NHAA Awards 2025–2026 Research Capacity Building Grant to Alison Maunder
The NHAA is pleased to announce Alison Maunder as the recipient of the 2025–2026 Research Capacity Building (RCB) Grant, an initiative designed to support evidence-building research that advances the naturopathic and Western herbal medicine professions.
Established to strengthen research capability within the profession, the NHAA RCB Grant supports postgraduate students, higher degree research (HDR) candidates and early-career researchers undertaking projects relevant to naturopathic practice. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and reflects the NHAA’s commitment to fostering a strong culture of research, innovation and evidence-informed practice.
Successful Research Project
Alison’s successful project will investigate the health outcomes of women who experience early menopause, a population known to be at increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease.
Drawing on data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, the research will examine whether consultations with naturopaths and herbalists, the use of complementary medicine, and lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep and weight management are associated with improved health and wellbeing outcomes in women experiencing menopause before the age of 45.
While there is growing evidence that women commonly utilise complementary therapies to manage menopausal symptoms, little is currently known about the impact these approaches may have on longer-term health outcomes. This project aims to address that evidence gap and provide valuable preliminary data to inform future research and clinical practice.
Building Research Capacity
Beyond its contribution to women’s health research, the project will help build research capacity within the naturopathic profession. Led by Alison and a team of naturopath-researchers, it will provide opportunities to develop skills in conducting and disseminating complex longitudinal research while fostering collaboration between emerging and experienced researchers.
Building research capacity within naturopathy is fundamental to the continued development of naturopathic practice, education and professional recognition. Australia is already home to several naturopathic researchers ranked among Stanford University’s top 2% of scientists worldwide, positioning the profession strongly for future academic leadership and research excellence.
The NHAA congratulates Alison Maunder on receiving the 2025–2026 Research Capacity Building Grant and looks forward to sharing the outcomes of this important research as the project progresses.
Learn more about the NHAA Research Capacity Building Grant here.
June 2026