Dennis Chang

Biography and Expertise of Dennis Chang

Professor Dennis Chang is an internationally recognized expert in the pharmacology and clinical research of natural and traditional medicine. His extensive 25-year career has been defined by a commitment to bridging the gap between traditional healing practices and modern scientific standards. As Director of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) at Western Sydney University, he guides a comprehensive research agenda aimed at building a robust evidence base for TCIM.

His expertise is firmly rooted in pharmacology and medicine, which allows him to design and execute high-quality clinical and laboratory investigations. This scientific rigor is central to his work and aligns perfectly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Furthermore, his research directly embodies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for the application of science and evidence to ensure the sustainability and efficacy of traditional medicine.

Professor Chang’s work also engages with the “Diversity of TCIM Modalities,” as seen in his leadership of the Australian Indigenous medicine research program at NICM and his extensive research into Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, his role as Chair of the 2024 National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine highlights his dedication to preserving and validating diverse knowledge systems. Therefore, the contributions of Dennis Chang are pivotal to advancing an integrated, evidence-informed approach to health that respects both scientific validation and cultural heritage.

Professional Career of Dennis Chang

Professor Dennis Chang‘s career is distinguished by leadership in research, education, and mentorship within the TCIM sector. For over 25 years, he has been a formative influence, fostering new researchers and international collaboration. His roles show a commitment to institutionalizing evidence-based TCIM in academia and healthcare.

As Director of the NICM, he shapes complementary medicine research in Australia and beyond. He has been instrumental in creating a vast interdisciplinary network, connecting with universities and organizations in China and other nations. This work promotes a global exchange of knowledge, accelerating scientific progress and building sustainable research infrastructures and partnerships.

His professional activities encompass several key areas of leadership:

• Institutional Leadership: As Director of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) at Western Sydney University, he oversees strategic and operational aspects of a leading TCIM research institute.
• Research and Education: He serves as Professor of Pharmacology, combining research leadership with his roles as educator and mentor to students and emerging researchers.
• Indigenous Medicine Advocacy: Professor Chang leads NICM’s Australian Indigenous medicine research program, supporting and scientifically validating the traditional knowledge of First Nations peoples.
• National Convener: He served as Chair of the 2024 National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine, a key event for advancing regional dialogue and policy.
• International Collaboration: He facilitates exchanges and cooperation between his institute and international partners, building a global network for TCIM research.

Academic Foundation and Scientific Approach

Professor Dennis Chang operates from a strong academic foundation in medicine and pharmacology. This dual expertise provides the critical framework for his work, enabling him to apply the highest standards of scientific inquiry to the study of traditional and complementary medicine. His approach is characterized by a rigorous, evidence-based methodology that is essential for validating TCIM interventions and ensuring their safe integration into mainstream healthcare.

This scientific mindset is evident in every aspect of his research, from the molecular level to large-scale human trials. For instance, his laboratory studies are designed to uncover the fundamental biological processes of herbal medicines, exploring complex concepts like synergy, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action. This detailed investigation provides the scientific rationale needed to advance promising therapies into clinical testing. Consequently, his academic background empowers him to ask and answer critical questions about how and why traditional treatments work.

Moreover, this foundation in pharmacology and medicine allows Dennis Chang to effectively design and oversee major multi-centre clinical trials. He possesses the necessary expertise to develop robust study protocols, ensure ethical oversight, and interpret complex clinical data. This ability to translate traditional knowledge into the structured language of modern clinical science is a hallmark of his academic and professional identity. Therefore, his qualifications are not just titles but are actively applied to build a credible and scientifically sound evidence base for TCIM.

Research Focus on Chronic Conditions

Professor Dennis Chang has established an international reputation for his leadership in clinical research focused on TCIM interventions for chronic, non-communicable diseases. His work addresses some of the most significant public health challenges of our time, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. By focusing on these conditions, his research provides potential solutions for improving quality of life and reducing the burden on healthcare systems globally.

He has led major multi-centre clinical trials investigating a range of TCIM modalities. These trials evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine, yoga, and tai chi for specific health conditions. For example, his research has explored interventions for vascular dementia and mild cognitive impairment, two conditions with growing prevalence in aging populations. Additionally, he has conducted trials on coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This targeted research agenda demonstrates a strategic effort to apply TCIM where it can have the most impact.

In parallel with his clinical work, the laboratory studies conducted by Dennis Chang provide crucial insights into the pharmacological properties of herbal medicines. His research delves into synergy, which examines how different components in a traditional formula work together to produce a therapeutic effect. He also investigates pharmacokinetics, which describes how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes these substances. This fundamental research is essential for optimizing dosages, ensuring safety, and developing new evidence-based natural medicines.

Awards and Professional Recognition

The significant contributions of Professor Dennis Chang to the field of TCIM have been formally recognized by his peers through prestigious awards. These honors highlight his exceptional leadership and the impact of his work on both research and education. Such recognition serves to validate the rigorous, evidence-based approach he has championed throughout his career and underscores his standing as a leading figure in the international TCIM community.

These accolades are a testament to his success in advancing the scientific understanding of complementary medicine and integrating it within a respected academic framework. The awards reflect not only personal achievement but also the growing acknowledgment of the importance of TCIM research in addressing global health priorities. Consequently, this recognition helps elevate the entire field by spotlighting high-quality, impactful research.

• 2023: Inaugural Marcus Blackmore Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Research and Education
  This significant award was presented by the Australian Complementary Medicine Association. It was conferred upon Professor Dennis Chang in recognition of his exceptional and pioneering contributions to both research and education in complementary medicine. Receiving the inaugural award further distinguishes his role as a foundational leader in the sector.

Global Leadership and Advisory Roles

Professor Dennis Chang extends his influence in the TCIM field through active participation in key international and national organizations. His advisory roles demonstrate a commitment to shaping global health policy, upholding ethical standards in research, and fostering professional development within the sector. These activities position him at the forefront of critical discussions about the future of traditional and integrative medicine.

His involvement with the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores his international standing and the relevance of his expertise to global public health initiatives. As a temporary consultant, he contributes to WHO-funded projects and training programs, helping to implement strategies that promote the safe and effective use of TCIM worldwide. Furthermore, his work with the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies showcases his dedication to maintaining high standards in a specific, globally practiced tradition.

His key committee and advisory activities include:

• Temporary Consultant, World Health Organization (WHO): He contributes to various WHO-funded projects and training initiatives, supporting its global strategy on traditional medicine.
• Committee Member, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies: Professor Dennis Chang has served on important committees within this global body, including the Professional Committee for New Drug Development and the Ethics Review Committee, helping to guide research standards and ethical practices.
• Chair, National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine (2024): His leadership of this national event highlights his role in advancing the dialogue and recognition of Indigenous and traditional medicine within Australia.

Further Information on Dennis Chang

Professor Dennis Chang’s extensive body of work is documented through his scholarly publications and professional affiliations. To gain a deeper understanding of his research output, including his numerous contributions to clinical trials and pharmacological studies, his official academic record provides a comprehensive overview. This profile serves as a central repository for his peer-reviewed articles, research projects, and scientific impact.

This resource is valuable for researchers, students, and health professionals seeking to engage with the evidence base for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine. Therefore, exploring his scholarly profile offers direct access to the data and findings that underpin his expertise and contributions to the field.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6584-738X