Acharius Medal

The Acharius Medal is awarded by the International Association for Lichenology (IAL) for lifetime achievement in lichenology.

[1] The organization resolved at its 1990 meeting that it would simultaneously honor professional achievement and commemorate Erik Acharius (recognized as the "Father of Lichenology") by presenting a medal in his name.

[2] The first Acharius Medal was made in 1846 by the Royal Swedish Mint for the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, although the original purpose for that medal is not known.

[3] The first of the new medals were awarded in that same year (1992) at the association's congress in Båstad, Sweden.

[4] The medal is silver, with Acharius' profile on one side and the recipient's name on the other.