Prof. Dr. K. Hüsnü Can Başer, Chair of Pharmacognosy at the Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy, has been awarded OPTIMA*’s prestigious Theophrastus Award in recognition of his decades-long contributions to the scientific classification of Mediterranean flora. Presented in Palermo during OPTIMA’s 50th-anniversary events, the award underscores Prof. Başer’s leadership at the interface of pharmacognosy, taxonomy, and biodiversity conservation. A pioneering scholar, mentor, and institution builder, he has advanced our understanding of medicinal and aromatic plants while inspiring generations of young researchers. Recent recognitions—such as the naming of the endemic species Pimpinella husnucan-baseri—reflect the lasting impact of his scientific legacy. We congratulate Prof. Dr. Başer on this milestone, which not only honours an exceptional career but also reaffirms Near East University’s growing role in advancing plant sciences across the Mediterranean region.

In the following interview, Prof. Dr. Başer shares his reflections on this remarkable achievement and discusses the enduring value of curiosity, patience, and discovery in science.

* OPTIMA stands for Organization for the Phyto-Taxonomic Investigation of the Mediterranean Area. It is an international organization dedicated to the study, conservation, and taxonomy of plant biodiversity in the Mediterranean region.

The Theophrastus Award is often regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Botany.” What does receiving this prestigious honour mean to you personally?

Receiving the Theophrastus Award was an extraordinary personal and professional honor. To me, it represented far more than individual recognition — it has been a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the study of plants, their chemistry, and their immense value to humanity.

On a personal level, such an award affirmed the passion that first drew me to the world of natural products and plant sciences: curiosity about nature’s complexity and respect for its wisdom. It served as a tribute to the many students, colleagues, and mentors who have shared this journey of discovery.

Most importantly, receiving the Theophrastus Award reinforced my commitment to continue advancing the frontiers of botanical research — bridging traditional knowledge with modern science, and inspiring the next generation of botanists to see plants not only as biological entities but as essential partners in sustaining life on our planet.

“Early in my career, I realized that traditional morphological taxonomy, while fundamental, could be greatly enriched by integrating phytochemical and molecular data.”

The award recognizes your contributions to the taxonomic classification of Mediterranean flora. How did your long-term research in this field evolve, and what aspects do you believe were most decisive in this recognition?

My long-term research into the taxonomy of Mediterranean flora evolved naturally from a deep fascination with the region’s extraordinary botanical diversity and endemism. The Mediterranean basin, being both a cradle of civilization and a biodiversity hotspot, offers an unparalleled living laboratory for studying plant evolution, adaptation, and chemotaxonomy.

Early in my career, I realized that traditional morphological taxonomy, while fundamental, could be greatly enriched by integrating phytochemical and molecular data. This led me to pursue an interdisciplinary approach — combining classical systematics with essential oil chemistry, secondary metabolite profiling, and molecular phylogenetics. Over the years, this integrative framework has clarified numerous taxonomic ambiguities, especially within complex genera such as Origanum, Satureja, Thymus, Salvia, etc.

I believe the most decisive aspects to receiving this recognition were:

The consistent application of chemotaxonomy as a reliable taxonomic tool, helping to resolve long-debated species boundaries.

Comprehensive documentation of regional flora, including new species descriptions and revisions that have enriched global botanical databases.

The collaborative nature of my work — connecting taxonomy with pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and conservation — and training a new generation of botanists to view taxonomy as both a science of classification and a key to understanding biodiversity’s practical value.

Ultimately, the award acknowledges not just individual research, but a lifelong commitment to revealing, preserving, and scientifically interpreting the botanical wealth of the Mediterranean world.

“Having several plant species named after me — including Pimpinella husnucan-baseri — is one of the most deeply humbling and gratifying honours a scientist can experience.”

Throughout your career, several newly discovered plant species have been named after you — most recently Pimpinella husnucan-baseri. How does it feel to see your name immortalized in scientific nomenclature?

