Professor Arunaloke Chakrabarti, Head, Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh is the first Asian to become President-elect of International Fungal Infection Society during the 19th International Congress of International Society for Human and Animal Mycology at Melbourne, Australia. The election was held online in April, 2015. Chakrabarti secured 68% votes. The society is the only representative international body in the field of fungal infections. He was earlier elected for the post of Vice-President of society and occupied the position during 2012-2015.
Chakrabarti has contributed largely in the field of mycology and has attained important distinction by providing leadership in research and training in medical mycology in this country and Asian regions. His contribution is recognised internationally by his election as the Chairman of Asian Fungal Working Group, the President of National Microbiology and Mycology Associations. He is member of several expert bodies in Europe, Asia and USA.