WOCMAP 2014 - World Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Globally, medicinal and aromatic plants are used widely and despite some prophecies of doom in the later years of the 20th century, medicinal and aromatic plant research is a fast developing and thriving theme. The majority of the worlds population still rely on local and traditional forms of therapy and, for example, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jamu and Kampo are an essential element of daily healthcare in many Asian countries. In economically developed countries and under the label Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), such plants are part of the conscious selection of what people use to prevent and cure a wide range of diseases. Simultaneously, we witness a continuous development of novel uses of aromatic and other useful plants. The fast developing research tools based on omics-technologies, on novel pharmacological methods and our fast developing biotechnological capabilities offer unique opportunities to advance our knowledge on medicinal and aromatic plants.
WOCMAP (World Congress on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants) has had a long tradition of engaging with these themes from a truly global perspective. The last congress was held in South Africa (2008) and, for the first time, it will now be hosted in Australia. Previously, congresses had been organised in Europe (Maastricht, Netherlands, 1992), South America (Mendoza, Argentina, 1997), and Asia (Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2003).
With multiple new and on-going research activities in Asian, South-East Asian and Oceania countries, WOCMAP V will offer unique opportunities to present and discuss research findings on all aspects of research on medicinal and aromatic plants. Nine symposia will cover the breadths of the field. Selected keynote speakers will offer insight into cutting edge research in the field and of course the World Congress will be an ideal networking platform.
One day will be dedicated to a series of joint symposia with IHC bringing together researchers in the horticultural sciences and in medicinal and aromatic plant research, and another day with FAVHealth. Details of the symposia痴 scope can now be viewed under Scientific Program or by following this link.
We look forward to seeing you in Brisbane in 2014.
Prof. Michael Heinrich
Centre for Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy
UCL School of Pharmacy, London - United Kingdom
Dr. Myrna A. Deseo
Southern Cross Plant Science
Southern Cross University, Lismore - Australia