our team
Dr Corinne Pinder
CSO / Co-Founder / PhD
Corinne is a Principal Scientist with over a decade of experience in both academic and applied microbiology research. During her PhD and professional career, Corinne has focused on fungi and protein expression, becoming exceptionally proficient in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biochemistry. Her detail orientation and passion for learning and teaching facilitate high quality work while acclerating her career with multiple promotions and extensive responsibilities. Corinne is an exceptionally committed, dedicated and creative scientist, and as the inventor of mushroom+, she leads the science behind the innovative climate-saving fungi. Working methodically with patience and grace, Corinne’s global experience in the lab is extensive in leadership and technique.
She is currently the mycology lead in fungal biotechnology research at F2G Ltd, where she investigates the pre-market antifungals. Additionally, she directs the pre-clinical medical affairs communication and publication strategy for F2G.
Corinne loves working with fungi, has a personal passion for nutritious plant-based cuisine, and is dedicated to using her skills to excel in cutting edge deep-tech research for commercial and environmental application. Before founding mushroom+, Corinne worked at Hiroshima University, Japan; and gained her PhD at UCL while working at the Francis Crick Institute, London.
Dr Ressa Lebedinec
COO / Co-Founder / PhD
Ressa is a molecular mycologist with nearly a decade of experience across academic and applied biotechnology research. During their PhD and professional career, they have focused on fungal biology, antifungal drug discovery and biomolecular engineering, developing deep expertise in molecular genetics, high-throughput workflows, automation and translational microbiology.
Their career spans leading and supporting complex projects across both academia and industry, most recently at one of the world’s largest biotechnology institutes, where they helped establish and now lead the engineering department at Manchester Biomolecule Engineering Centre. A Slovenian native, Ressa is deeply committed to using their skills to create a positive environmental impact and creating an ethical work place.
Before co-founding mushroom+, Ressa worked on novel antifungal drug discovery with F2G Ltd., contributed to precision fermentation innovation at Better Dairy, and completed their PhD at The University of Manchester within the Manchester Fungal Infection Group, following earlier research roles focused on high-throughput fungal genetics and molecular microbiology.