Robert Lücking

Robert Lücking (born 1964) is a German lichenologist, known for his research on foliicolous lichens (lichens that live on leaves) and his contributions to the taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity of fungi and lichens. He earned his master's and PhD from the University of Ulm, focusing on foliicolous lichens. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Mason E. Hale Award for his doctoral thesis, the Augustin Pyramus de Candolle prize for his monograph, and the Tuckerman Award twice for his publications in the scientific journal The Bryologist.

Since 2015, Lücking has been serving as the curator of lichens, fungi, and bryophytes at the Berlin Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum, overseeing a vast scientific collection and contributing to major advancements in molecular phylogenetics in lichenology. Lücking has authored or co-authored the description of more than 1000 taxa, making him one of the most prolific modern lichenologists. His role extends beyond research as he is actively involved in editorial duties for key lichenological journals and has advised on conservation and biodiversity projects globally. Several lichen species and two genera have been named in his honour.

Education and career Robert Lücking was born in 1964 in Ulm, southern Germany. He was introduced to lichenology through his interest in photography, a hobby that led him to explore tropical foliicolous lichens during his study year abroad in Costa Rica. Inspired by his supervisor, the late bryologist Sieghard Winkler, Lücking chose to study these leaf-dwelling lichens. This marked the beginning of his exploration into lichens, paving the way for his future career. He completed his master's degree in 1990 and his PhD in 1994 at the University of Ulm, with both degrees focusing on the taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity of foliicolous lichens.