- Period of stay: 31 August to 3 September 2025
Report:
In the first week of September, I had the pleasure and honour to attend the 73rd International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in Naples, Italy. As a PhD student in the Pharmacognosy group at the University of Vienna, it was of utmost importance for me to be there, both for my scientific development and for building my professional network.
The congress brought together researchers from many different countries, who presented their most recent findings in the broad field of medicinal plant and natural product research. What made the congress particularly inspiring was the wide variety of perspectives represented, ranging from phytochemists and pharmacologists to biotechnologists and data scientists. Seeing how different approaches can be combined to address the same research questions gave me a broader understanding of the field and sparked new ideas for my own project.
Another very valuable aspect was the opportunity to exchange ideas with other young researchers. We often discussed not only our research results but also the common difficulties we encounter in our daily work. Sharing experiences in this way was both motivating and reassuring, as it showed that many of us face similar challenges, and it allowed us to brainstorm together about possible solutions.
The congress was also an excellent occasion for networking. I had the chance to engage in discussions after talks, to ask questions and receive feedback, and even to be approached by others interested in my topic. These interactions with peers as well as with principal investigators were highly beneficial, giving me an overview of “what is out there” and what possible directions I could take in the future. For example, I was happy to reconnect with professors I knew from my graduate studies, but also to meet researchers with whom I could envisage collaborating in future.
Besides the scientific sessions, I also very much appreciated the social events. They provided a relaxed atmosphere in which to connect with colleagues outside of the lecture halls, facilitating more personal connections. These moments added a lot to the overall experience and helped to strengthen the sense of community within the field.
All in all, attending the GA congress in Naples was extremely enriching. I came back with fresh inspiration, practical input for my current PhD work, new contacts, and a better picture of the opportunities that lie ahead of me in medicinal plant research. I am deeply grateful for the support that made it possible for me to attend, and I am already looking forward to next year’s congresses.
