Klaus Kalb

Kalb's work in São Paulo from 1978 to 1981 led to a collaboration with Brazilian lichenologist Marcelo Pinto Marcelli, which is considered a model for non-commercial benefit-sharing in taxonomic research.

Kalb's contributions to lichenology include over 120 scientific publications, the description of numerous new species, and the development of a substantial lichen collection.

His work has been recognised through various honours, including four lichen genera and numerous species named after him, as well as a Festschrift published in 2007 to mark his retirement.

During this period, Kalb made significant contributions to the field of lichenology in Brazil through his collaboration with Brazilian lichenologist Marcelo Pinto Marcelli.

This collaboration is considered an outstanding example of non-commercial benefit-sharing in taxonomic research, laying the foundation for modern lichenology in Brazil.

With the acquisition of Kalb's collection, rich in tropical and European specimens, the herbarium houses about 70% of the world's known lichen taxa.