Thursday, October 1, 2026

Bionorica CEO Prof. Michael Popp named honorary member of the GA

The Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research, known as the GA, has appointed Prof. Dr. Michael A. Popp as an honorary member in Reims. Popp is CEO and owner of Bionorica SE. The society is recognizing his long-standing contribution to medicinal plant and natural product research, as well as to scientifically based herbal medicines.

The appointment took place during the GA’s 74th international annual congress. According to Bionorica, Popp is the first entrepreneur to receive this particular distinction from the society.

Linking research and industrial application

Popp is associated with the interface between academic research and the development of evidence-based phytomedicines. In addition to his role as an entrepreneur, the GA highlighted his scientific involvement. In his acceptance remarks, he pointed to the importance of cooperation between independent science and responsible companies for the future of evidence-based phytotherapy.

GA President Prof. Dr. Michael Heinrich described Popp during the ceremony as an influential figure in natural product research, an active academic researcher and an initiator of scientific institutions and chairs.

International congress in Reims

The GA annual congress in Reims gathered 886 participants from 72 countries over four days. GA honorary membership is reserved for individuals who have had a lasting impact on the field through research and sustained commitment.

About four decades with the GA

Popp has been a member of the GA for around 40 years. His active involvement included taking on the role of treasurer at the request of the then GA President Prof. Max Wichtl. Over the following years, he supported the society personally, administratively and, through Bionorica, also as a sponsor.

Two awards linked to the GA congresses reflect this support. The Bionorica Phytoneering Award recognizes research on the development and use of phytopharmaceuticals. The Bionorica Early Career Researchers Award is aimed at promising young scientists and is presented as part of the GA Pre-Congress Workshop.

Recognition and future commitment

Popp described the honorary membership as both a personal distinction and a mandate for future work. He referred to support for the next generation of scientists, the strengthening of pharmaceutical education and a stronger role for pharmacognosy and phytotherapy in medical training.