The first issue of Vol.31, to be published in July 1998, is now open to contributions. Please, send the material to nimis@univ.trieste.it. Proposals for the next FORUM discussion are also welcome.

The International Lichenological Newsletter is the official publication of I.A.L. It is issued twice a year (July and December) in English. The Newsletter is also available on the Internet. The Newsletter is divided into
five main sections:

1. Association news: official information concerning the Association, such as minutes of Council meetings, proposals of constitutional changes, new members, changes of addresses, etc.
2. News: information about lichenologists, institutional projects, herbaria, requests of collaboration, announcements of meetings, book reviews etc.
3. Reports: reports of past activities, short lectures, obituaries, short historical novelties, etc.
4. Forum: discussion of controversial scientific matters. It includes proposals of new themes for discussion (max. 1.5 page), and reactions to former proposals (max. 1 page). When the material exceeds the available space, the Editor will prepare a summary, on prior agreement with the contributors.
5. Lichenology on-line: information on Web sites devoted to Lichens. Any information intended for publication should reach the Editor on or before 15 May and 15 October for inclusion in the July and December issues, respectively. 
P.L. Nimis, Editor, IAL Newsletter