Having several plant species named after me — including Pimpinella husnucan-baseri — is one of the most deeply humbling and gratifying honours a scientist can experience. It represents a kind of scientific immortality, a lasting acknowledgment that one’s contributions have helped expand humanity’s understanding of the natural world.

Each new species discovery is a reminder that even in our modern age, nature still holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. To see my name attached to some of those discoveries feels less like personal ownership and more like a shared legacy — one built together with colleagues, students, and field botanists who have dedicated their lives to exploring, documenting, and conserving plant diversity.

On a personal level, it also brings a profound sense of continuity. Just as we honour Theophrastus, Linnaeus, and other pioneers by speaking their names in scientific Latin, I feel privileged that future botanists may encounter Pimpinella husnucan-baseri and, in some small way, be reminded of our collective journey to understand and celebrate the richness of plant life.

I am deeply honored that my taxonomist friends have recognized me by naming five endemic species after me: Kargakeleği (Aristolochia baseri Malyer & Erken), Başer peygamber çiçeği (Centaurea baseri Köse & Alan), Husnucan (Origanum husnucan-baseri H. Duman, Aytaç & A. Duran), Can anasonu (Pimpinella husnucan-baseri A. Duran & Lyzkov), and Başer kekiği (Thymus baseri Öztürk, Yaylacı, O. Koyuncu & Ocak).

Additionally, my colleagues and I have had the privilege of naming five endemic species: Chamaecytisus gueneri H. Duman, Başer & Malyer, Delphinium anatolicum Mısırdalı, Malyer & Başer, Origanum x adanense Başer & H. Duman, Topalcay (Sideritis caesarea H. Duman, Aytaç & Başer), and Babaçayı (Sideritis vuralii H. Duman & Başer).

These contributions to taxonomy are both humbling and rewarding, reflecting the collaborative spirit of scientific discovery.

“The greatest discovery is not a single plant or paper, but the enduring realization that science, like nature itself, thrives through continuity and shared curiosity.”

You’ve dedicated decades to understanding, cataloging, and preserving plant diversity. Looking back, what moments or discoveries stand out as turning points in your scientific journey?

Looking back over several decades devoted to studying and preserving plant diversity, a number of moments stand out as true turning points in my scientific journey — milestones that shaped both my perspective and the direction of my work.

One of the earliest was the realization, during my fieldwork across Anatolia and the broader Mediterranean, of just how immense and fragile our plant diversity truly is. Collecting, identifying, and documenting species in their natural habitats taught me that taxonomy is not a purely academic pursuit — it is also an act of conservation.

My journey in botanical collection began during my student years at the School of Pharmacy in Eskişehir, Türkiye. What started as a personal effort to document the local flora eventually led to the founding of the ESSE Herbarium, officially registered in the Index Herbariorum. Today, ESSE houses over 15,000 specimens, including several type specimens, serving as a valuable resource for taxonomic and phytochemical research.

As one of the four editors of the 11th volume of Flora of Turkey and the Eastern Aegean Islands, I had the honour and privilege of contributing to the second supplement of this renowned series originally edited by the late Prof. Peter H. Davis — a continuation of his monumental work on the region’s rich botanical heritage.

Another defining moment came when I began to integrate chemotaxonomy and phytochemistry into traditional plant classification. The discovery that essential oil composition could serve as a powerful taxonomic marker opened new doors — not only for resolving complex botanical relationships but also for linking plant identity to biological and pharmacological activity. This interdisciplinary approach became a hallmark of my work and helped bridge the gap between botany, pharmacognosy, and natural product chemistry.

Equally transformative were the collaborations I was privileged to share — with talented students, international colleagues, and institutions that believed in the value of long-term, integrative research. These partnerships led to the description of numerous new taxa and expanded the understanding of economically and medicinally important genera.

Perhaps most rewarding, though, has been seeing younger generations of scientists take up the torch — using modern molecular tools, advanced analytical chemistry, and ecological insights to continue what began as field notes and herbarium sheets. In that sense, the greatest discovery is not a single plant or paper, but the enduring realization that science, like nature itself, thrives through continuity and shared curiosity.

