NCIM Conference: Research and Evaluation in Integrative Healthcare
February 12, 2027 @ 10:00 - 17:00
A one day online conference
Research and Evaluation in Integrative Healthcare
Discover the future of evidence-informed integrative healthcare
Friday 12 February 2027 | 10am-5pm GMT | Live Online + Recording
Expert Speakers | 7 CPD Hours
Early bird tickets: £60 £54| Member Price £40 – coming soon |
Join us online for a full day of expert-led presentations exploring the latest developments in research, evidence and evaluation across traditional, complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
Bringing together respected researchers, clinicians, educators and practitioners, this conference will examine how evidence-informed practice can support better patient care and help shape the future of integrative healthcare. Topics include cancer support, medicinal herbs, nutrition, reflexology, public health, and the growing global recognition of TCIM research.
Why Research Matters in Integrative Healthcare
As demand for integrative healthcare continues to grow, so too does the need for high-quality research that informs practice, policy and patient choice. This conference explores the current UK research landscape, international developments led by the World Health Organization, and real-world examples of how evidence is being developed and applied across a range of therapies and healthcare settings.
You’ll hear from leading experts including researchers, academics, healthcare professionals and practitioners who are actively contributing to the evidence base within Integrative Medicine. Sessions will explore contemporary research challenges, emerging opportunities and practical ways to engage with evidence in day-to-day practice.
Key themes include:
• The current landscape of TCIM research in the UK
• The World Health Organization’s role in advancing integrative healthcare globally
• Evaluating homeopathy as supportive care for people living with cancer
• Evidence and traditions behind medicinal herbs
• Research relating to nutrition, mood and mental wellbeing
• Reflexology research and future directions
• Integrative nutrition approaches for autoimmune disease
Who Is This Conference For?
• GPs, nurses and allied healthcare professionals
• Integrative and functional medicine practitioners
• Researchers and academics
• Complementary and traditional medicine practitioners
• Healthcare educators and students
• Nutritional therapists
• Health coaches and wellbeing professionals
• Anyone interested in evidence-informed integrative healthcare
Conference Programme Highlights
The programme features presentations from recognised leaders in integrative healthcare research, including sessions on UK research developments, WHO initiatives, cancer care, medicinal herbs, nutrition and reflexology research. Speakers include Dr Ava Lorenc, Dr John Hughes, Marisa Botelho da Cruz, Dr Vivien Rolfe, Dr Lori Bystrom, Meg Murray Jones, Barbara Scott, Kirsten Chick and Dr Elizabeth Thompson.
What will you takeaway from this Conference?
By attending, you will:
• Gain an up-to-date understanding of current Integrative Medicine research in the UK and internationally.
• Learn how research findings can be translated into clinical and professional practice.
• Explore evidence relating to herbal medicine, nutrition, cancer support and reflexology.
• Understand opportunities and challenges in building the evidence base for TCIM.
• Discover how global healthcare organisations are influencing the future of integrative healthcare.
• Earn valuable continuing professional development from expert-led sessions.
Thanks to funding from Gilly’s Gift, who are passionate about Integrative Medicine being part of mainstream NHS care, we are able to offer medical undergraduates bursaries to attend our conferences. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Become a member of the NCIM Membership for just £4.99 a month and receive exclusive content, plus discount to this and all our conferences.
Can’t attend live? Purchase includes full recording access.
