The Research Institute of Bastyr University is devoted to the evaluation of natural medicine practices, the exploration, development and evaluation of new treatments for serious chronic diseases, the continued development of faculty research skills and the training of students in research methods. The burgeoning interest in natural health care has precipitated a growing need for basic and clinical research in naturopathic medicine, Oriental medicine, and nutrition.
Research is at the core of the university's mission.
As the nation's leading academic institution of natural medicine, Bastyr University fosters intellectual responsibility by documenting the results of sometimes centuries old empirically-derived practices with rigorous scientific method and by articulating their theoretical underpinnings. Bastyr's research facilities include a sophisticated computerized data management system, the Tierney Basic Science Laboratory with analytical chemistry and tissue culture capacities and an outpatient clinic for conducting clinical studies. Bastyr University has its own institutional review board for ensuring the safety and ethical treatment of human subjects enrolled in clinical trials. The Bastyr University Research Institute, led by Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, has a growing reputation both nationally and internationally. Its commitment and expertise have been recognized by a growing number of foundations and natural health product manufacturers who have funded many projects over several years.