“Plants are not merely subjects of classification or sources of useful compounds, but vital partners in sustaining planetary health.”

As someone who has seen the evolution of botanical science over half a century, what changes — in methodology, collaboration, or philosophy — have impressed you the most?

Over the past half century, the transformation of botanical science has been nothing short of remarkable, and witnessing this evolution firsthand has been both inspiring and humbling.

Perhaps the most striking change has been in methodology. When I began my career, taxonomy relied almost entirely on morphology, meticulous field observation, and herbarium work. Today, we have at our disposal an extraordinary array of molecular, analytical, and digital tools — from DNA sequencing and metabolomics to geographic information systems and high-resolution imaging. These advances have revolutionized our ability to understand plant relationships, evolution, and biogeography at levels once unimaginable.

Equally transformative has been the spirit of collaboration. Botanical research, once largely national or regional in scope, has become profoundly international and interdisciplinary. Teams of botanists, chemists, ecologists, pharmacognosists, pharmacologists, and conservationists now work together seamlessly, sharing data and insights across borders. This global perspective has deepened our understanding of biodiversity while reinforcing the urgency of protecting it.

But perhaps the most meaningful shift has been philosophical — a growing awareness that plants are not merely subjects of classification or sources of useful compounds, but vital partners in sustaining planetary health. The integration of ecology, conservation biology, and ethnobotany into mainstream botanical research reflects this broader, more holistic worldview.

In summary, what impresses me most is how discipline has evolved from the study of plants as specimens to the study of plants as living systems within a shared environment — a shift that aligns science more closely with stewardship, respect, and sustainability.

Many people associate botany with the study of plants alone, but your work bridges pharmacognosy, chemistry, and ecology. How do you see the interconnection between these disciplines?

That’s an excellent question — and it touches the very heart of how I view botanical science. To me, botany, pharmacognosy, chemistry, and ecology are not separate disciplines, but different lenses through which we understand the same living world.

Botany provides the foundation: it tells us what the plant is, where it grows, and how it relates to other species. Pharmacognosy explores what the plant does — how its bioactive compounds interact with biological systems, both in humans and in nature. Chemistry then reveals how these compounds are structured and synthesized, uncovering the molecular language through which plants defend themselves, communicate, and adapt. Finally, ecology gives us the context — showing how plants fit into complex environmental and evolutionary networks.

When these perspectives come together, they create a truly integrative science — one that not only explains plant diversity but also connects it to human health, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. This interconnected view has guided much of my career, from chemotaxonomic studies and essential oil research to conservation initiatives.

In essence, plants are master chemists and ecologists at once — they bridge biology and chemistry naturally. Our task as scientists is simply to listen, to interpret their language across disciplines, and to apply that knowledge responsibly for the benefit of both people and the planet.

“Near East University has created an ecosystem where botany, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and biotechnology converge.”

You’ve mentioned in previous talks that the academic environment at Near East University has been an important support for your recent studies. How does NEU contribute to advancing natural sciences and plant research in the region?

Indeed, the academic environment at Near East University (NEU) has played a vital role in supporting and expanding my recent research efforts. What makes NEU distinctive is its forward-looking vision for science — one that values interdisciplinary collaboration, invests in research infrastructure, and actively fosters international partnerships.

In the field of natural sciences and plant research, NEU has created an ecosystem where botany, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and biotechnology converge. The university’s well-equipped laboratories and commitment to scientific excellence have enabled us to conduct advanced analyses of plant materials — from chemical characterization and biological activity testing to molecular identification.

Equally important is NEU’s encouragement of collaborative and student-centered research. By bringing together young scientists from Türkiye, Cyprus, and beyond, the university serves as a hub for nurturing new generations of researchers passionate about biodiversity, sustainability, and natural product innovation.

Moreover, NEU’s geographical position in the Eastern Mediterranean offers an exceptional opportunity to study one of the world’s richest yet most threatened floristic regions. The university’s support for herbarium development, field expeditions, and conservation-oriented projects strengthens both local and regional capacities in botanical science.

