Paul is a mycologist, speaker, author, medical researcher, and advocate for the potential of fungi. He is an expert on the interconnectedness of nature and the transformative power of mushrooms in agriculture, biosecurity, and longevity. Paul’s work has inspired and influenced scientists, environmentalists, and individuals interested in the role of fungi in shaping a sustainable future.
Paul has authored seven books including "Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World" and "Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms." He has been involved in collaborations with scientific organizations and research institutes and is currently testing extracts of rare strains at several virology institutions including Washington State University and the US Department of Agriculture against a wide panel of viruses pathogenic to humans, animals, and bees.
Paul was the Invention Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2014-2015) and recipient of the National Mycologist Award from the North American Mycological Association (2014) as well as the Gordon & Tin a Wasson Award from the Mycological Society of America (2015). In pop culture, Paul's work with mycelium is a central theme of the Star Trek: Discovery series (2017-2024) and the Science Officer is portrayed by an Astromycologist - a Lt. Commander Paul Stamets.
