Thomas Ostermann

Biography and Expertise of Thomas Ostermann

Professor Thomas Ostermann brings a distinctive and powerful perspective to the field of integrative medicine, grounded in his original training as a mathematician. This analytical foundation has shaped his career, allowing him to pioneer sophisticated statistical methodologies for evaluating complex health interventions. His work directly addresses the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for a robust commitment to science and evidence in traditional medicine. By developing and applying advanced statistical models, he helps distinguish therapeutic effects from statistical artifacts like placebo effects or regression to the mean.

His contributions are central to the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis 2.3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Professor Ostermann’s research provides the tools necessary to validate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of various TCIM modalities, from creative arts therapies to other integrative medical interventions. Consequently, his efforts help translate clinical observations into the high-quality evidence required by policymakers and healthcare providers to integrate TCIM into national health systems, a core objective of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. His role in establishing resources like the CAMbase literature database further underscores his commitment to building a global repository of reliable evidence.

Professional Career and Institutional Leadership

The professional trajectory of Professor Thomas Ostermann at Witten/Herdecke University showcases a deep and evolving commitment to establishing research methodology as a cornerstone of integrative medicine and psychology. He began his journey as a Post-Doctoral Researcher, quickly channeling his expertise into foundational projects that would shape the evidence landscape in Europe. His career progression reflects a consistent focus on building institutional capacity for high-quality research.

This dedication culminated in his appointment to a full professorship and his election as Head of the Department for Psychology and Psychotherapy, where he now guides its academic and research strategy. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in creating structures and resources that support evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 2016 – Present: Elected Head of the Department for Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke University.
• 2015 – Present: Appointed to the Chair for Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology, Witten/Herdecke University.
• 2010 – 2015: Assistant Professor for Research Methodology and Information Systems in Complementary Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University.
• 2003 – 2006: Initiator and lead for the OPEN-CAM project, funded by the German Research Foundation, which created the CAMbase literature database.
• 1998 – 2003: Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Chair of Theory of Medicine and Complementary Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University.

A Foundation in Mathematics and Science

Professor Thomas Ostermann‘s academic background is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary training. His foundation in advanced mathematics provided him with the rigorous analytical framework that has become the hallmark of his research. He then applied this quantitative expertise to the life sciences, earning a doctorate in physiology with a focus on a complex computational problem.

This unusual combination of disciplines equipped him with a specialized skill set to tackle the methodological challenges inherent in health research. It allows him to design and interpret studies with a level of statistical sophistication that is essential for building a credible evidence base for traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.

• 1998: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physiology from Witten/Herdecke University for his research in speech recognition.
• 1994: Diplom in Mathematics (equivalent to a Master of Science) from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, providing a strong foundation in quantitative and analytical methods.

Pioneering Research in Evidence-Based Methodologies

With over 400 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Thomas Ostermann is a prolific and influential researcher whose work has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of integrative medicine. His research agenda focuses on critical methodological issues, such as developing statistical techniques to account for regression to the mean, analyzing the complexities of placebo effects, and applying common language effect sizes to make meta-analytic research more accessible and interpretable.

Beyond theoretical statistics, his research has profound practical applications. He is deeply involved in evaluating Creative Arts Therapies, using robust study designs to measure their impact on health and well-being. Furthermore, his recent work explores the frontier of digital health, including the development of E-Health and M-Health applications. A notable example is his research into using a digital drawing app as a potential screening tool for the early detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. This innovative approach exemplifies his commitment to leveraging technology to address pressing global health challenges. His current research also extends to evaluating interventions for people with intellectual disabilities, a vulnerable population often underserved by mainstream research.

Recognitions and Expert Advisory Roles

Professor Thomas Ostermann‘s expertise is widely recognized by leading national and international scientific institutions, which frequently seek his counsel as an expert reviewer and advisor. This form of recognition is a testament to his standing in the research community and his reputation for methodological rigor and impartiality. His involvement in these capacities ensures that research funding is directed toward high-quality, impactful projects and that academic programs meet the highest standards of excellence.

Serving as an expert for these prestigious organizations demonstrates a deep level of trust in his judgment and his ability to critically assess scientific work in integrative medicine, psychology, and health services research. This role is crucial for upholding the quality and integrity of the scientific enterprise.

• German Research Foundation (DFG)
• Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• German Academic Scholarship Foundation (DAAD)

Leadership in Scientific and Editorial Boards

Beyond his institutional roles, Professor Thomas Ostermann actively contributes to the broader scientific community through his leadership in professional societies and on editorial boards. These activities are vital for shaping the direction of research fields, promoting high standards for publication, and fostering collaboration among researchers. His involvement reflects a long-term commitment to developing the scholarly infrastructure that supports TCIM research.

As a founding member of a key scientific society and an editor for several influential journals, he plays a direct role in curating and disseminating credible research. This work helps ensure that clinicians and policymakers have access to reliable, peer-reviewed evidence to inform their decisions.

• Founding Board Member: Scientific Society for Creative Art Therapies (WFKT), an organization he helped establish to advance research in this field.
• Editorial Board Member: Serves on the editorial boards for multiple respected journals, including Research in Complementary Medicine, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, and the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.

Explore the Work of Professor Ostermann

For those interested in a deeper understanding of Professor Thomas Ostermann‘s extensive research contributions and academic activities, several online resources provide comprehensive information. These platforms offer access to his vast body of published work, details about his ongoing research projects, and insights into his role at Witten/Herdecke University. They are essential tools for students, researchers, and collaborators seeking to engage with his work.

Official University Profile: View his faculty page at Witten/Herdecke University.

ResearchGate: Access publications and connect with his work.

CAMbase Database: Explore the integrative medicine literature database he helped create.