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.
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.
- Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Parent F31)
