IFA Conference: Aromatherapy Scent to Science: Integrating Aromatherapy into Modern Healthcare
10th October 2026 10am - 5pm
Venue: British Library Knowledge Centre, 96, Pigott Theatre Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB
This event will bring together leading experts in the field to share the latest findings in aromatherapy research and integrative care, and attendees will hear inspiring and thought provoking talks that will leave them with valuable knowledge to put into practice.
Programme (talk titles to be confirmed)：
Times (all based on UK time)：
09:30 - 9:45 Registration
9:45 - 10:00 Welcome Address by IFA Chair
10:00 - 11:00 Dr Valerie Worwood
11:00 – 11.20 Refreshment Break
11:20 - 12:20 Professor Emmanuel Adukwu
12:20 - 13:20 Dr Pauline Hili
13:20 - 14:30 Buffet Lunch
14:30 - 15:30 Dr Oluwadamilola Racheal Okeyoyin
15:30 – 15.50 Refreshment Break
15:50 - 16:50 Salvatore Battaglia
16:50 – 17:00 End & Collection of Good Bags
Keynote Speakers
DR VALERIE WORWOOD
Dr. Valerie Worwood is a renowned aromatherapy expert and author of The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. She has dedicated her career to studying essential oils' therapeutic properties and their applications in health and wellness. Dr. Worwood’s influential work has greatly impacted the field of holistic healing and continues to inspire global aromatherapy practices.
Valerie Ann Worwood is internationally acknowledged as one of the world's leading aromatherapists and is the author of the bestselling The Fragrant Pharmacy, The Fragrant Mind, and The Fragrant Heavens. Awarded a doctorate in 1990, she has served on the executive councils of the International Federation of Aromatherapists and the Aromatherapy Organizations Council, and has initiated research projects into the clinical use of essential oils.
Dr. Emmanuel Adukwu is a Professor of Applied Microbiology at UWE Bristol, serving as Deputy Head of the School of Applied Sciences. With a PhD in Applied Microbiology, he specializes in antimicrobial testing and infection control. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, Dr. Adukwu has won multiple awards, including the Royal Society of Biology’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.
About me
I am a Professor of Applied Microbiology and innovation in Science Education and currently the Deputy Head of the School of Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and a Fellow of the Higher education Academy (FHEA). I hold a PhD from the University of Northampton in Applied Microbiology, a Masters by Research (MRes) in Applied Sciences and a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences.
At UWE Bristol, I have held other roles/responsibilities; Department Employability Lead, Widening Participation Lead for the Department of Applied Sciences with international partnerships and recruitment responsibilities for the faculty/department in Africa. I was the founding member and Chair of the Africa Staff Network at UWE Bristol.
I was the 2023 recipient of the Royal Society of Biology’s Bioscience Teacher of the Year (HEBTOTY) award which recognises outstanding learning and teaching practice in the biosciences and was recognised for my contributions with my selection for the Bristol BME Powerlist in 2018 and a national Diversity Award nomination subsequently.
I am a Trustee of Applied Microbiology International, Member of the Executive Committee for the Africa Initiative Group for Microbiology (AIG), Member of the Advisory board for the Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group BBRAG for the Medical Research Council (MRC), Chair of the Minoritised Life Scientists future Forum (MLSFF) and Member of the Bristol legacy Foundation (BLF).
Area of expertise
I have expertise in research: developing strategies to mitigate the burden of infection utilising approaches encompassing experimental, field-based and social science research methods. The Adukwu research group is currently conducting research in the areas of antimicrobial testing, surveillance and stewardship, infection control and evaluation on clinical and medical devices, role of natural compounds and herbs in promoting health and managing infections.
My expertise in knowledge exchange includes; academic/business engagement, exhibitions, and multiple forms of media engagement (television, radio, blogs etc.).
As an educator, I am a strong advocate for research informed teaching (RIT) and I utilise interdisciplinary methods to enable transformative learning in HE.
