From 17 to 19 June 2026, the 2^nd Symposium on Fungal Genetics and Biology (SFGB) was held at the UFG Central Library, Samambaia Campus, in Goiânia, Brazil. Organised by researchers from the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), under Chair Prof. Dr Mirelle Garcia Silva Bailão and Co-Chair Prof. Dr Clayton Luiz Borges, the symposium is an international event dedicated to recent advances in fungal genetics and biology.

FABI was represented by Dr Neriman Yilmaz (University of Pretoria), who delivered one of the keynote lectures. Her presentation, "Old enemy, new face: Discovery of new fumonisin-producing species," shared findings on newly described fumonisin-producing Fusarium species from her work on maize and mycotoxin contamination. The symposium brought together 150 participants, 46% of whom were undergraduate students, 33% graduate students, and 21% professionals, with guest speakers from Brazil, the USA, Austria, Chile, and South Africa.

Beyond the science, the visit offered a chance to experience Brazilian culture first-hand, watching a Brazilian football match, enjoying unique local food, and joining the lively celebrations of Festa Junina, Brazil's vibrant midwinter festival held throughout June.

Despite some travel difficulties, the organising team, Mirelle Garcia Silva Bailão and Jadson Diogo Pereira Bezerra in particular, offered an extraordinary example of Brazilian hospitality, and Dr Yilmaz is deeply grateful for their kindness and generosity throughout her time in Goiânia.