[3] A small committee comprising Rolf Santesson, Peter James and Vernon Ahmadjian was appointed to establish the association.
However, little progress was made until April 1967, when Ahmadjian, supported by Irwin Brodo as associate editor, sent out the first mimeographed International Lichenological Newsletter.
The first executive Council, consisting of Vernon Ahmadjian, Peter James, Hildur Krog, Gerhard Follmann and Irwin Brodo, was elected at this time.
It has served as a forum for lichenologists to exchange ideas, report on research projects, and share news about meetings and social events.
Recipients have included David Hawksworth (2002), Nina Golubkova (2000), Vernon Ahmadjian (1996), Irwin Brodo (1994), William Culberson (1992), Aino Henssen (1992), Hildur Krog (1992) and Hans Trass (1992).