50 Years "Gesellschaft für Arzneipflanzenforschung"
International Symposium in Bad Camberg/Taunus, Germany, 8. April 2003

Dear colleagues,

50 years ago, on April 8, 1953, the ,,Gesellschaft für Arzneipflanzenforschung" - GA - was founded in Bad Camberg. Originally an association of German pharmacists and medical doctors interested in medicinal plant research, GA has developed over the years into a renowned international scientific society with members from all over the world. During these years the scientific interests of GA have broadened to all aspects of medicinally used natural products. At our annual meetings we now are regularly attracting scientists from many disciplines like agricultural science, biology, chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacognosy, pharmacology and medicine. GA is a very active scientific society with at present more than 1000 members from 72 countries. This also reflects the global importance of medicinal plant research. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of GA, we have set up a symposium in which we want to look back into the history, but also into the future of natural product research. It will be a chance to meet old friends and to remember the "good old times" but also to discuss the most recent developments in medicinal plant research. The BoD of GA has also decided to publish a book reporting the past 50 years of GA and the development of medicinal plant research during these years. We are very grateful to Prof. Sprecher, Hamburg, that he has taken over the duty of being editor in chief of this publication. The book will be presented at this meeting and will be an everlasting keepsake for this anniversary.

On behalf of GA, I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the colleagues who have supported our Society in the last five decades by offering their time and manpower; and I also want to thank our sponsors who helped that our meetings always had a solid financial basis.

I am cordially welcoming all members and friends at this historic place of the foundation of GA and wish you a pleasant day in Bad Camberg.

Prof. Dr. Rudolf Bauer
President of GA