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Dr Patrick C Hickey
In the Augustine United Church
41 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh,
EH1 1EL
On Monday 23rd February 2026, at 7pm
Mitochondria are believed to have evolved via endosymbiosis over 2 billion years ago, where primitive bacteria were taken up into cells. In fungi, they exist as a population within hyphae and spores, moving freely within the cytoplasm. Time-lapse live-cell imaging reveals the dynamics of individual organelles including mitochondria and nuclei. Results from recent experiments indicate that mitochondria, together with motor proteins, may provide significant forces to help drive cytoplasmic streaming, organelle motility, tip growth, fusion and cell morphology. This suggests mitochondria are not just energy generators - they are housekeepers, messengers and modulators, intimately involved in the mechanisms of growth and cellular regulation.
Dr Patrick C. Hickey is an independent scientist based at Summerhall in Edinburgh. He specialises in time-lapse photography, microscopy and imaging of fungi. Patrick’s research is focused on understanding hyphal tip growth, the development of mycelium networks and applications of fungi in biotechnology. Patrick embraces the interfaces between art and science through collaborations on films, documentaries, exhibitions, installations, music events and advertisements. He is a guest lecturer at the University of Edinburgh with numerous publications on fungal biology and regular contributor to broadcast TV, including the BBC's “After Life” (2011), “The Magic of Mushrooms” (2014) and “Planet Earth III” (2023) and “Food Unwrapped” (Channel 4; 2013-2025).
If you do not wish to attend the lecture in person, it will also be simultaneously available by Zoom. Fellows on our mailing list will be sent details about a week before the meeting. Anyone else should email zoom@rssa.org.uk if they want to attend this event online.
Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are served from about 6:40pm onwards before the meetings. Members of the Public are welcome to attend.
Mr Peter Jones, Secretary
secretary@rssa.org.uk
Telephone: 0131 622 0428