The Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Nora Volkow, was the keynote speaker for this year’s Scientific Kratom Symposium. Hosted by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy at its Lake Nona research campus, the four-day event held from February 17-20, 2026, brought together roughly 100 scientists from about a dozen countries and featured nearly 50 presentations on kratom pharmacology, toxicology, clinical research, and regulation.
The symposium emphasized evidence-based research at a time when kratom is facing increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators across the United States. Presentations addressed topics including kratom’s active alkaloids, potential therapeutic uses, safety concerns, and the rapidly changing commercial market, particularly the growth of extract products and high-potency formulations.
Dr. Volkow highlighted the need for expanded clinical trials and clearer research priorities. Her participation signaled growing federal interest in kratom research as policymakers debate new restrictions. At the Third Scientific Kratom Symposium in 2024, a representative from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced ongoing clinical trials conducted by the agency that showed plain leaf kratom was well tolerated by participants. The results have yet to be fully published.
Other notable scientific presenters included medicinal chemist Christopher McCurdy, pharmacokineticist Abhisheak Sharma, natural products chemist Paula Brown, and plant scientist Erin Berthold.
The Scientific Kratom Symposium is considered one of the largest regular gatherings of kratom researchers worldwide. Detailed research findings and presentation materials from the 2026 meeting are expected to be released later this year.