Lichen Identification
From 09 Feb 2026 until 13 Feb 2026 - BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
Over five full days, this course offers fully practical, hands-on training in lichen identification, carried out in both the field and the lab. Participants will develop skills in morphological, anatomical, and chemical identification techniques, ecological interpretation, and proper documentation of lichen specimens. Emphasis is placed on applied learning, with continuous work using real specimens from substrates and habitats found on the Vairão Campus. Participants are expected to have completed introductory courses such as Lichen and Bryophyte Ecology and Systematics, or have an equivalent basic background in lichenology.
PROGRAM
Day 1
- Welcome and overview of the course structure
- Review of key morphological and anatomical concepts for lichen identification
- Introduction to floras and identification manuals relevant to the survey area
- Field session: Collecting local lichen diversity across substrates
- Specimen handling: Specimen preparation, labelling, and databasing of voucher specimens
- Laboratory session: Microscopy and morphological identification techniques; Dissection and slide preparation for internal structures (apothecia, ascospores, cortex, medulla); Introduction to chemistry and spot tests (K, C, P, KC, and UV reactions)
Day 2-3
- Lab work focused on specimen identification using keys, field guides and regional floras and recent taxonomic literature
Day 4
- Preparation of samples for DNA barcoding and/or Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Day 5
- Preparation and publication of specimen records for data sharing and outreach on platforms such as GBIF and iNaturalist
CALENDAR
5 days - 35h (Friday all day) - Schedule: 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:30
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 10 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 23 January 2026
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
If you don't receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted.
We will email you the results within 10 working days after the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%.
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs members.
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425