Centre for Biodiversity Exploration and Conservation (CBEC)

We are an NGO that is registered under the MP Society Registration Act 1973, with the registration number 04/14/01/16738/14, reflecting our commitment to transparency and legal compliance in our mission to make a difference. Download brochure.

CBEC's dynamic research agenda spans creating a fungal nomenclature database, investigating fungi's role in bioweathering, exploring the diversity of endophytic and aquatic fungi, studying the nutritional and ecological significance of mushrooms, and bioprospecting for valuable fungal metabolites in unique habitats like mangroves and insect guts. Find out more.

Sharma R, Sharma R, Crous PW (2015) Matsushimamyces, a New Genus of Keratinophilic Fungi from Soil in Central India. IMA Fungus 6 (2), 337-343. Download.

Sharma S, Sharma J, Sharma A, Tripathi N, Sharma R (2023). Diversity and Mechanisms of Fungal–Mineral Interaction through Molecular and Omics Studies. In: Microbial Genetics (ed Rai MK). CRC Press, Taylor and Francis.

Sridhar KR, Shenoy BD, Sharma R (2024). MycoIndia: Advancing Academic Insights into Indian Mycology. MycoIndia 2024/01. Download.

Sharma R, Shenoy BD (2024). Fungal taxonomy: Are we casual about species identification? MycoIndia 2024/02. Download.

Mosoh DA, Khandel AK, Verma SK, Vendrame WA (2024). Phytochemical analysis and enhanced production of alkaloids in non‑dormant corm‑derived callus of Gloriosa superba (L.) using plant growth regulators and abiotic elicitors.

CBEC offers a comprehensive suite of services catering to both academic and industrial needs, ranging from fungal culture deposits, herbarium samples, culture supplies, to advanced services like DNA sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and genome sequencing. Training programs and research opportunities in fungal taxonomy, ecology, and bioprospecting are also available, with fees varying by service and sector. Find out more.

CBEC embraces social responsibility through initiatives like Science Day Celebrations and 'Science for Citizens,' offering specialized training programs to orphanages and children from underprivileged backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and scientific curiosity in the community.

1. Certificate Course on Fungal Taxonomy, Ecology, and Bioprospecting

2. Capacity Building

   - Short-term Trainings (3 days)

   - Long-term Trainings (5 days)

3. Research Internships

   - Online Internships (1 month)

   - Offline Internships (2/3 months)

4. Research on Fungi for the Fulfillment of Dissertation (offline- 6 months)

5. Research on Fungi for the Fulfillment of Doctoral Research

The CBEC library boasts an extensive collection including monographs, Latin dictionaries, and technique guides for fungal identification, prioritizing comprehensive literature for morphological comparison and field books with keys for mushroom characterization.

Located in Bhopal, our research lab features a team with over ten years of experience at national institutes. It focuses on both basic and applied research across taxonomy, ecology, and bioprospecting. Fully equipped for fungal isolation, enzyme screening, metabolite production, and identification, the lab also offers training facilities for up to ten students simultaneously.

Dr. N.D. Sharma, President

Dr. Rohit Sharma, Secretary

Dr. Shaifali Sharma, Treasurer

CBEC welcomes all interested in science, fungal research, and biodiversity conservation to join its community. Offering Annual, Life, and Patron memberships, members can contribute blogs, receive annual reports, and participate in yearly online meetings to discuss and influence the society's direction, with renewal for annual members each April.