Tor Tønsberg

Tor Tønsberg (born 1948 in Oslo) is a Norwegian lichenologist who has made significant contributions to the taxonomy, chemistry, floristics, and phytogeography of lichens and lichenicolous fungi. Throughout his career, he has described more than one hundred species and genera new to science, advancing the knowledge of lichens in Europe and North America.

Early life and education Tønsberg grew up in Bekkelagshøgda, Nordstrand, in the eastern part of Oslo. He developed an early interest in nature, frequently visiting the nearby lake Østensjøvannet and the forests of Østmarka with his younger brother Knut. His systematic nature and passion for collecting began in childhood, where he organized a "museum" in the basement of his parents' house. Summers at his family's farm, Myrvang, in Majavatn in Grane Municipality in northern Norway, also played a significant role in fostering his love for the natural world. His grandfather, a frequent companion on hikes and fishing tours in the nearby Børgefjell National Park, was an influential figure in his early life.