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The public's increased interest in natural health care has precipitated a growing need for basic and clinical research in natural health practices. Bastyr University has been continually expanding its research efforts since 1986, when the university declared research as one of the three fundamental parts of its mission.
Mission
Research at Bastyr aims to investigate, evaluate, and develop the principles and practices of natural, integrated and complementary medicine.
Scientific Practices
As a leading academic institution of natural health sciences, Bastyr strives to fulfill its responsibility by documenting the results of studies often involving centuries-old, empirically-derived practices with rigorous scientific method. Research at Bastyr is dedicated to furthering the evolution of natural health practices and to the continued development of faculty skills and resources in this area, as well as the training of students in research methods and design.
Scientific Activity
Bastyr is a pioneer in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research, utilizing epidemiological and basic science studies and clinical trials. Through collaborations with conventional research agencies and natural products industries, Bastyr has played a large part in increasing the amount of research activity in the field of natural health sciences.
To date, over 40 research studies in a range of areas including botanical and homeopathic medicine have been completed or are underway. The studies have been funded by government and foundation grants, contracts and generous donations. Several proposals for future research activities are being developed, and Bastyr intends to continue in its commitment to meet the needs of the public and to create a strong future for natural health care.
Research Training at Bastyr
In 2002, Bastyr was awarded a T32 training grant by the National Institute for Health (NIH). This grant provides training for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and is the first such grant to be awarded to a CAM institution.
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