Professor Alan Bensoussan from the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research (CompleMed), in conjunction with state and federal government departments, is setting up the National Institute of Complementary Medicine to research the economic and public health benefits of complementary medicine, and act as a think tank for policy, coordination, commercialisation and monitoring of this burgeoning Australian and international industry. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the NSW Office of Science & Medical Research.

‘There is widespread recognition that complementary medicine (CM) is a large and growing industry, and evidence is mounting that CM can make a significant and cost-effective contribution to public health and chronic disease management' says Professor Bensoussan. ‘Australia has one of the highest consumption rates of complementary medicines and therapies in the world, so there is a great need to invest in relevant research, including clinical trials, to support the evidence base and strengthen acceptance and integration of CM into the Australian health care system. Acknowledging these trends and needs, the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recently announced large initiatives to fund research projects into complementary medicine. The National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) is one such initiative that has also received state government support.'

The Institute's mission is to build CM research capacity across Australia, effectively connecting CM researchers and professionals with the broader research community, industry and other stakeholders, to provide strategic focus and foster excellence in research. The newly established Institute will facilitate setting national priorities for CM research, and activities, and coordinate national and international collaborations across these themes, with particular focus on clinical trials and herbal pharmacology. The Institute will also support research training through postdoctoral opportunities to create research workers able to assist the CM industry's research needs as it grows.

The National Institute of Complementary Medicine will coordinate research that helps address Australia's national priorities in public health, chronic disease management, preventative care and aged care, and provide the Australian public with vital information about safe and cost-effective CM health care alternatives to promote and maintain good health throughout their lives.

Project Title: National Initiative of Complementary Medicine (NICM)

Funding has been set at: $4.6 million

Partners:
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
NSW Office of Science and Medical Research

 UWS – Office of Research Services: Complementary Medicine Initiative at UWS 33.21 Kb

Content Updated September 2007