Adukwu, E. (2025, March 31-April 2). Dismantling awarding gaps [Conference session]. Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum 2025, International Conference Centre (ICC) Birmingham. https://mlsfutureforum.com/widgets/emsSchedule/sessionDetail/?id=2902EAAC-BC13-4E72-88AC420522389DD2. Available from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14696476
Dr. Pauline Hili is a skincare expert and founder of Nourish London, a sustainable skincare brand. With a background in pharmacology, she combines scientific knowledge with holistic approaches. Driven by her passion for plant-based ingredients, Dr. Hili created Nourish London, offering eco-friendly skincare solutions for all skin types, focusing on natural, effective products that promote health and well-being.
Nourish London was founded by Dr Pauline Hili, a renowned expert in organic skincare with over 30 years experience harnessing the potent power of natural ingredients.
Combining her extensive knowledge of the skin and it's natural processes with her expertise in natural science, Dr Pauline created Nourish London, a range of scientifically crafted, highly effective, natural, organic and vegan skincare.
With a passion for science and innovation, Dr Pauline continues to develop all of Nourish London's award-winning products, pushing the boundaries of natural science to ensure each formulation delivers superior immediate and long-term skin benefits.
Salvatore Battaglia is an expert in aromatherapy and essential oils, known for his scientific approach. As an author and educator, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of essential oil chemistry and its therapeutic uses. Battaglia is committed to advancing natural medicine through evidence-based practices, and his work continues to influence the global aromatherapy community.
Salvatore Battaglia is a visionary leader in the world of aromatherapy, with over 40 years of experience harnessing the power of essential oils for natural health. His passion and lifelong commitment to natural healing has profoundly influenced the standards of professional aromatherapy education .
He is qualified in naturopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture and aromatherapy, has a longstanding passion for naturopathy and is actively involved in professional associations and government committees to maintain and improve the quality of aromatherapy education.
She has been involved in aromatherapy education since 1988 and is frequently invited to speak at international conferences on aromatherapy, running a holistic and ethical business, and the importance of going natural and organic.
He has also served as an advisor to hospital and elderly care committees, helping to introduce clinical trials in pain management, intensive care, depression, dementia and elderly care.
In 1991, Salvatore founded Perfect Potion with the mission to naturally improve people's lives through certified organic aromatherapy products, natural skincare and essential oils. Perfect Potion has been recognised by government and industry regulators as the company that has set the benchmark for aromatherapy products in Australia.
Perfect Potion allows him to unleash his creativity and realize his dream of helping people take ownership of their health through natural healing through a wide range of holistic products and innovative educational programs.
Along with his wife Carolyn Stubbin, his beagle Lucy, and his cat Abby, he shares his passion for the world, natural remedies, and aromatherapy every day.
With 40 years of experience in the aromatherapy, education, natural health and wellbeing industries, Salvatore looks forward to taking you on an incredible journey to unlock the incredible potential and benefits of essential oils through his soon-to-be-launched online education platform.
Dr. Oluwadamilola Racheal Okeyoyin is a Lecturer in Biological Sciences at UWE Bristol, specialising in herbal medicines, essential oils, and plant-based products. Her research explores their effects on the microbiome and human health, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health. Dr. Okeyoyin also leads projects integrating immersive science communication.
About me
I am Dr Oluwadamilola Racheal Okeyoyin. I am a Lecturer in Biological Sciences, PhD funded by UWE Bristol and Pukka, Health Innovation West of England Fellow, Academic Member of the UWE Health Tech Hub and interdisciplinary researcher whose work spans microbiology, ethnopharmacology, analytical chemistry, and immersive science communication. My research investigates the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines, essential oils, and plant-based products, particularly their effects on the microbiome, and human health. Using advanced techniques, I explore how traditional herbal practices intersect with modern biomedical science, with the aim of uncovering new insights into antimicrobial resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health. Alongside laboratory-based research, I lead innovative projects that integrate VR, XR, and animation to democratise science and make complex biomedical concepts more accessible to wider audiences, including underserved communities.
