Gerhard Walter Rambold

Gerhard Rambold (born 1956) is a German lichenologist, mycologist and university professor who has led the mycology group at the University of Bayreuth since 1999. He is recognised for creating LIAS, "A Global Information System for Lichenised and Non‑Lichenised Ascomycetes", which integrates morphological, molecular and distributional data into interactive identification tools. Combining extensive field collections with bio‑ and ecoinformatics, his research spans taxonomy, ecology and fungal biodiversity on several continents.

Early life and education

Rambold was born in Pocking, Lower Bavaria in 1956. He grew up in a musically oriented family in southern Germany but gravitated toward biology while studying at LMU Munich under the influence of Hannes Hertel. Rambold coordinates major projects, with a focus on Africa.

Eponyms

Several taxa have been named to honour Rambold.