Conference Programme
| TIME | CONTENT | SPEAKER |
| 10.00 – 10.15 | Welcome Address | Dr Elizabeth Thompson NCIM CEO & Founder, Integrative Medicine Doctor Editorial Board – European Journal of Integrative Medicine |
| 10.15 – 11.00 | The Current Landscape of Traditional, Complementary Integrative Medicine (TCIM) Research in the UK |
Dr Ava Lorenc Co-Chair of Research Council for Complementary Medicine, Editor-in-Chief – European Journal of Integrative Medicine |
| 11.00 – 11.30 | BREAK | |
| 11.30 – 12.15 | Traditional, Complementary Integrative Medicine (TCIM) and the World Health Organisation – Global Movement for Change |
Dr John Hughes Head of Research, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, and Associate Professor in Integrated Medicine, University of West London |
| 12.15 – 13.00 | Homeopathy for Patients Living with Cancer: Evaluating Supportive Care in Practice |
Marisa Botelho da Cruz Chief Health Officer and Nutritional Therapist at C-Factor, NCIM Module Lead, Diploma in Integrative Healthcare |
| 13.00 – 13.45 | LUNCH | |
| 3.45 – 14.30 | From Roots to Research: Exploring the Traditions and Evidence for Five Medicinal Herbs |
Dr Vivien Rolfe NCIM Academic Co-Director, Director Curiosity Research Ltd |
| 14.30 -15.15 | Spicing up the Evidence for Food for Mood | Dr Lori Bystrom Senior Lecturer in Food Enterprise and Plant Science, Bath Spa University, Natural Product Consultant |
| 15.15 – 15.30 | BREAK | |
| 15.30 – 16.15 | Research for Reflexology | Meg Murray Jones Holistic Therapist & Reflexologist Barbara Scott Association of Reflexologists Board Member for Research, Chair of Association of Reproductive Reflexologists, PhD Student UWTSD (University of Wales Trinity St David) |
| 16.15 – 17.00 | Nutrition for Autoimmune Disease | Kirsten Chick NCIM Nutritional Therapist specialising in Cancer, Author, British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) Council, Co-Chair of the BSIO Nutrition Special Interest Group |
| 5.45 – 6.00 | Close of the Day | Dr Elizabeth Thompson NICIM CEO & Founder, Integrative Doctor |
Meet Your Expert Speakers
Dr Elizabeth Thompson
CEO & Founder, NCIM
Dr Ava Lorenc
Co-Chair of Research Council for Complementary Medicine, Editor-in-Chief - European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Dr John Hughes
Head of Research, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, and Associate Professor in Integrated Medicine, University of West London
Marisa Botelho da Cruz
Chief Health Officer and Nutritional Therapist at C-Factor, NCIM Module Lead, Diploma in Integrative Healthcare
Dr Vivien Rolfe
NCIM Academic Co-Director, Director Curiosity Research Ltd
Dr Lori Bystrom
Senior Lecturer in Food Enterprise and Plant Science, Bath Spa University, Natural Product Consultant
Meg Murray Jones
Holistic Therapist & Reflexologist
Barbara Scott
Association of Reflexologists Board Member for Research, Chair of Association of Reproductive Reflexologists, PhD Student UWTSD (University of Wales Trinity St David)
Kirsten Chick
NCIM Nutritional Therapist specialising in Cancer, Author, British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) Council, Co-Chair of the BSIO Nutrition Special Interest Group
FAQs
What if I can't attend live on 12 February?
No problem! Your ticket includes lifetime access to the full conference recording. You can watch at your convenience and revisit sessions anytime.
Do I need prior research experience?
No. This conference is suitable for practitioners, healthcare providers, students and anyone with an interest in evidence-informed healthcare.
Is the conference suitable for healthcare professionals regulated by professional bodies?
Yes. The programme focuses on research, evidence and clinical relevance, making it especially valuable to healthcare providers looking to strengthen their understanding of evidence-informed healthcare.
How will the conference be delivered?
Via Zoom. You’ll receive the link and meeting details in your confirmation email and reminder emails before the event.
Will I receive CPD certification?
Yes! Just email [email protected] after the event to request your CPD certificate.
What's included in the NCIM membership?
NCIM membership (£4.99/month) gives you discounted access to all conferences, exclusive educational content, and community resources. Learn more.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes! Contact us at [email protected] for group booking rates if you’re bringing 5 or more people.
I'm not a healthcare professional. Can I still attend?
Absolutely! This conference is valuable for anyone interested in research and evaluation in Integrative Healthcare.
How do I access the recording after the event?
You’ll receive an email with the recording link the week after the conference.
Secure Your Place
Join researchers, clinicians, educators and practitioners from across the UK for a day exploring the current landscape of research and evaluation in Integrative Healthcare
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event
