Paul Stamets is an industry leader in fungi in medicinal use and production. He is the recognized leader in bringing Psilocybin to be an acceptable application in the medical world. Based on this research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has described psilocybin as a breakthrough medicine. In addition, research by Paul and his team has led to innovative mycological solutions, including using mushroom extracts to help bees overcome colony collapse disorder, supporting immune systems, and most recently for neurolog ical health for veterans with PTSD.

Throughout the years he has bridged the gap between academia and public awareness of mushrooms with a few mind – expanding TED Talks, and resourceful books.

In a TED Talk, Stamets described how mycelium can create natural pesticides, help clean polluted soil, prevent erosion, sequester carbon dioxide and more.

His books include Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Save the World, Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World, Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, The Mushroom Cultiv ator , and most recently, Fantastic Fungi. He’s a central voice in the accompanying Netflix film of the same name.

Having no academic training higher than a bachelor’s degree, Stamets is largely self – taught in the field of mycology