Jianping Liu

Biography and Expertise of Jianping Liu

Professor Jianping Liu has dedicated his career to building a robust scientific bridge between traditional knowledge and contemporary medical standards. His unique dual expertise in both TCM and clinical epidemiology allows him to navigate the complexities of evaluating ancient therapies with modern, rigorous methodologies. This positions him as a central figure in advancing the global understanding and acceptance of integrative medicine.

His work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis 3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Through countless systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials, Professor Liu has generated high-quality evidence for the use of TCM in addressing major public health challenges, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This commitment to scientific validation aligns perfectly with the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for the application of science and technology to validate traditional medicine.

Furthermore, Professor Jianping Liu‘s approach champions the congress motto, “Knowledge Diversity,” by demonstrating how different epistemological systems can converge to improve health outcomes. His research provides a tangible pathway for implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy, showing how evidence-informed integration can strengthen public health systems and foster the creation of well-being societies.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Professor Jianping Liu is marked by leadership roles across multiple continents, reflecting a deep commitment to international collaboration in integrative medicine. His career path showcases a consistent progression toward shaping the evidence-based TCIH landscape in China, Europe, and Australia. This global experience makes his perspective particularly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on fostering international and South-South partnerships.

His extensive career demonstrates a blend of academic rigor and strategic leadership, driving the agenda for evidence-based traditional medicine forward. Each position has contributed to his status as a leading authority in the field. Beyond his primary roles, his advisory capacity for the WHO solidifies his influence on global health policy.

• 2012 – Present: Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and founding Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China.
• 2008 – Present: Part-time Senior Researcher at the National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Norway.
• 2009 – 2012: Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, University of Western Sydney, Australia.

Academic Qualifications

Professor Jianping Liu‘s academic foundation is a masterclass in true integration. He deliberately pursued a dual path of education that equipped him with profound literacy in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western clinical research methodologies. This comprehensive training is the bedrock of his ability to translate ancient concepts into scientifically testable hypotheses and, subsequently, into reliable clinical evidence.

His journey began with a deep immersion in TCM at its source, followed by rigorous doctoral training in clinical epidemiology. This unique combination enables him to lead the charge in creating a common language and a set of shared standards for researchers and practitioners across different medical paradigms, a crucial step for meaningful integration.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Epidemiology (1998 – 2001): Completed at West China University of Medical Sciences (now part of Sichuan University), where he mastered advanced research design and biostatistics.
• Master’s Degree in Chinese Internal Medicine (1989 – 1992): Earned at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, deepening his specialized clinical knowledge.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Medicine (1982 – 1987): Acquired his foundational training in the theories and practices of TCM at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Pioneering Research and Global Impact

As a prolific author and researcher, Professor Jianping Liu has made immense contributions to the scientific literature on integrative medicine. With over 790 papers published in peer-reviewed journals and more than 20 books authored or co-authored, his work forms a substantial part of the global evidence base for TCM. His research is not merely voluminous; it is methodologically rigorous and clinically relevant.

He specializes in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which are critical for synthesizing existing evidence and guiding future research and clinical practice. For instance, his Cochrane Review on Chinese herbal medicines for type 2 diabetes is a landmark publication that provides a comprehensive assessment of the available evidence. This type of high-level evidence synthesis is essential for policymakers and healthcare providers seeking to make informed decisions.

Moreover, Professor Liu’s research agenda is dynamic and responsive to pressing global health needs. His recent work on methodological considerations for TCM research on COVID-19 highlights his leadership in applying evidence-based principles to emergent health crises. Through his extensive body of work, Jianping Liu provides the scientific validation necessary to integrate TCM safely and effectively into public health strategies worldwide.

Awards and Prestigious Recognitions

The impact and quality of Professor Jianping Liu‘s work have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors from both national and international bodies. These accolades highlight his status as a leading academic and a pivotal figure in the advancement of complementary and integrative medicine research. Such recognition underscores the significance of his mission to embed scientific rigor within traditional medicine.

These honors are a testament to his tireless efforts in research, education, and global collaboration. Consequently, they validate the importance of his contributions to the field and his role as a thought leader shaping the future of healthcare.

• Chang Jiang Scholar Professor: This is one of China’s most prestigious academic honors, awarded by the Ministry of Education to recognize and support leading scholars who have made exceptional contributions to their fields.
• Recipient of Over 30 Research Grants: He has successfully secured significant funding from a diverse range of international and national bodies, demonstrating the high level of confidence the scientific community has in his research programs and vision.

Leadership in Global Health Governance

Professor Jianping Liu‘s influence extends far beyond his research and academic appointments. He has held numerous leadership positions in key international and national organizations, where he has actively shaped the policies, standards, and future direction of integrative and complementary medicine. His involvement in these bodies is instrumental in translating research evidence into tangible global health strategies.

Through these roles, he has championed the cause of evidence-based practice and fostered a global community of researchers dedicated to high-quality investigation of traditional medicine. This work is crucial for building institutional capacity and ensuring that the integration of TCIM into health systems is guided by sound scientific principles. His leadership directly contributes to the implementation of the WHO’s strategic goals.

• Advisor for Traditional Medicine: World Health Organization (WHO), where he provides expert counsel on global policies and strategies.
• Past President: International Society for Complementary Medicine Research (ISCMR), the leading international society for researchers in the field.
• Chair: Cochrane China Network, leading the promotion of evidence synthesis and dissemination within China.
• Advisor: Cochrane Complementary Medicine, contributing his expertise to one of the most respected bodies for systematic reviews.
• Past Chair: Evidence-based Medicine Committee, Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine (CAIM), where he was instrumental in promoting rigorous research standards nationally.

Connect with Professor Jianping Liu

To further explore the extensive research, publications, and professional activities of Professor Jianping Liu, you can consult his official profiles on various academic and professional platforms. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of his impactful contributions to evidence-based traditional and integrative medicine.

ORCID Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0320-061X

Google Scholar: View Publications and Citations

UiT The Arctic University of Norway Profile: View Faculty Profile

Cochrane Community Profile: View Cochrane Contributions