Jon Wardle

Biography and Expertise of Jon Wardle

Professor Jon Wardle has established himself as a pivotal figure in bridging the gap between traditional medicine and evidence-based public health. His career is characterized by a commitment to integrating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into national and global health systems. Consequently, his work directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s mission of fostering knowledge diversity and strengthening public health infrastructures worldwide.

His leadership at Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine is a testament to this commitment. There, he guides research and educational initiatives that translate traditional knowledge into scientifically validated practices. This approach embodies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which calls for the application of science and evidence to traditional medicine. Therefore, his contributions are critical to Thematic Axis 2 of the congress, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems,” by providing actionable models for policy and practice.

Furthermore, Professor Wardle’s influence extends to global health policy through his role as Co-lead of the TCIM Working Group for the World Federation of Public Health Associations. This position places him at the center of international dialogues aimed at implementing the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. His efforts in promoting South-South collaboration and sharing best practices make him an essential voice at the first WCTCIM held in Latin America, championing a future where diverse medical traditions contribute to creating healthier, well-being societies.

Professional Career of Jon Wardle

The professional trajectory of Professor Jon Wardle is distinguished by a dynamic progression from clinical practice to influential academic and policy roles. His journey began with over two decades of hands-on experience as both a nurse and a naturopath, which provided him with a deep understanding of patient care. This clinical foundation later informed his transition into academia, where he has held numerous prestigious positions at leading institutions across the globe.

His career path reflects a dedication to building bridges between different healthcare paradigms, a theme that resonates strongly with the 3rd WCTCIM’s focus on integrative health. His leadership roles have consistently involved advancing research, education, and policy in the field of TCIM.

• 2020 – Present: Professor of Public Health & Foundation Director, National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University
• 2019 – Present: Visiting Professor, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford
• 2014 – 2020: Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney
• 2012 – 2014: Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney
• 2014 – 2015: Research Fellow (Faculty Exchange), School of Medicine, Boston University
• 2010 – 2011: Trans-Pacific Research Fellow, School of Medicine, University of Washington
• 2008 – 2011: Lecturer, School of Population Health, University of Queensland
• 2005 – 2010: Lecturer/Clinical Lecturer, Australian College of Natural Medicine

Academic Qualifications

Professor Jon Wardle possesses a remarkably comprehensive academic background that uniquely positions him at the intersection of clinical practice, public health, law, and economics. This multidisciplinary education provides the robust framework necessary for his sophisticated analysis of complex health systems and policy challenges. His qualifications demonstrate a lifelong commitment to rigorous intellectual inquiry and a holistic understanding of health and well-being.

Beyond his initial clinical training, he pursued advanced degrees that equipped him to address the structural and regulatory aspects of integrating TCIM into mainstream healthcare. This diverse expertise is crucial for developing the evidence-based and legally sound health policies advocated by the WHO and the 3rd WCTCIM.

• 2017: Postgraduate Diploma in Health Economics, University of Aberdeen
• 2014: Master of Health and Medical Law, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne
• 2012: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health, School of Population Health, University of Queensland
• 2007: Master of Public Health (MPH), School of Population Health, University of Queensland
• 2004: Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), Australian College of Natural Medicine
• 1998: Diploma of Nursing, Central Queensland Institute of TAFE / Central Queensland University

Research, Grants, and Publications

Professor Jon Wardle is a prolific and highly respected researcher whose work is centered on public health, health policy, and health services research, with a specialized focus on TCIM. His capacity to secure significant research funding, totaling over $35 million in the last decade, highlights the impact and relevance of his work. This funding has supported a wide range of projects aimed at building a robust evidence base for integrative medicine.

His research portfolio directly addresses critical global health challenges and aligns with the congress’s Thematic Axis 3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health.” Projects explore the role of TCIM in mental health, veteran care, First Nations health, and disaster recovery, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving outcomes in underserved populations. For instance, recent grants focus on healing climate-related trauma and integrating traditional approaches into veteran care for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions.

Moreover, his scholarly output includes foundational texts and high-impact articles that shape the field. He is the co-editor of the seminal textbook Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice, a key resource for practitioners. His publications in journals like BMJ Global Health on WHO-supported country experiences in TCIM integration showcase his influence on global health policy. This body of work provides the scientific validation necessary to advance the goals of the Gujarat Declaration and promote evidence-informed decision-making in healthcare systems worldwide.

Key Appointments and Recognitions

Professor Jon Wardle‘s expertise is widely recognized through his appointments to numerous influential national and international bodies. These roles underscore his standing as a leading authority in health policy and TCIM, allowing him to shape evidence-based guidelines and professional standards on a global scale. His involvement in these organizations is a testament to the trust placed in his leadership and scholarship by governments, academic institutions, and civil society.

These prestigious appointments reflect a career dedicated to service and the advancement of public health. Through these positions, he actively contributes to the development of policies that foster the safe and effective integration of traditional and complementary medicine into healthcare systems, a central theme of the 3rd WCTCIM.

• Visiting Professor at the Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading academic centers for primary care.
• Deputy Chair of the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Natural Therapies Working Group, influencing national policy.
• Co-lead of the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine Working Group for the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), shaping the global public health agenda.
• Founding Secretary-General of the World Naturopathic Federation (2016-2022), where he was instrumental in establishing a global voice for the naturopathic profession.
• Executive Member of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), contributing to national public health advocacy and policy.

Board and Committee Activities of Jon Wardle

Professor Jon Wardle actively contributes his expertise to a wide array of boards and committees, spanning government, civil society, and academia. His service in these roles is critical for translating research into tangible policy and practice. Consequently, his committee work plays a vital part in building the institutional and regulatory frameworks necessary for the successful integration of TCIM into diverse health systems.

His engagement reflects a deep-seated commitment to collaborative governance and the development of robust, evidence-informed health policy. These activities ensure that discussions on public health are inclusive of TCIM perspectives, directly aligning with the 3rd WCTCIM’s goal of fostering dialogue between different knowledge systems.

Government & Policy

• Deputy Chair, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Natural Therapies Working Group
• Deputy Chair, Australian Commonwealth Department of Health Natural Therapies Evaluation and Assessment Committee

Civil Society & Global Health

• Executive Member, Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
• Convenor, Traditional Medicine Special Interest Group, Public Health Association of Australia
• Co-lead, Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine Working Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

Academic Leadership

• Cluster Lead, Harvest to Health Research Cluster, Southern Cross University
• Member, Editorial boards for 8 international peer-reviewed journals in public health, primary care, and traditional medicine.

Connect with Professor Jon Wardle

Further explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Professor Jon Wardle through his official academic profiles and professional networks. These platforms provide detailed information on his research, publications, and ongoing projects that are shaping the future of public health and integrative medicine.

Official University Profile: Southern Cross University Profile

Visiting Professor Profile: University of Oxford Profile

LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn

Google Scholar: View Publications on Google Scholar