# International Association for Lichenology

The International Association for Lichenology (IAL) is an organisation that encourages the understanding of lichens and lichenology, and promotes their study and conservation worldwide. It unites lichenologists across the globe, as well as national and regional organisations into one group. It is affiliated to the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS).

## History

The idea for the International Association for Lichenology arose during the 10th International Botanical Congress in Edinburgh in 1964. A small group of lichenologists approved a motion to form an international association with the primary aim of producing a newsletter to disseminate information quickly amongst lichenologists worldwide.
A small committee comprising Rolf Santesson, Peter James and Vernon Ahmadjian was appointed to establish the association. However, little progress was made until April 1967, when Ahmadjian, supported by Irwin Brodo as associate editor, sent out the first mimeographed International Lichenological Newsletter.
The official inauguration of IAL took place at the 11th International Botanical Congress in Seattle in 1969, when the General Assembly of the IUBS officially recognised the new organisation. The first executive Council, consisting of Vernon Ahmadjian, Peter James, Hildur Krog, Gerhard Follmann and Irwin Brodo, was elected at this time.

## Structure and activities
### International Lichenological Newsletter

The International Lichenological Newsletter has been a primary communication tool for IAL members since the association's inception. Initially edited by Vernon Ahmadjian and Irwin Brodo, the newsletter has evolved over time in both format and content. It has served as a forum for lichenologists to exchange ideas, report on research projects, and share news about meetings and social events.

### Symposia and field trips

The IAL organises field courses and excursions, as well as symposia which are the largest events in lichenology on the international level.
The first IAL excursion took place in the Austrian Alps in September 1973, led by Josef Poelt and Maximillian Steiner. This was followed by other significant meetings, including a joint meeting with the British Lichen Society at the University of Bristol in 1974, which set the course for future IAL meetings.
The IAL has also played a crucial role in promoting tropical lichenology. In 1989, a symposium on "Tropical Lichens" was held at the Natural History Museum, London, highlighting the need for increased research and representation from tropical regions.
A summary of all of the IAL meetings and symposia:
* 1973: First IAL excursion in the Austrian Alps
* 1974: Joint meeting with the British Lichen Society in Bristol, UK (not officially an IAL symposium, but significant for future IAL meetings)
* 1978/79: Second IAL excursion to Costa Rica
* 1986: Third IAL excursion to South Africa and Namibia
* 1986: Symposium "Progress and Problems in Lichenology in the Eighties" in Münster, Germany (referred to as IAL 1)
* 1989: Symposium on "Tropical Lichens" at the Natural History Museum, London, UK
* 1992: IAL 2 in Lund, Sweden
* 2000: IAL 4 in Barcelona, Spain
* 2004: IAL 5 in Tartu, Estonia
* 2008: IAL 6 in Monterey, California, USA
* 2012: IAL 7 in Bangkok, Thailand
* 2016: IAL 8 in Helsinki, Finland
* 2021: IAL 9 held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic
* 2026: IAL 10 to be held in Trieste, Italy 26–30 July

### Awards

The IAL currently hands out four awards to recognise significant contributions made to lichenology:
The Acharius Medal is awarded to distinguished lichenologists in recognition of their lifetime achievements. Recipients have included David Hawksworth (2002), Nina Golubkova (2000), Vernon Ahmadjian (1996), Irwin Brodo (1994), William Culberson (1992), Aino Henssen (1992), Hildur Krog (1992) and Hans Trass (1992).
The Mason Hale Award is granted in recognition of excellence in research by young lichenologists, such as doctoral dissertations.
The Margalith Galun Award is presented for outstanding student contributions to an IAL meeting.
The Sylvia Sharnoff Education Award is given to an outstanding web page devoted to lichens.

### Committees and definitions

The IAL has established various committees to address specific aspects of lichenology. The Lichen Terminology Committee, for instance, was responsible for developing an IAL-approved definition of a lichen: "A lichen is an association of a fungus and a photosynthetic symbiont resulting in a stable thallus of specific structure".
The association has also formed a Lichen Conservation Committee to address issues related to the preservation of lichen species and their habitats.

## Global reach

The IAL has grown from its primarily Western European and North American roots to include members from around the world. However, as of 1990, out of a total membership of 440, only 10 members represented tropical regions, highlighting the need for increased global representation.