In short, NEU provides not only the facilities but also the intellectual and institutional environment necessary to advance plant research — transforming individual studies into a collective mission to document, protect, and valorize the botanical heritage of the Mediterranean and beyond.

Here, I am pleased to mention that TÜBİTAK in Türkiye has recently approved our project proposal, which aims to make a revision of the family Lamiaceae in Cyprus.

“In an era that prizes speed and instant results, the natural world still moves at its own rhythm. True understanding often requires years — sometimes decades — of careful, cumulative work.”

You’ve always emphasized curiosity and perseverance as the foundation of science. What advice would you now add for young botanists and researchers working in a fast-changing, technology-driven world?

You’re right — curiosity and perseverance remain, in my view, the timeless pillars of science. Without curiosity, there is no discovery; without perseverance, there is no progress. But to those entering the world of botany and natural sciences today — a world profoundly shaped by technology and rapid change — I would add a few more pieces of advice.

First, I would urge young researchers to stay grounded in nature. No technology, however advanced, can replace the insight gained from observing a plant in its natural habitat — its soil, its light, its companions. Field experience cultivates intuition, humility, and respect for complexity, qualities that data alone cannot teach.

Second, embrace interdisciplinarity. The most exciting discoveries now occur at the intersections — between botany and genomics, ecology and informatics, chemistry and AI. Don’t be afraid to cross boundaries; let technology be a bridge, not a barrier.

Third, maintain scientific integrity and patience. In an era that prizes speed and instant results, the natural world still moves at its own rhythm. True understanding often requires years — sometimes decades — of careful, cumulative work.

Finally, remember that science is also a human endeavor. Collaborate generously, mentor others, and communicate your findings clearly and ethically. The future of botanical sciences will depend not only on what we discover, but on how we share and apply that knowledge for the benefit of our planet.

In essence, I would tell young botanists: use modern tools but keep an ancient spirit — the same spirit of wonder and dedication that has guided naturalists since the days of Theophrastus.

“I find balance through living in harmony with the rhythm of nature — letting it continue to teach me patience, curiosity, and gratitude every day.”

After so many years devoted to science, how do you balance your academic work with your personal life? Is there a daily habit, routine, or simple joy that keeps you inspired outside the laboratory?

That’s a thoughtful question — and one that becomes increasingly meaningful with time. For me, the boundary between academic work and personal life has always been somewhat fluid, because botany is not just a profession; it’s a way of seeing the world. Even outside the laboratory or herbarium, I find myself drawn to plants — whether in a garden, on a walk, or while traveling through a new landscape. Observation has become both a habit and a source of quiet joy.

Still, balance is essential. Over the years, I’ve learned to make space for reflection and simplicity — enjoying early mornings with a cup of tea, tending to plants, reading beyond science, or listening to classical music. These small rituals renew focus and remind me that creativity in science often springs from moments of stillness.

What truly keeps me inspired, however, is connection — with students, colleagues, and nature itself. Teaching and mentoring young scientists bring immense satisfaction; it’s a reminder that knowledge is alive only when it’s shared. And being outdoors, surrounded by the very subjects of my lifelong study, always restores perspective.

So, while I may never fully “step away” from my scientific interests, I find balance through living in harmony with the rhythm of nature — letting it continue to teach me patience, curiosity, and gratitude every day.

Finally, what message would you like to leave for the next generation of researchers who will continue exploring nature’s secrets?

Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop asking questions. Nature holds infinite mysteries, and with every answer you uncover, new doors will open to even greater questions. Let compassion guide your discoveries, collaboration strengthen your efforts, and integrity anchor your pursuit of truth. Remember, your work is not just for today but for the generations yet to come. Build a legacy of knowledge, wonder, and responsibility. The universe is vast, but your passion and perseverance can illuminate its secrets. Dream boldly and let your curiosity lead the way.

For more information about my academic achievements and personal endeavors, please visit www.khcbaser.com