(1) Ninety-three percent of an estimated total existing 1.5 million species are left unexplored.
• Asia and Central and South America are treasure houses of 　
fungus/mushroom resources.
• There are many unknown species in Japan.
(2) Shortage of researchers specialized in fungus/mushroom genetic resources utilization
• Non-existence of field research training curricula
• Difficulty of exploration and identification
(3) Shortage of information related to practical applications of mushrooms and other fungi
• Unexplored functionalities (delays in pharmaceutical and health food product development)
• Occurrence of health damage (mushroom intoxication)

Toward Establishment of Sustainable Society in Harmony with Nature
Field-minded, pioneer-spirited specialists and professionals with international competitiveness, excellent problem-solving capabilities, broad perspectives, and high flexibility to meet social needs

Sophisticated doctoral education
• Interdisciplinary fungus/mushroom resource science education through cooperation between Faculties of Agriculture, Engineering, and Medicine

Development of internationally competitive advanced professionals with excellent problem-solving capabilities
• Implementation of trilingual language training program
• Long-term internship and short-term research internship at core collaborative institutions overseas
• Support for degree holders seeking positions at domestic and overseas testing laboratories and  research institutions