Australia's complementary medicine research sector has received a major boost with the announcement of three National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM)* Collaborative Centres by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas on Sunday 29th March.

Over 16 universities and research institutions across the country will participate in a broad range of complementary medicine research covering traditional Chinese medicine, nutraceuticals and natural medicines through the NICM initiative.

According to NICM's executive director Professor Alan Bensoussan, the announcement is a landmark opportunity for complementary medicine with funding of $1.74 million awarded to establish the three centres.

‘With up to two thirds of the Australian population currently using some form of complementary medicine each year, the time has come for a strategic and collaborative approach to research in this growing sector."

"The introduction of the three NICM Collaborative Centres is a major milestone for Australia's health community as it signals the beginning of a national focus for complementary medicine research. It acknowledges the urgent need to develop information that will impact positively on the heath and wellbeing of Australians," Professor Bensoussan said.

NICM created the Collaborative Centre model to promote inter-disciplinary research, to increase the breadth and depth of complementary medicine research capabilities in Australia and to help leverage funds to maximise the quality and impact of complementary medicine research being conducted in Australia. The Institute is headquartered at the University of Western Sydney.

NICM Collaborative Centres will focus on research that:

1. has the potential to impact positively on health and wellbeing of all Australians - emphasis will be given to these areas of high burden of disease where preliminary evidence is strong and demonstrates likelihood of positive impact, and
2. elucidates safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of complementary medicine and translates this into policy and practice.

The 2008 foundation NICM Collaborative Centres participated in an extensive and competitive application process.

The three successful recipients of the NICM Collaborative Centre grants will generate a further $7.5 million in additional leveraged funds (cash and in-kind) committed by universities and collaborative partners.

The successful centres are:

NICM Collaborative Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine Through a unique consortium of universities this centre will establish a national approach to evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine (including both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine). The focus will include diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Participating institutions include: University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney, RMIT University of Adelaide, University of Technology, Southern Cross University, University of NSW and University of Canberra. NICM Collaborative Centre for Transitional Preclinical and Clinical Research in Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicine

This multi-institutional research team will focus in two broad areas - cardiovascular medicine, including diabetes and obesity, and ageing and skin health. Its work will include development of relevant information resources.

Participating institutions include: University of Queensland, Monash University, Garvan Institute, Epworth Medical Centre, UNSW, Griffith University

NICM Collaborative Centre for Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition in Health and Disease The collaborative centre will systematically study the efficacy of natural medicines in improving memory, cognition and brain function and also explore brain mechanisms associated with chronic use of natural medicines.

Participating institutions include: Swinburne University of Technology, Alfred Hospital, and University of Western Australia.

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Editors note:

 * The National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) is Australia’s principal, independent authority on complementary medicine and aims to provide benefit to the health of all Australians through supporting strategically directed, evidence based research and practice. The institute was established in 2007 from federal and state government grants. www.nicm.edu.au

Complementary medicine at a glance

• Up to two thirds of Australians use some form of complementary medicine each year and the industry turnover in Australia is estimated at $1.5 to $2.5 billion per annum.
• While Australia has one of the highest levels of use of complementary medicine per capita in developed nations, to date it has had one of the lowest levels of investments in related research
• There is growing evidence that complementary medicine can make a significant, cost-effective contribution to public health in chronic disease management. However overall acceptance of complementary medicine by conventional medicine is variable and evidence based studies, including clinical trials, are necessary to strengthen acceptance and integration of proven therapies into the health care system.

For more information please contact Dimity Pinto at NICM on 02 4620 3703 or 0412 164 333

 Collaborative Centres Announcement 27.13 Kb

Content Updated April 2008