Mission

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is the lead NIH center for scientific research on the usefulness and safety of complementary and integrative health practices. To address the need for objective evidence as to the safety and efficacy of many of these approaches, NCCIH supports rigorous scientific investigation to better understand how these interventions work, for whom, and the optimal methods of practice and delivery.

NCCIH supports research on a broad range of practices, interventions, and natural products that have origins outside of conventional Western medicine. The research supported spans the continuum of basic, mechanistic, translational, efficacy, and effectiveness research. Continued emphasis on both basic research to understand biological effects and mechanisms of action and on efficacy studies to determine specific clinical effects of interventions is essential in developing the scientific evidence base.

Interest in Diversity

NCCIH supports a range of research training and career development programs aimed at enhancing the pool of investigators from underrepresented backgrounds with knowledge and expertise in both complementary and integrative health and state-of-the art research methods. For these programs, the Center focuses on individuals from groups who are underrepresented in scientific research (e.g., underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds) who are interested in careers in complementary and integrative health research.

Diversity-Targeted Programs
Director's Statement
Helene M. Langevin, M.D., C.M.
Helene M. Langevin, M.D., C.M.
Director's Statement
Here at NCCIH, we believe that having a diverse scientific research workforce is a vital part of advancing the science of complementary and integrative health. Over the years, NCCIH has targeted resources aimed at attracting well-trained and experienced scientists from underrepresented backgrounds into complementary and integrative health research and in supporting their development as scientific leaders in the field. We will continue our commitment to support opportunities of research training and career development that increase the representation of diverse investigators and reduce related disparities in research awards.