Eva Barreno’s scientific career “began more than fifty years ago as a botanist fascinated by lichens and ecosystems”, as highlighted by the IAL in the award acceptance speech. In this regard, over the years she has helped to redefine Lichenology, the branch of Botany dedicated to the study of lichens – organisms resulting from a close symbiotic relationship between a fungus and one or more photosynthetic species, such as algae and/or cyanobacteria. Lichens play a fundamental role in the functioning of ecosystems; they contribute to soil formation and serve as excellent bioindicators of environmental quality.

One of Barreno’s most notable contributions is that he has transformed our understanding of lichen symbioses. For generations, it was taught that a lichen consisted of a fungus in association with an alga. However, his work has helped demonstrate that the reality is much richer”, the association adds.

Furthermore, the IAL has emphasised that, throughout his career, Eva Barreno has fostered scientific communities in much the same way that lichens establish successful symbiotic relationships: through trust, cooperation, and the conviction that more can be achieved together than alone.

Eva Barreno’s career is a testament to her dedication to the field of lichenology. During the conference, it was also emphasised that “her influence endures not only through her publications, but also in the people she has inspired, the scientific communities she has helped to build, and the new ways in which we now understand lichens”. The award was presented to her by Patricia Moya, assistant prof. and researcher of the UV, on behalf of Lucia Muggia, chair of the IAL10 conference, and François Lutzoni, president of the IAL.

Recognition of scientific excellence

The Acharius Medal recognises the outstanding scientific contributions made by researchers throughout their careers in the field of Lichenology. It was established in 1990 by the International Association for Lichenology to honour outstanding careers and to pay tribute to Erik Acharius (1757–1819), who is regarded as the ‘father of Lichenology’ for having laid the foundations of the modern classification of lichens.