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Research is urgently needed to test the efficacy, toxicity and quality of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) to expand the evidence base associated with substance and non-substance based therapies.

• Meet the growing demand for the use of CAM independently and alongside conventional medicine
• Ensure safe application in Integrative Medicine to offer the widest scope of treatment and prevention possible
• Establish a strong evidence base associated with CAM to ensure these therapies are recognised in a government funded public scheme, and are able to be provided at a financially accessible level to the public
• Disseminate health information to the community to raise awareness of the role of CAM in maintaining personal health

The focus of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on optimising health and prevention of disease may have implications in the improvement of general public health. CAM may also provide a source for effective treatment of chronic diseases, for which conventional medicine does not currently produce satisfactory outcomes.

The facilitation of research while directly undertaking clinical and laboratory activities is primary to the aims of the NIIM. Drawing on its expert knowledge of CAM, this includes the identification of suitable resources and providing of study protocols, the overseeing and operation of research activities, and assistance with reporting and regulatory submissions in relation to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). NIIM will also manage the creation of relevant research programs and the preparation of grant applications and proposals for funding.

In the longer term, NIIM aims to become a major provider of research as well as offering grants to undertake research.

The Australian Government has established the Australian Office for CAM with a view of funding research in this area of medicine. In 2004 the Australian Government expert committee on CAM recommended to the Government that research funding should be provided in an equal amount to that provided in the USA based on population size.

Through research conducted at the Institute, NIIM aims to enable Australia to take its place among other advanced nations in the evaluation and development of CAM.