AKF and AKU to host the world’s first International Symposium on Artemisia

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and The Aga Khan University (AKU) in Arusha, Tanzania, will host the 1st International Symposium on Artemisia from October 8-10, 2025.

This landmark event will bring together over 200 leading researchers, physicians, veterinarians, agronomists, and policymakers from around the world to explore the diverse applications of Artemisia annua and Artemisia afra in human health, animal health, and environmental sustainability.

Rooted in the AKF and AKU’s commitment to improving quality of life and fostering resilience in communities worldwide, this symposium aims to unlock the potential of Artemisia as a One Health plant—addressing the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. The event is organised by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), the world’s leading scientific society dedicated to advancing research on plants, in partnership with the AKF, AKU and La Maison de l’Artemisia.

Artemisia: a plant for global health and sustainability

Artemisia is the subject of scientific publications in many sectors:

• Human Health: antimalarial and antiviral properties, as well as emerging applications in treating diseases like schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, bilharzia, and diabetes

• Animal Health: natural alternatives to antibiotics for livestock, including anticoccidial effects on poultry

• Environmental Sustainability: many uses in bio-control and bio-fungicide.

By convening some of the world’s top experts, the symposium will explore how Artemisia can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future—in line with AKF and AKU’s vision of promoting long-term well-being for communities globally.

“The International Symposium on Artemisia represents a pivotal moment in advancing research and collaboration around this remarkable plant,” says 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. This event underscores AKF’s commitment to fostering innovative, community-driven solutions for a healthier and more resilient future.”

A global platform for researchers

AKF and AKU are pleased to welcome researchers from all over the world to present their findings and engage in discussions with their peers at this first-ever global symposium dedicated to Artemisia. With its state-of-the-art research facilities and a strong focus on climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, the AKU’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (ACER) is uniquely positioned to host this event.

“As a co-convener of the first International Artemisia Symposium,” says Emmanuel Sulle, Assistant Professor & Director of AKU-ACER, “I warmly welcome all scientists and practitioners conducting research on artemisia at this crucial juncture when the world is grappling with numerous global climate and environmental challenges.”

As a living laboratory, AKU-ACER provides excellent experiential learning ecosystem based on an inclusive co-creation and co-implementation model, integrating research, innovation, and training in a natural and context-specific setting.

The symposium’s objectives include:

• Promoting Artemisia-based solutions for human, animal, and environmental health.

• Establishing the Global Research Centre on Artemisia (GRCA) at AKU ACER to foster ongoing research and partnerships.

• Facilitating collaborations between universities, research institutions, and industry to scale up the impact of Artemisia-based solutions.

Keynote speakers and high-profile sessions

The symposium will feature keynote addresses and presentations by eminent researchers from leading institutions, including:

• Mbarara University of Science and Technology

• University of Douala

• University of Dschang

• The Aga Khan University

• Max Planck Institute

• Sorbonne Université

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Université de Liège

Keynote speakers will present on the latest developments in Artemisia research, including its pharmacological properties, agricultural applications, and potential to transform health outcomes in low-resource settings.

“We are delighted to convene the world’s first International Symposium on Artemisia at the Aga Khan University’s Principal Campus Arusha,” says Arnaud Nouvion, the co-convener of the Symposium.

“This symposium will serve as a platform for cutting-edge research, transdisciplinary dialogue, and global partnerships, paving the way for Artemisia-based solutions that address some of today’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. We look forward to welcoming researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to this landmark gathering.”

Call for abstracts now open

Researchers are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentations, poster sessions, and workshops. Early deadline for abstract submission is March 31, 2025.

Join us in Arusha!

AKF and AKU are honoured to host this important event and look forward to welcoming researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to Arusha—a city renowned for its biodiversity and commitment to sustainable development.