Speakers & Hosts

Jasper Degenaars

Mycologist & Educator | Key-Member of Fungi Academy

Jasper Degenaars is a mycologist, educator, and co-creator of Fungi Academy, an educational platform dedicated to the world of fungi. With over 12 years of experience in mushroom cultivation and having taught more than 2,500 students since 2019, Jasper brings passion and expertise to every aspect of his work. He has co-developed retreats and educational programs, alongside workshops and classes taught across the globe.

As a key member of the Fungi Academy, Jasper is dedicated to making mushroom education accessible to all. Fungi Academy’s interdisciplinary approach bridges diverse communities of learners, empowering them to explore the symbiotic relationship between fungi, humans, and their environments.

Prof. Menno Schilthuizen

Scientist & Author

Menno Schilthuizen is a Dutch evolutionary biologist, ecologist, and author, recognized for his work on biodiversity and urban ecology. He is a researcher at Naturalis Biodiversity Center and a professor at Leiden University. Schilthuizen’s research focuses on how species evolve in response to environmental changes, particularly in urban settings. He is also a co-founder of Taxon Expeditions, an organization that involves citizen scientists in discovering new species in biodiversity hotspots. His books, including Darwin Comes to Town, explore how cities influence the evolution of species, highlighting how human activity shapes the natural world.

Prof. Dr. Duur Aanen

Evolutionary Biologist

Duur Aanen is Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Wageningen University, specializing in the evolution of cooperation and conflict in social organisms, particularly fungi. His research focuses on the complex symbiotic relationships between fungi and other organisms, with a special emphasis on the evolution of farming systems in termites and the role of fungi in these interactions. With numerous publications in the field of evolutionary biology and a deep interest in fungal biodiversity, Aanen is recognized for his contributions to understanding how fungi shape ecological and evolutionary processes.

Prof. Dr. Danny Haelewaters

PHD | Mycologist | Writer

Danny Haelewaters is a mycologist and evolutionary biologist at Ghent University, known for his research on fungi and their ecological relationships. His work focuses on fungal biodiversity, including parasitic fungi, and their roles in ecosystems. Haelewaters has contributed to the understanding of fungi as symbionts and pathogens, with research spanning multiple environments, from tropical rainforests to urban areas. An active science communicator, he regularly publishes and speaks on the importance of fungi in biodiversity conservation and ecological health.

Andy Cartier

Multidisciplinary Designer | Founder & Creative Director of Studio Cartier

Andy Cartier is a multidisciplinary designer and founder of Studio Cartier, a creative design studio known for its innovative work at the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability. Specializing in bio-design and material innovation, Andy explores the use of organic materials, particularly fungi, to create eco-friendly products that challenge traditional manufacturing processes. By blending science, art, and design, Studio Cartier pushes the boundaries of sustainable craftsmanship, offering visionary solutions that inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. Studio Cartier has gained recognition for advancing eco-conscious design and material research.

Maartje Nevejan

Film Maker

Maartje Nevejan is an award-winning Dutch filmmaker and artist known for her work exploring the intersections of art, science, and human consciousness. With a background in theater and visual arts, Maartje creates thought-provoking documentaries and multimedia projects that often delve into deeply personal and collective experiences. Her acclaimed documentary "Descending the Mountain" examines the therapeutic and transformative potential of psychedelics, reflecting her ongoing interest in how altered states of consciousness can shape human perception and connection. Through her work, Maartje aims to provoke dialogue and inspire a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Matthijs & Sam

Founding members of Leeway Tools

Matthijs and Sam are the founding members of Leeway Tools, a cooperative that currently focuses on creating cacao and chocolate products, growing mushrooms and organising walks and dinners. They collaborate with artists and researchers to investigate and play with the developments in the current landscape of psychedelics.

Tosca & Mareille

Co-Founder of Marosca

Tosca and Mareille are passionate psychedelic practitioners, holistic coaches and co-founders of Marosca dedicated to exploring the transformative power of fungi. With nearly a decade of experience, they are committed to guiding individuals into the world of mushrooms. Offering a wide range of events, they are continuously exploring human-fungal relationships and how these interactions can contribute to a sense of interconnectedness.

Zoë Jungmann & Björn Weesjes

Chefs | Co-Founder of Kaati Kookt

Zoë Jungmann & Björn Weesjes are the dynamic duo behind Kaati Kookt, a culinary venture renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of bees. Their creative approach to cooking combines a passion for ecological responsibility with a flair for delicious, innovative dishes.

Fabrice & Ilaria

Co-Founder of UNFILTERED

At UNFILTERED, they are committed to crafting an atmosphere of meaningful connections, whilst appreciating the beauty of living in happiness. Through their social events, they create new shared experiences and hope to inspire their audience to embrace joy, foster community sentiments and find fulfilment in living unfiltered.