My teaching is multidisciplinary as I have taught across biological sciences, midwifery, and food technologies, bringing together different perspectives to help students develop both specialist knowledge and transferable skills. My approach to teaching is student-centred and research-informed, with a strong emphasis on employability, professional identity, and fostering a sense of belonging for all learners. Beyond teaching and research, I have substantial leadership and governance experience within higher education. I have served as a panel member for the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), contributing to the evaluation of teaching quality and student outcomes across UK universities. I was formerly Vice President Education of The Students’ Union at UWE, where I championed student voice and worked on initiatives to improve equity and access in higher education. I have also served as Programme Officer for the NIHR INSIGHT Southwest Central Collaboration, ensuring delivery of research and training partnerships across UWE Bristol and Bournemouth University. In addition, I managed the Biomedicine in Allied Health Diverse Internship Programme (BIAHDIP), enhancing placement opportunities for marginalised students and promoting diversity in biomedical education and practice.
I am currently an Accountability Partner on the University of Bristol’s Reparative Futures Programme, supporting efforts to address systemic injustices arising from the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African people. At UWE, I have contributed to institutional governance as a member of the University Validation Panel, Academic Board, and Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee, ensuring high standards in education, research, and academic practice. I also sit on the Steering committee, co-chair the Marketing Committee and lead on Outreach Engagement and Social Impact for the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF), Europe’s first dedicated conference for underrepresented scientists, where I oversee engagement, communications, and social impact strategy. These roles reflect my broader commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion within the biosciences and across the wider higher education landscape.
My work bridges science, culture, and community, from researching herbal medicines and essential oils to creating innovative ways of communicating science and leading on governance and outreach. I am committed to making knowledge inclusive, impactful, and collaborative, and welcome opportunities to work with colleagues, students, and partners across academia, healthcare, and industry.
Area of expertise
My expertise spans biomedical sciences, applied health, and inclusive education, alongside leadership, governance, and innovative science communication.
Bringing together a panel of leading field experts, including renowned authors, doctors, and researchers, this event offers attendees the latest insights into aromatic research and integrated care. Attendees will hear motivating and inspiring talks on microbiology, herbal medicines, essential oils, and skincare, gaining valuable knowledge to apply in their own practices. Additional highlights include:
Networking with like-minded professionals and academics
An opportunity to ask the experts any questions
Buffet lunch and refreshments included
Stock up on a choice of quality natural and organic products at trade stands
Sample the latest brands in the market with a free goody bag for every attendee
A unique opportunity to showcase your products at an event that brings together our international members, students, tutors and school owners from across the globe. Many of our members are self-employed and own their own clinics, salons and spas, so have total control over purchasing decisions for their business and are also in a central position to make recommendations to colleagues and their clients. Taking place at the British Library, this is:
A great opportunity to make sales and find new customers
A great opportunity to make valuable connections with our service providers and networking
There is ample opportunity for attendees to visit the stands throughout the day as well as on site visitors. IFA Corporate members are offered first refusal (click here to register). Stands are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis so we recommend you book without delay.
To have a presence at the day and in the promotion surrounding the event, we invite you to sponsor an item to the conference goody bag. Goody bags are given to each attendee, including the press. 200 products (10ml minimum) will be required, each accompanied by a single page leaflet. This is a:
A great marketing opportunity to introduce your products to our niche market and expand your customer base. In the build up to the event, all sponsors will have their logo: displayed on the IFA website as a conference sponsor, included in all marketing of the event (newsletter, social media and distributed to our entire database)
On the day, attendees will be able to take away a sample of your product and try it first hand - many of our members have total control over business purchasing decisions.
After the event, you will also receive a free quarter page advert in our Aromatherapy Times Magazine distributed to all our members and at international exhibitions.
Metered parking (08:30 – 18:30) is available on Ossulston Street (3 spaces only). Alternatively, VisitLondon has general information about parking in London.
By bicycle
There are covered and uncovered areas for bicycles. The best approach from central London is via Tavistock Place and Cartwright Gardens.
Coaches can pick up/drop off passengers on Midland Road or York Road where there is a waiting time limit of 20 minutes. For more information on coach parking in the capital, we recommend using Transport for London’scoach parking map.
