Academic Biography

Education

• 1977–1983: Studies in Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU), focus on botany and mycology
• 1989: Doctorate (PhD), LMU Munich — Dissertation on lichenized fungi and their systematics
• 1997: Habilitation in Systematic Botany, LMU Munich

Academic Positions

• 1983–1999: Research Assistant & Lecturer, LMU Munich
• 1999–2022: Professor of Mycology, University of Bayreuth
• 2022–present: Senior Researcher / Emeritus, Univ. Bayreuth & SNSB Munich

Research Focus

• Systematics & taxonomy of lichenized and non-lichenized Ascomycetes
• Fungal ecology and biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems
• Bioinformatics and ecoinformatics in biodiversity research
• Development of global biodiversity databases and information systems (LIAS, LIASLIGHT)
• Applications of fungi and lichens in environmental monitoring (climate change, microplastics, ecosystem health)

Major Projects & Contributions

• LIAS (Lichen Information System): Developed a global ecoinformatics platform for lichenized fungi, integrating morphological, molecular, and ecological data.
• GBIF & TDWG Involvement: Contributor to biodiversity informatics standards and data pipelines.
• ITCER Partnerships: Focus on African biodiversity monitoring and renaturation strategies.

Memberships

IAL, IMA, DGfM, ITCER

• IAL: International Association for Lichenology
• IMA: International Mycological Association (IMA)
• DGfM: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mykologie (DGfM)
• ITCER: International Traning Centre for Environmental Research

Contact / Affiliations

• University of Bayreuth – Dept. of Mycology
• International Training Centre for Environmental Research (ITCER)
• Botanische Staatssammlung München (SNSB BSM)