International Association of Lichenology

The International Association of Lichenology (IAL) is a worldwide union of scientists and others interested in theoretical and practical studies of lichens. Its scope covers lichen composition and structure, history, classification, distribution, ecology, dynamics, management, and uses in the landscape. The association was inaugurated in 1967, following discussions that began at the 10th International Botanical Congress in Edinburgh in 1964, and was officially recognized by the General Assembly of IUBS at the 11th International Botanical Congress in Seattle in 1969. The IAL's main goals are to facilitate personal contacts among lichenologists all over the world and to promote research in all aspects of lichenology and its applications. It pursues these goals by holding meetings and excursions, sponsoring publications, and providing mechanisms for communication. Membership is open to all individuals with lichenological interests, with nominal dues covering the four-year period between IAL symposia. The association publishes the International Lichenological Newsletter and maintains a website with news, resources, and election information. The IAL is governed by an executive Council; the first Council, elected in 1969, consisted of Peter James (Chairman), Hildur Krog (Secretary), Vernon Ahmadjian (Editor), Irwin Brodo (Associate Editor), and Gerhard Follman. The IAL remains active in fostering global collaboration in lichenology.

The idea of an international lichenological association arose during the 10th International Botanical Congress in Edinburgh in 1964, when a small group of lichenologists met and approved a motion to initiate an International Association of Lichenologists. At the same time, a Newsletter was proposed to spread information among lichenologists quickly and easily. The International Association of Lichenology (IAL) was inaugurated in 1967, with one of its main purposes being to establish a Newsletter to provide a forum for lichenologists worldwide to communicate. Consequently, the early history of the IAL is largely the story of the International Lichenological Newsletter (ILN). Those responsible for organising the IAL at this time were essentially the editors of the Newsletter, who collated hundreds of short notes on lichenologists and their current projects and opinions from all over the world, as well as reports of meetings and social events. The official inauguration of IAL did not take place until the 11th International Botanical Congress in Seattle in 1969, when the General Assembly of IUBS officially recognized the new organization. An executive Council of five members was elected, with Peter James as its Chairman, Hildur Krog as Secretary, Vernon Ahmadjian as Editor, Irwin Brodo as Associate Editor, and Gerhard Follman. Although communication possibilities have increased enormously in recent years, the function of IAL and its Newsletter remain the same, and the initial enthusiasm for exchanging ideas and results and reporting meetings continues undiminished.

• 1969

  Official inauguration at the 11th International Botanical Congress in Seattle; IUBS General Assembly recognizes the organization; first executive Council elected.

• 1967

  International Association of Lichenology inaugurated.

• 1964

  Idea of an international lichenological association proposed at the 10th International Botanical Congress in Edinburgh.

The foremost organization to help members network with other lichenologists world-wide.

• International Lichenological Newsletter

  A newsletter providing a forum for lichenologists worldwide to communicate.

• IAL Symposia

  Meetings held every four years.

• IAL postcards kit

  A set of 3 lichen postcards available at IAL10.

1. 1International Association for Lichenologyial-lichenology.org
2. 2History of IAL – International Association for Lichenologyial-lichenology.org
3. 3About IAL – International Association for Lichenologyial-lichenology.org
4. 4International Association of Lichenologywikidata.org