Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Toby Kiers Wins 2026 Tyler Prize for Fungal Research

Evolutionary biologist Dr. Toby Kiers has been named the winner of the 2026 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. Often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize' for the environment, this honor recognizes outstanding scientific contributions to environmental science, health, and energy. The award includes a $250,000 cash prize to support further research into ecological solutions. Dr. Kiers was selected for her pioneering work on the role of fungi in global carbon sequestration. Her research highlights how underground fungal networks act as an invisible but essential component of the Earth's climate system. By studying these complex biological structures, Kiers has demonstrated their potential to help mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. The Tyler Prize committee noted that her findings provide a new perspective on how nature can be leveraged to store carbon more effectively. This discovery has shifted the focus of many conservationists toward the protection of soil health and subterranean ecosystems. Experts believe that understanding these 'carbon-sucking' fungi could be a key strategy in global efforts to reach net-zero emissions. The recognition of this work underscores a growing trend in environmental science to look beyond traditional conservation methods. Dr. Kiers has spent years documenting how these organisms interact with plant roots to stabilize soil and trap carbon dioxide. Her work suggests that by preserving these natural networks, humanity can enhance the planet's ability to regulate its own temperature. The scientific community has praised the award as a significant step in bringing attention to often-overlooked biological processes. As the world continues to face rising temperatures, the integration of such natural solutions into climate policy is becoming increasingly important. Dr. Kiers plans to use the platform provided by the prize to advocate for more robust protection of global soil biodiversity. Her research serves as a reminder that many of the most effective tools for climate action may be found beneath our feet.