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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
The Bastyr University Research Center 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. The Bastyr University Research Center 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 University 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 role in increasing the amount of research activity in the field of natural health sciences.
To date, over 80 research studies in a range of areas including botanical and homeopathic medicine have been completed or are underway. The research has 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. The grant was reissued in 2007 for another five years.
Naturopathic Physician Research Education Project (N-PREP)
This four year grant is funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the NIH. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Gannady Raskin, Dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine. In collaboration with colleagues at the University of Washington, Dr. Raskin directs the development and revision of curriculum in the naturopathic medicine program to enhance research training. Clinical exchanges and didactic programs between Bastyr University and the University of Washington provide opportunities for faculty to further their research interests. In partnership with the Bastyr University Research Center, an annual research conference co-sponsored by N-PREP draws regional leaders in CAM research to present new findings and methodological expertise to the community at Bastyr University.
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