KNOWing Eearly Modern FUNGi in Italy

forthcoming

Fungi play an essential role in Earth’s ecosystems, yet they have historically been marginalized in both academic and public discourse. This project aims to address this gap and investigate its origins by exploring how mushrooms were perceived and understood in Italy, from the 16th to 18th centuries. During this period, Italy was pivotal in developing new understandings of nature, including mycology, primarily with Pier Antonio Micheli. However, the socio-cultural history of mushrooms and its connections with scientific knowledge remain underexplored. KNOW EM FUNGI (KNOWing Early Modern FUNGI in Italy) combines methods of the history of science and knowledge studies to investigate the evolving perception of mushrooms in early modern Italy through culinary, medical, literary, and scientific sources. The project places special emphasis on the proximity between women and mushrooms in artistic representations. It aims to map the nature of such social knowledge by identifying people, practices, communication networks, and places where knowledge exchange occurred. By examining how non-experts contributed to the budding field of mycology, this project challenges traditional narratives and highlights the interconnectedness of social and scientific knowledge. Through secondments at the University of Turin’s Department of Life Sciences and the Naturalis Biocenter in Leiden, I will deepen my understanding of mushroom biology and enhance my science communication skills. A placement at the Fondazione Golinelli will further support my training and allow me to teach school students about the importance of fungi for soil, the environment, and human life. This Fellowship will enable me to contribute to the academic understanding of mycology’s history and empower me to communicate the ecological importance of fungi to a broader audience. The skills and knowledge gained through this project will enhance my academic credentials and career prospects, both within and beyond academia.