Leif Ryvarden is professor emeritus in biology at the Department of Biosciences. In his professional work, he has concentrated on mycology, where he has made a major contribution both nationally and internationally. Leif Ryvarden has also written, edited and translated countless books for the general public.
In the nomination text, Klaus Høyland and Benjamin Dyhre write: "His competence and knowledge has been and is a very important contribution for future biologists, at a time when biologists with knowledge of systematics and field experience are in danger of ending up on the red list. In a nature crisis where we precisely need biologists who know species and mapping important natural values."