Matthias Schultz

Dr. Matthias Schultz serves as Chief Curator/Senior Curator at the Herbarium Hamburgense within the Department of Biology at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences. With over two decades of professional experience in lichenology, he has established himself as a leading expert in cyanolichen taxonomy and systematics. His work bridges traditional morphological approaches with cutting-edge molecular techniques to address fundamental questions in lichen evolution and biodiversity.

Dr. Schultz's research interests focus on the taxonomy, systematics, and evolution of lichens, particularly cyanolichens. His work spans diverse geographical regions including the Canary Islands, Socotra, Yemen, Namibia, Oman, and various national parks across North America. He has made significant contributions to understanding lichen biodiversity patterns, biogeography, and the impacts of environmental change on lichen communities. His fieldwork has taken him to numerous international locations, from the arid regions of North Africa to the coastal ecosystems of Alaska, documenting lichen diversity in both pristine and anthropogenically influenced landscapes. His expertise in cyanobacterial lichens has positioned him at the forefront of research on this ecologically important but taxonomically challenging group.

Analysis of Dr. Schultz's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on lichen taxonomy and biodiversity documentation, with increasing integration of molecular phylogenetic methods. His work spans from foundational taxonomic revisions to applied conservation biology, with particular attention to documenting lichen diversity in Germany and Europe. Recent publications show a growing emphasis on understanding biogeographic patterns and the impacts of environmental change on lichen communities. His collaborative network extends across continents, reflecting the international nature of lichenological research and the importance of global perspectives in understanding lichen biodiversity.

• DFG Postdoctoral Fellowship (2003-2005) for research on Lichinaceae phylogeny
• Promotion Scholarship at University of Kaiserslautern (1997-1999)
• Project work on 'Orchideen-Typusbelege' funded by GBIF (2005-2015)
• 'Herbarium Hamburgense Type Digitization Project' funded by A.W. Mellon Foundation (2006-2015)
• Collaborative projects with Swedish Taxonomy Initiative, Behörde für Umwelt und Energie Hamburg, and National Park Services in the US

Dr. Schultz has advised on numerous collaborative research projects focusing on lichen biodiversity assessment and conservation. His work with the Herbarium Hamburgense serves as a critical resource for researchers worldwide, providing access to extensive lichen collections and taxonomic expertise. He has been instrumental in major projects including 'Die Flechten Deutschlands' and the 'Rote Liste der Flechten Deutschland,' which represent comprehensive assessments of German lichen biodiversity. His laboratory work combines traditional morphological examination with molecular techniques, particularly in the study of cyanolichen phylogeny and systematics. The Herbarium Hamburgense under his curation continues to be a vital center for lichenological research in Europe, supporting both fundamental and applied studies in lichen biodiversity and conservation.