Australian Research & Education
Australian Institute of Pharmacognosy
In Natura Quaerimus Remedium
An independent, not-for-profit research and education institute in Cardwell, far north Queensland, studying medicines of botanical origin and the evidence behind them.
Our Mission
The Australian Institute of Pharmacognosy (formerly the Australian Institute of Ethnobotanical Research) is an independent, not-for-profit pharmacognosy research institute in Cardwell, far north Queensland. Pharmacognosy is the scientific study of medicines that come from natural sources, especially plants.
Our mission is to advance scientific understanding of medicines of botanical origin: what they contain, how they act, and what the evidence says about their use in healthcare. We also study how cultures around the world have used plants for healing. Where we seek traditional knowledge held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or other Indigenous communities, we do so only with the free, prior and informed consent of its custodians, we acknowledge them, and we agree with them how any benefits are shared.
We are at an early stage, and we welcome community interest in our work and in pharmacognosy and ethnobotany generally.
Documentation
We record the plants we study carefully: field observations, reference photographs, specimen records and a catalogued research library. Identifications stay provisional until they are confirmed.
Awareness
We explain pharmacognosy and ethnobotany in plain language: what the evidence shows, where it stops, and the risks as well as the potential benefits.
Collaboration
We intend to build research partnerships with universities, institutions and communities. None is in place yet, and we would welcome hearing from researchers.
Latest Updates
Date: 17/09/2026
Quiet in print, busy at the bench
Field surveys across north Queensland are continuing, and the Institute’s iNaturalist account now holds 29 field observations from across Queensland, covering 27 different organisms. Its botanical reference library holds 31 plant and fungus records. This month the Institute began publishing AIP Monographs in its new evidence-graded format, starting with Syrian rue.
The laboratory the Institute works with in Cardwell is privately owned and run by a researcher who holds a Laboratory Charter from the Institute. The Institute has access to the laboratory but does not own it or its equipment.
Much of the Institute’s day-to-day work, including records, literature review and drafting, is carried out on systems built in-house. We plan to publish at least one new blog post each week.
Stay in touch
Our newsletter brings occasional news of new research, monographs, field work and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Supporting the Institute
The Institute is an unincorporated not-for-profit body. It is not registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and is not a Deductible Gift Recipient, so gifts to it are not tax-deductible. It is working towards incorporation, charity registration and, after that, Deductible Gift Recipient endorsement, and it is not accepting donations at present.