For immediate release

Boost for Chinese medicine research

The scientific study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Australia is receiving a major boost with a range of initiatives being launched by the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM)* on Monday 22 September 2008.

The first of these is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS)** to promote scientific research into TCM in both countries. The five year agreement between NICM and CACMS focuses on the enhancement of scientific understanding of Chinese medicine through the facilitation of collaborative research projects and academic exchanges.

NICM executive director Professor Alan Bensoussan says the MoU with CACMS will build our understanding of how Chinese medicine works and its potential role in the prevention and management of chronic disease.

"The popularity of traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture has been growing steadily in Australia and worldwide," says Professor Bensoussan. "This high level of usage needs to be supported by a research base to give us a better understanding of the scope and applications of these treatments." 

The event will also feature the formal launch of the NICM Collaborative Centre for TCM. This Centre is a unique consortium of Australian universities and international partners whose primary purpose is to strengthen and coordinate research in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture and develop strategic priorities for the area.  Led by the University of Sydney together with University of Western Sydney and RMIT, the NICM Collaborative Centre for TCM will coordinate studies in diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

Additional agreements will also be signed between the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research (CompleMED), University of Western Sydney with Xiyuan Hospital, Shineway Pharmaceuticals and SOHO Group (Indonesia).    These agreements aim to support relevant research activities being implemented by the NICM Collaborative Centre for TCM.

Date:                Monday, 22 September 2008

Timing:              1.45 - 3.15pm             CACMS presentation  

                         3.30 - 5.15pm             MoU Signing Ceremony

                         Interview opportunities between 4.45 to 5.30pm

Venue:             Hamilton Room, Level 47, MLC Building, Sydney

ENDS

Editors note:

For more information or to arrange any interviews please contact Dimity Pinto at NICM on 02 4620 3703 or 0412 164 333.

* NICM provides leadership and support for strategically directed research into complementary medicine and translation of evidence into clinical practice and relevant policy to benefit the health of all Australians.  The institute was established in 2007 with federal and state government grants and is hosted by the University of Western Sydney.   http://www.nicm.edu.au/   

** CACMS is a comprehensive national institution for scientific research, clinical medicine and medical education in Chinese medicine, and is directly under the leadership of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM), PRC. CACMS is the largest TCM research organisation in China.

  2008 Sep 24 - Boost for Chinese medicine research 27.13 Kb

Content Updated September 2008