Dr. Marieke Gryzenhout - expert in macrofungi and author of Southern Africa's first field guides on fungi. (University of the Free State)

With more than 100 publications to her name, Dr. Gryzenhout is a leading expert on macrofungi and citizen mycology in South Africa. She co-authored Southern Africa's first checklist of mushrooms and is currently involved in psychedelic research initiatives.

Nokwanda (Nox) Makunga is a plant scientist from Stellenbosch University, with a passion for ethnobotany and traditional medicine.

Prof. Nox Makunga from Stellenbosch University is a renowned plant biotechnologist, specialising in the medicinal properties of African flora. Her expertise bridges traditional knowledge and modern science, making her a perfect fit for the Hogsback Mushroom Festival. Prof. Makunga explores how indigenous plants and fungi can offer both cultural significance and medicinal value, aligning with the festival's focus on the healing power of mushrooms.

Zurika Murray is a geneticist researching the impact of psilocybin on brain function using neural organoids. (University of the Free State)

Zurika’s cutting-edge research uses neural organoids to study the effects of psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds on brain function, with a focus on mental health.

Cullen Taylor Clark is the co-founder of Aether Apothecary, pioneering research into the traditional uses of fungi in Southern Africa.

Cullen is the CEO of Aether Apothecary and a pioneer in fungal medicine. He recently helped identify a new Psilocybe species in Lesotho and is the author of the upcoming book Mushroom Muthi: The Untold Story of Fungi in Southern Africa.