Meet the Mind Behind the Mycology
Professor Kevin Hyde
Professor Kevin Hyde is a globally renowned leader in mycology, with nearly 50 years of international experience advancing fungal taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology, and plant pathology. He is a Professor at Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, and the founder and Director of its Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, which he has developed into one of the world’s leading institutes in fungal science. He is also the founder of two of the most influential journals in mycology, Fungal Diversity and Mycosphere, both of which have played a major role in shaping global mycological research.
Born in the United Kingdom in 1955, Professor Kevin Hyde showed a strong fascination with the natural world from an early age. He pursued a BSc in Zoology at the University of Wales, Cardiff, followed by a Master’s degree in biodeterioration of materials at the University of Portsmouth. He earned his PhD in Mycology at the University of Portsmouth in 1987 under the mentorship of Professor Gareth Jones, and later received a DSc from the University of Wales in 2001 for his pioneering work on tropical microfungi.
Throughout his career, Professor Kevin Hyde has held major academic positions across the UK, Seychelles, Brunei, Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and China. He has published over 2,000 peer-reviewed papers, authored more than 20 books, and accumulated over 80,000 citations in Web of Science, with an H-index of 134. He has supervised over 200 postgraduate students, many of whom now hold leading positions in universities and research institutes worldwide. His research has spanned fungal taxonomy and phylogeny, endophytes, mycorrhizal fungi, marine fungi, plant pathology, and the ecological roles of fungi in ecosystem functioning.
Professor Kevin Hyde is an Emeritus Professor at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and holds Visiting Professorships under the Senior International Scientists Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, and at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. His scientific excellence has been recognized by numerous honors, including being named a “Highly Cited Researcher” by Clarivate since 2015, and being awarded the title of “Distinguished Mycologist” by the Asian Mycological Association in 2011.
In addition to his academic and research achievements, Professor Kevin Hyde made a significant contribution to building research capacity in Asia by establishing the Mushroom Research Centre in northern Thailand, and its charitable arm, the Mushroom Research Foundation. Through these initiatives, he has provided postgraduate scholarships to over 100 students from around the world, offering life-changing educational opportunities and fostering the next generation of fungal scientists.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Professor Kevin Hyde maintains a rich personal life. He cultivates a large tropical fruit garden with over 500 fruit trees and has established a Classic Car Museum, showcasing his passion for vintage European and British vehicles. He also possesses one of the largest private mycology libraries, a testament to his lifelong dedication to fungal research and scholarship
Through his leadership, mentorship, and groundbreaking contributions, Professor Kevin Hyde continues to inspire generations of scientists and remains one of the most influential figures in the global mycological community
Exploring the Hidden World of Fungi
Leading Research in Fungal Taxonomy, Ecology, and Plant Pathology
Professor Kevin Hyde’s research focuses on fungal taxonomy and systematics, fungal ecology, plant pathology, and tropical biodiversity. He has described over 4,000 new fungal species, along with hundreds of new genera, families, and orders, significantly reshaping fungal classification. His work explores fungal diversity across terrestrial, aquatic, and tropical ecosystems, and highlights the ecological roles of fungi in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and plant symbiosis. He also conducts applied research in mushroom cultivation and sustainable agriculture, bridging fundamental science with real-world impact.
Shaping the future of fungi through science and discovery.
Professional Experience & Leadership in Mycology
With over 30 years of international experience, Professor Kevin D. Hyde has led major fungal research centers, contributed to plant pathology and biodiversity, and held key academic positions in Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and China.
January 2008-present
Thailand
Director of Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chaing Rai, Thailand
Nov 1992 – Dec 2007
Hong Kong
Associate Professor, Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong
1998 – 2007
Hong Kong
Director, Centre for Research in Fungal Diversity, Department of Ecology & Biodiversity,
The University of Hong Kong
1989 – 1991
Queensland Department
Senior Plant Pathologist, Queensland Department of Primary Industries–1989-1991
Educational Qualifications
Honorary and other positions (Current)
- Director at Center of Excellence in Fungal Research (2012-present)
- Emeritus Professor of Mae Fah Luang University (2019- present)
- Emeritus Professor of Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science (2018- present)
- Visiting Professorship for Senior International Scientists of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014 – Present)
- Visiting Professor, Science, King Saud University, Riyahd, Saudi Arabia (2008-present)
- Honorary Visiting Professor at Chiang Mai University, Thailand (2017 – present)
