American evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers has won the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement on January 14, 2026. The award recognises her work on mycorrhizal fungal networks. These underground systems regulate climate and store massive carbon. Her research reshaped understanding of soil biodiversity and conservation.

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• Toby Kiers awarded Tyler Prize for environment work

• Prize often called Nobel of environmental science

• Focus on hidden mycorrhizal fungal networks

• Fungi exchange nutrients with plant roots

• Networks capture over 13 billion tons carbon yearly

• Research mapped global underground fungal diversity

• Created worldwide Underground Atlas

• Found fungal hotspots outside protected areas

• Co-founded SPUN for fungal conservation

• Work links soil health to climate action