David Hawksworth

David has wide interests in the systematics, diversity, and ecology of fungi, especially ascomycetes (including lichen fungi), but also their overall classification and improvements in nomenclatural systems. Amongst other things, he pioneered the use of lichens as bioindication or air pollutants, showed what a rich source lichens were for associated fungi, demonstrated how species-rich a single site could be for fungi by field-work over several decades, and established the use of fungi in forensic investigations. He was involved in preparing three editions of the Dictionary of the Fungi, and is well-known as an editor of scientific journals and texts. David was the last Director of the International Mycological Institute, and now holds honorary research positions at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and The Natural History Museum London.