Medicinal plant lectures 2026: 27 July in-person
The medicinal garden has been designed to be a wonderfully calm space in the centre of London. One of the joys of the garden is its unique and bespoke collections of plants that offer living examples of the history of medicine, ranging from the era of the pyramids of Egypt to today’s life-saving prescription drugs.
The medicinal plant lecture series was started so we could share stories and information about the garden and the history of medicine. We are delighted to host these events 2-3 times throughout the year.
At each event, you can look forward to lectures given by speakers in the field and a tour of the garden for those who attend in-person.
This event can be attended in person at the RCP Regent's Park or online via the RCP Player.
1.30pm - Registration opens
2pm
Welcome
Dr Arjun Devanesan, intensive care physician, philosopher and garden fellow, Royal College of Physicians
2.05pm
How modern medical discourse and practice were received, perceived and articulated by traditional medicine in Iran since the early 19th century
Dr Hormoz Ebrahimnejad, lecturer, University of Southampton
3pm - Break (refreshments, handling collection tour in the Treasures room and tours of the garden)
4pm
The ancient domestic medico-culinary traditions of China and beyond
Professor Vivienne Lo, professor emeritus, University College London
5pm
End of session
Please note that any presentations shown at this event have been produced by the individual speakers. As such they are not owned by, and do not necessarily represent the views of, the RCP.
Dr Hormoz Ebrahimnejad
Dr Hormoz Ebrahimnejad is a historian of modern Iran and a lecturer at the University of Southampton. Hormoz completed his PhD at the Sorbonne on the early Qajar period (18th–19th centuries). His research focuses on Qajar-era politics and the development of medicine and public health in 19th century Iran, with particular attention to the theoretical and institutional dimensions of medical modernisation. He argues that the transmission of modern science and institutions in Iran depended not only on imported ideas but also on local resources, expertise and existing knowledge systems. In his view, the modernisation of medicine was closely intertwined with processes of state-building and centralisation. Reforms such as the establishment of modern schools, sanitary councils, military hospitals and state hospitals created the institutional framework within which modern medical ideas were gradually adopted and negotiated alongside traditional practices.
Professor Vivienne Lo
Professor Vivienne Lo is a retired professor of Chinese history specialising in the history of ancient and medieval medicine. Vivienne was the past director of University College London's China Centre for Health and Humanity and visiting professor at the Peking University Health Sciences Centre (2015–20) and the Institute of Archaeology, Chengdu College of TCM. She has published widely on the origins of Chinese medicine, medicine on the Silk Roads, and the boundaries of food and medicine. She taught for more than 20 years at UCL.
Date
27 July 2026
Location
11 St Andrews Place Regent's Park London NW1 4LE
27 July 2026
RCP member : £20
Non-member : £25
11 St Andrews Place