11th International Congress on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants
Five days of exchange bringing together research, traditional knowledge and the economic sectors of aromatic and medicinal plants from the French overseas territories.
A biennial international event
Held every two years, the International Congress on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Overseas Regions brings together specialists from around the world with a shared objective: to advance knowledge and promote the sustainable development of aromatic and medicinal plants from overseas territories.
In 2026, La Reunion Island will host the congress from 30 October to 3 November. The five-day programme will bring together institutional engagement, public outreach, field immersion and two days of international scientific sessions.
A biennial international event
Held every two years, the International Congress on Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Overseas Regions brings together specialists from around the world with a shared objective: to advance knowledge and promote the sustainable development of aromatic and medicinal plants from overseas territories.
In 2026, La Reunion Island will host the congress from 30 October to 3 November. The five-day programme will bring together institutional engagement, public outreach, field immersion and two days of international scientific sessions.
Researchers
Days
Scientific sessions
Partners
What to discover at the congress
CIPAM 2026 welcomes local residents who are curious about their plants
and to the international scientific community.
👩🎓 Institutional day
A day dedicated to the official opening of CIPAM 2026, bringing together institutions, local authorities, scientists and economic stakeholders around the strategic challenges of aromatic and medicinal plants.
- Official opening
- Institutional round tables
- Inno'zerbaj competition
- Exhibition
- Official cocktail reception
🌿 For the general public
On 31 October and 1 November, the congress will move beyond the lecture halls. Accessible talks, a local market, demonstration workshops and field visits: two days to discover the healing properties of La Réunion’s plants and the knowledge passed down by traditional herbalists for generations.
- Conference on Traditional Knowledge and Herbalists
- Local market and stalls featuring local producers
- Discover La Réunion’s Extract Library
- Microscopy observation workshops
- Visits to Creole gardens and botanical conservatories
🔬 For scientists
On 2 and 3 November, at the University of Reunion, two days of oral presentations and posters, divided into four sessions. From ethnopharmacology to artificial intelligence applied to molecule discovery, research on aromatic and medicinal plants is presented in all its breadth.
- Pharmacopoeias, ethnopharmacology and traditional knowledge
- Plant biodiversity and natural resources
- Natural molecules and therapeutic innovations
- Development, innovation and regulation
The five days
The detailed hour-by-hour programme is available on the page Programme.
Friday 30 October
Institutional opening
Strategic vision for the territory, round tables on the development of aromatic, perfume and medicinal plants (PAPAM), support schemes and regulation. Inno'zerbaj competition pitch. The day ends with the opening of the exhibition at the Natural History Museum.
Saturday 31 October
Public open day
Talk on traditional knowledge and herbalists, local pei market, producer stalls, demonstration workshops and educational activities about medicinal plants.
Sunday 1 November
Field discoveries
Visits to medicinal plant crops, Creole gardens, conservatories and producers. Process demonstrations and discussions with herbalists on site.
Monday 2 November
International scientific day (part 1)
Session 1 - Pharmacopoeias, ethnopharmacology and traditional knowledge.
Session 2 - Plant biodiversity, natural resources and the One Health approach.
Tuesday 3 November
International scientific day (part 2)
Session 3 - Natural molecules and therapeutic innovations.
Session 4 - Development, innovation and regulation.
In the evening: gala dinner and poster session awards ceremony.
The detailed hour-by-hour programme is available on the page Programme
The call papers is now open
Call for papers opening : July 10 2026
Oral communication: September 15, 2026
Closing/poster: September 30, 2026
Scientific conferences: November 2-3, 2026
Present your work at the scientific conference on November 2nd and 3rd, either orally or as a poster. The abstract must be written in English and be a maximum of 250 words.
A prize will be awarded to the best poster from each session during the gala evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the congress?
Everyone. The days of October 31st and November 1st are designed for the general public. The days of November 2nd and 3rd are aimed at researchers, doctoral students, healthcare professionals and industry representatives, but remain open to anyone who registers.
Is the public day free?
The public day on Saturday, October 31st is free
How to submit a scientific communication
Submit your application via the form on the "Call for Papers" page. Indicate the title, authors, affiliations, the session you are applying to, and the type of presentation (oral or poster), then attach your abstract in the required format. You will automatically receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
Does the summary need to be written in English?
Yes. The summary must be written in English, with a maximum of 250 words. A French version may be attached as a supplement.
Is the congress being held in French or English?
Presentations may be given in French or English.
Where do the different days take place?
The official opening takes place in the Departmental Council Chamber, in the State Garden in Saint-Denis. The public day is held in the State Garden. The two scientific days take place at the Sainte-Clotilde University Technology Park, at the University of Reunion Island.