The Foundation has three main missions :
We encourage research in aromatherapy
The Gattefossé Foundation supports scientific research to understand and assess the therapeutic potential of essential oils, particularly their effects on the neurological system through the olfactory route, as well as in infectiology via oral and cutaneous applications.
Acting as a catalyst, the Foundation fosters dialogue and collaboration between researchers and clinicians. To make these advancements accessible to a wider audience, it produces and distributes a podcast series titled “Expert Voices on Clinical Aromatherapy.”
Aware of the need for strong scientific evidence, the Foundation also promotes the improvement of clinical research quality through the development of guidelines and training. It supports the publication of scientific position papers written by experts, including members of its Scientific Council.
Additionally, the Foundation supports clinical research training programs led by professional associations of clinical aromatherapy practitioners.
We value the practice of aromatherapy as a complementary care for patients
Each year, the René-Maurice Gattefossé Prize recognizes aromatherapists and/or teams who have demonstrated the effectiveness of an aromatherapy protocol through a clinical study (observational or interventional) with a group of patients.
The award winners are selected by the Foundation’s Scientific Council based on specific criteria: quality of care, level of aromatherapy training within the team, and assessment of therapeutic benefits.
The Foundation shares clinical experiences from practitioners and highlights patients’ perspectives on the value of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy through its AromaShowcase program, the publication of reports on its website, roundtable discussions, online seminars, participation in international conferences, and more.
The Foundation also facilitates the implementation of protocols using essential oils in countries facing health emergencies, where aromatherapy provides therapeutic solutions. This support includes donations of equipment such as diffusers and essential oils.
We support the advances in integrative health to better prevent and cure diseases
The Foundation is committed to integrative health, an approach that combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies for global patient care.
The Foundation aims to strengthen the role of aromatherapy within the integrative practices of tomorrow’s healthcare and supports associations and key stakeholders engaged in this transformation. It accompanies those working to raise collective awareness and to promote the emergence of a more sustainable, eco-responsible, and human-centered healthcare model.
