Dr. G.N. Hariharan is the Executive Director (In-charge) of MSSRF and the head of its Biotechnology wing. His scientific contributions in lichen research have opened up new avenues to explore the potentialities of the much-neglected lichens of our country and also to link the ecological security of lichen-rich locations with the livelihood security of the rural communities, who depend on lichen collections as Non-Timber Forest Produce.