The Australian Institute of Pharmacognosy (Previously, the Australian Institute of Ethnobotanical Research) is a not-for-profit, independent, fledgling research institute dedicated to studying drugs of botanical origin.
Our mission is to enhance the current scientific understanding of how botanical drugs can be used in healthcare as well as document and investigate drugs used for healing by traditional cultures from around the world.
To achieve our goals, we seek community support to further our research and raise awareness about pharmacognosy and ethnobotanical studies in general.
Our team meticulously records and analyses botanical drugs, ensuring accurate documentation to advance research in this field.
Spreading awareness about pharmacognosy and ethnobotanical research is crucial to our mission. We aim to educate the public about the significance of these botanical drugs and their potential benefits.
Collaboration is key to our success. By working with researchers, institutions, and communities, we aim to drive progress in pharmacognosy and ethnobotanical research.
Date: 17 May 2025
The Australian Institute of Pharmacognosy is a newly established, non-profit scientific research organisation dedicated to advancing pharmacognosy—the study of drugs of botanical origin. As a fledgling institution in its foundational year, our primary focus is on building the core infrastructure, partnerships, and funding base necessary to initiate our research and educational programs.
The following is a summary of our intended activities over the next 12 months. These reflect both our immediate operational priorities and the future directions we are preparing to undertake as resources become available. All activities are aligned with our principal charitable purpose: to conduct and support scientific research and public education in pharmacognosy.
1. Organisational Establishment and Infrastructure Development
Securing initial funding through grants, philanthropic donations, and DGR-eligible public contributions to enable the launch of our research initiatives.
Acquiring essential laboratory and field equipment required for plant-based drug investigation, such as chromatographic tools, and extraction apparatus.
Establishing a research and administrative base, including office space and secure data storage, to support long-term operations.
2. Scientific Research Planning and Partnerships
Designing and preparing for future ethnobotanical fieldwork to document medicinal plant use by herbalists, traditional healers and Indigenous communities.
Developing protocols for laboratory research into the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of plant-derived substances.
Initiating conversations and collaborations with universities, research centres, and clinical practitioners to co-design projects and secure ethical oversight for future studies.
3. Educational and Outreach Foundations
Planning and delivering a limited series of introductory seminars and workshops for both the general public and health professionals to raise awareness of pharmacognosy and its relevance to healthcare.
Developing a suite of open-access educational materials, including written content and short video lessons to be released via our website and social media platforms.
Laying the groundwork for future student engagement, including volunteer opportunities and supervised research placements.
4. Knowledge Dissemination and Public Engagement (Preliminary Phase)
Establishing internal systems and editorial policies for future publication of research findings, both in peer-reviewed journals and in public-facing formats.
Outlining a framework for an annual scientific symposium, to be launched in subsequent years as capacity and funding allow.
Promoting ethical engagement with traditional knowledge holders, including the development of consent protocols and benefit-sharing models.
All current and proposed activities are intended to create a stable foundation from which the Institute can grow into a respected research body contributing to scientific knowledge, health outcomes, and the preservation of ethnomedical wisdom. Public support, grants, and donations will be instrumental in moving from planning into full implementation.
Prepared by Dr Luke A. Iggulden ND, Chair & Chief Scientific Officer
Australian Institute of Pharmacognosy