Dr Riina Rautemaa-Richardson (director of MRCM) has been elected as president of BSMM

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We hope you will join us in congratulating Dr Riina Rautemaa-Richardson (director of MRCM) on her appointment as president of the British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM) for the next 3 years, which was announced at their annual conference in Norwich last week

This appointment reflects her longstanding passion for educating the next generation of clinical mycologists within the NHS and beyond. Her work at MRCM makes her ideally suited to focus on fungal diagnostics (including cutting-edge molecular technologies like PCR and DNA sequencing), which form the basis of antifungal stewardship. This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our fight against antimicrobial resistant fungal pathogens like Aspergillus and the new superbug Candida auris

” This is an exciting time to begin as BSMM President. Since moving to the UK 15 years ago, I have witnessed the Society develop from a scientific membership organisation to a professional body that bridges science, education, practice and policy. 

Previous Presidents and members are some of the world’s best medical mycologists, and amongst our early career members are tomorrow’s leading researchers and educationalists. I can use my global research and education background and activities to propel our Society into the international sphere.

The UK is a world leading force in medical mycology, a position we need to retain through research, training and impact.  A key goal of mine is to initiate greater cooperation between other national and international institutions that support basic and clinical research. This includes continuing the Society’s strong education agenda aimed at professional practitioners and students from undergraduate to postgraduate level.  Low public awareness about fungal infections is a significant hurdle. This is an area where the BSMM can support advocacy and public engagement “

The BSMM (established 1964) is a professional organisation that promotes education and research into fungal diseases by providing travel grants and running educational activities. It is one of the largest learned societies in the field of medical mycology and has over 200 members and is affiliated with the European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. Find out more: