Interprofessional Research Training Group for Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (IGIM) launches a new cohort

To improve the training of early-career researchers (PhD and Master’s students) in integrative medicine, Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) offers the Interprofessional Research Training Group for Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (IGIM). With the compulsory introductory seminar on 2 and 3 October 2026, the sixth cohort is set to begin the research support programme; applications are open until 31 August. Participation in the programme is free of charge once accepted.

Research Training Group promotes exchange between different disciplines

As a structured, cross-university funding programme, the IGIM offers a platform and a network to bring together doctoral supervisors and doctoral candidates. “High-quality doctoral theses enable us to ensure a strong research base in integrative medicine,” says Dr Beate Stock-Schröer, spokesperson for the IGIM. Integrative medicine places the needs of patients at the centre. It combines therapeutic approaches from conventional medicine with complementary, holistic methods from complementary medicine to find the best individual treatment for each patient. Previous doctoral and master’s theses within the Research Training Group have, for example, investigated the effects of oil pulling on gum inflammation – an Ayurvedic practice in which vegetable oil is swished around the mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral health. Other studies have focused on multimodal therapy for endometriosis, which combines various treatment approaches, as well as naturopathic treatments and complementary and integrative medical approaches in professional football.

Colloquia are held on three weekends each year, usually at Witten/Herdecke University. These offer supporting core and elective modules on academic work, covering topics such as literature reviews, academic writing, qualitative research and the philosophy of science. In addition, there is a regular writing workshop, various research workshops, a journal club and individual consultation hours.

Support and motivation whilst working on your PhD

On the other hand, the colloquia offer the opportunity to exchange ideas in small working groups on thematic and methodological focal points and to present the progress of one’s own research project as well as any challenges encountered. “The participants come from various disciplines and greatly value these opportunities for discussion,” emphasises Dr Silke Lange, a research associate at IGIM. “This interprofessional approach makes it possible to view a problem – one that you might be struggling with yourself – from a different perspective and to develop solutions.”

Support for PhD students and supervisors

The programme is open to anyone interested in a PhD or Master’s thesis in integrative medicine, whether they come from the fields of medicine or psychology, the healthcare professions, the therapeutic disciplines, the humanities or the natural sciences – regardless of which university they are studying or pursuing their PhD at. Furthermore, it does not matter whether they are still looking for a PhD topic or have already chosen their own topic with a supervisor attached.

As PhD and Master’s students at the IGIM receive a sound scientific education, this also helps to relieve the burden on supervisors and provide them with support. Supervisors who would like to work on a topic in integrative medicine in collaboration with IGIM staff and are still looking for a PhD student for this purpose are also welcome to get in touch.

Structure of the Interprofessional Graduate College

The introductory seminar on 2 and 3 October 2026 is compulsory for participation in the IGIM. The application deadline is 31 August. This two-day event provides an introduction to the fundamentals of academic research. Here, participants get to know one another and establish contact with potential supervisors. If required, a PhD research project can be arranged during the introductory seminar.

Anyone who subsequently decides to join the Research Training Group must submit a further short application. The deadline for this is the end of October. The first colloquium will take place from 13 to 15 November at Witten/Herdecke University.

In a digital information session on the IGIM on Wednesday 5 August, from 7 pm to 8 pm, those interested will have the opportunity to find out more about the programme and ask questions. Once you have registered by email (igim@uni-wh.de), you will receive the login details.

Further information: If you have any questions regarding the content, please contact Dr Beate Stock-Schröer (Beate.Stock-Schroeer@uni-wh.de, 02302 926-795) or Dr Silke Lange (Silke.Lange@uni-wh.de, 02302 926-713). Further information is also available on the IGIM website.