The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan University (AKU), in partnership with the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and La Maison de l’Artemisia, will host the inaugural International Symposium on Artemisia from October 8–10, 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania.
The event, which will be held at AKU’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER), aims to explore the significant potential of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra across three key areas: human health, animal health, and environmental sustainability. Organizers expect over 200 delegates, including scientists, physicians, veterinarians, agronomists, and policymakers from around the world.
According to the official symposium website, the event will showcase the latest scientific advancements in Artemisia’s medicinal and agricultural applications, including its antimalarial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Research into its role in combating diseases like schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, bilharzia, and diabetes will also be featured, as well as findings on its anticoccidial effects in poultry and use in biocontrol and bio-fungicide applications.
“The International Symposium on Artemisia represents a pivotal moment in advancing research and collaboration around this remarkable plant,” said Didier Van Bignoot, AKF’s Global Advisor for Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Resilience. “By bringing together global experts across multiple disciplines, we aim to unlock the full potential of Artemisia in improving human and animal health while promoting environmental sustainability.”
Keynote speakers at the event include global leaders in Artemisia research: Prof. Peter H. Seeberger (Max Planck Institute, Germany), Prof. Pamela Weathers (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA), Prof. Yuliang Wang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China), Prof. Francine Ntoumi (Congolese Foundation for Medical Research), and Dr. Lucile Cornet-Vernet, Founder of La Maison de l’Artemisia.
“As the co-convener of the inaugural International Artemisia Symposium, I am thrilled to bring together scientists and practitioners from around the world, united by their passion to explore the enormous potential of Artemisia as a One Health plant,” said Emmanuel Sulle, Assistant Professor and Director of AKU-ACER. “This is a critical moment, as we face pressing climate and environmental challenges that call for bold, collaborative action.”
The symposium will include plenary sessions, poster presentations, and short oral contributions, as well as sessions dedicated to community-based practices and regional Artemisia cultivation. One of the event’s highlights is the presentation of results from a large-scale biopesticide trial conducted on 3,000 farms in East Africa, demonstrating Artemisia’s effectiveness as a natural pest control agent.
“We are delighted to convene the world’s first International Symposium on Artemisia at the Aga Khan University’s Principal Campus Arusha,” said Arnaud Nouvion, co-convener of the symposium. “This symposium will serve as a platform for cutting-edge research, transdisciplinary dialogue, and global partnerships.”
