The National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) at the University of Western Sydney has received $2.9 million in funding from philanthropic and industry supporters.

 

The major part of the funding has been received from the privately owned Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies (JFNT). Their $2 million bequest will be used to establish The Jacka Foundation Chair in Complementary Medicine in partnership with the University of Western Sydney (UWS). UWS has committed to endowing the Professorial Chair to support research undertaken by NICM. The Chair will oversee NICM operations and provide clear, expert support for research development and integration of evidence-based complementary medicine into healthcare services.

 

Leading companies Flordis, Blackmores and Catalent will become supporting partners of NICM, each committing additional financial support.

 

According to NICM's interim executive director Professor Alan Bensoussan, the donation from JFNT combined with industry and university support will secure NICM as a strong, national agency for Australia.

 

"This is an extraordinary gift and it is truly exciting to see this level of philanthropic support for complementary medicine research in Australia," says Professor Bensoussan. "Our supporting partners recognise the importance of NICM's work and the need for a national agency."

 

"Our primary goal will still be to increase the integration of well-evidenced complementary medicine into routine healthcare by enabling translation of evidence into clinical practice and relevant policy to benefit the health of all Australians."

 

NICM will continue to work alongside government and other industry agencies to guide sector reform and policy development, review and develop clinical practice guidelines, disseminate information on relevant evidence-based research and encourage further investment in the sector.

 

Priority will be given to the identification and refinement of research priorities and the development of clinical guidelines. Further studies on the cost effectiveness of complementary medicines in the prevention and treatment of a range of health conditions will also be undertaken.

 

More information is at http://www.nicm.edu.au/