Anne Gimalac

Anne Gimalac, MSc, MBA, is the Head of Navi, the integrative health research institute of the André Henzelin center (cAH) in Switzerland. She applies her dual expertise in science and business to build robust research capacities for the Swiss Naturopathy Federal Diploma program, which encompasses Traditional European, Chinese, and Ayurvedic Medicines, along with Homeopathy.

Her work in developing educational and research frameworks directly contributes to the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on “Knowledge Diversity” and strengthening global public health through evidence-based integrative medicine. Consequently, her leadership fosters collaborative programs that advance the professionalization of TCIM practitioners.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0620-5942

Biography and Expertise of Anne Gimalac

Anne Gimalac leads Navi, the integrative health research institute at the Centre André Henzelin (cAH) in Lausanne, Switzerland. Her primary mission is to establish and expand naturopathic research capabilities that align with the rigorous standards of the Swiss Naturopathy Federal Diploma. This initiative supports advanced training in Traditional European Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, and Homeopathy. Her work is therefore central to standardizing and elevating integrative health education in Europe.

Her expertise directly aligns with the WCTCIM Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training.” Through her roles in supervising interns, teaching, and managing collaborative programs, she actively contributes to developing professional competencies and fostering interprofessional education. Furthermore, the philosophy of Anne Gimalac, which aims to “catalyze the collective intelligence in integrative health,” reflects the congress’s motto of promoting “Knowledge Diversity” by bringing together different medicines, people, and forms of knowledge into a cohesive, evidence-informed framework.

Professional Career of Anne Gimalac

The career of Anne Gimalac is characterized by an interdisciplinary journey that bridges academia, start-ups, and multinational corporations. This diverse background provides her with a unique perspective, combining scientific rigor with strategic business development. Her experience traces the evolution of modern biology, from the genomics revolution of the 1990s to the current focus on epigenetics and integrative medicine. Consequently, she is well-positioned to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare innovation.

Since September 2020, she has been responsible for creating and developing Navi – Research in Integrative Health. In this capacity, she leads multiple functions that are crucial for the institute’s growth and impact.

Head of Navi: Leads the creation and development of the integrative health research institute at the Centre André Henzelin (cAH).
Educator and Supervisor: Actively teaches and supervises research interns, cultivating the next generation of TCIM professionals.
Strategic Contributor: Participates in various cross-functional strategic projects at cAH, shaping the center’s direction.
Program Manager: Oversees collaborative programs in Switzerland, Europe, and worldwide, as well as fundraising initiatives.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Anne Gimalac is uniquely tailored to her role in leading an integrative health research institute. Her qualifications reflect a deliberate integration of advanced biological science with practical business and innovation management. This combination enables her to not only understand the scientific complexities of TCIM but also to build sustainable research and educational structures around them.

Her formal training provides a comprehensive skill set for advancing evidence-based integrative medicine. This background supports her work in translating scientific concepts into viable healthcare solutions.

Master of Science (MSc): Specialized in Biology & Pharmacology of human aging, providing deep scientific knowledge in cellular and molecular processes.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): Focused on Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Healthcare, equipping her with strategic management skills.
Additional Training: Includes cellular and molecular biology, genomics, and nutrition for health promotion and disease prevention, further broadening her scientific expertise.

Research Focus and Contributions

The research interests of Anne Gimalac are centered on advancing the scientific understanding and practical application of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). Her work explores both the historical foundations and modern professionalization of these practices. Therefore, her research agenda is designed to build bridges between different knowledge systems and to establish a more unified framework for integrative health.

Her current focus areas demonstrate a commitment to investigating TCIM from multiple angles, from physiological mechanisms to educational standards. Through her contributions via publications, conferences, and teaching, Anne Gimalac helps to disseminate new knowledge in the field.

Key Research Topics:

Chrononutrition in TCIM: Investigating the intersection of nutrition, biological rhythms, and traditional medicine principles.
Professionalization and Interprofessional Education: Focusing on the development of standards, competencies, and collaborative models for TCIM practitioners.
Science of Complex Systems in TCIM: Applying systems theory to understand the holistic and multi-component nature of traditional healing practices.
Hippocratic Temperaments in Traditional European Medicine: Exploring the scientific basis and clinical application of ancient diagnostic and therapeutic concepts.

Collaborative Leadership and Memberships

As a French-Swiss citizen operating in international ecosystems, Anne Gimalac places significant emphasis on collaborative projects to advance the field of integrative health. Her active involvement in global organizations demonstrates a commitment to fostering a connected and supportive professional community. These roles allow her to contribute to the strategic direction of naturopathic research and practice on an international scale.

Her participation in key committees is a testament to her dedication to building a collective intelligence that unites, rather than divides, different medical traditions. Consequently, she plays an important part in the global dialogue on integrative medicine.

World Naturopathic Federation (WNF) Research Committee: As a member, she contributes to shaping and promoting the global research agenda for the naturopathic profession.
World Naturopathic Federation (WNF) European Support Committee: In this role, she supports the development and coordination of WNF initiatives within the European region.

Connect with Anne Gimalac

For a detailed overview of the research contributions and publications by Anne Gimalac, her official Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) profile serves as a primary resource. This profile offers a comprehensive list of her scholarly work and academic activities.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0620-5942