Dr G. J. Kövics is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Head of the Plant Protection Department at Debrecen University (Hungary), gained his MSc, PhD, CSc and Dr Habil qualifications  at  Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He is a renowned mycologist. His main scientific fields are morphological and molecular taxonomy of Phoma and Phoma-like fungi (Coelomycetes), the diagnosis and aetiology of plant fungal diseases, pathogenesis, and epidemiology of Papillonaceous plants (e.g. soybean, chickpea, lupine), grains (wheat stem base diseases), and fruits (strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry). Professor Kövics is also interested in integrated pest management including biological control of  plant pathogens. He has published about 200 scientific papers including more than 20 books and chapters both in Hungarian and English. Regularly involved in editing of proceedings and books. He is member of Hungarian and foreign societies.  Moreover, he is  organizer of international symposia resulting into wide range of collaborative contacts with researchers all over the world