Stephan Baumgartner

Biography and Expertise of Stephan Baumgartner

Prof. Dr. Stephan Baumgartner represents a unique convergence of disciplines, bringing the precision of physics and the systemic perspective of environmental science to the complex field of complementary and integrative medicine. His professional journey is characterized by a commitment to building a robust scientific foundation for practices like homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine, which are often misunderstood in mainstream discourse. This mission places him at the forefront of efforts to bridge the gap between traditional healing systems and modern evidence-based standards.

His work directly engages with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Professor Baumgartner’s focus on basic, preclinical, and clinical research, alongside systematic reviews, provides the high-quality evidence needed to assess the safety and efficacy of these modalities. Therefore, his research is instrumental for health policymakers and practitioners seeking to integrate TCIM responsibly into national health systems, a core objective of the World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

Beyond generating data, the work of Stephan Baumgartner champions the congress motto’s pillar of “Knowledge Diversity.” He demonstrates that different paradigms of healing can and should be subjected to rigorous scientific inquiry. His methodical approach helps to translate the experiential knowledge embedded in homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine into a language that is legible to the global scientific community. This process is essential for fostering mutual respect and collaboration between different medical traditions, ultimately creating a more holistic and inclusive model of public health for the benefit of well-being societies worldwide.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Prof. Dr. Stephan Baumgartner shows a steady progression from research scientist to academic leader at prestigious European institutions. His career is focused on organizations pivotal to complementary and integrative medicine, contributing to research, education, and institutional development. Each role has expanded his influence and deepened his expertise.

His affiliations with centers in Switzerland and Germany have fostered cross-border collaboration, enriching his research perspective. This binational engagement has positioned him as a key figure in the German-speaking academic community for TCIM, reflecting a deep commitment to institutionalizing the scientific study of these medical systems.

• 2023 – Present: Professor at the University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany, recognizing his substantial contributions to research and teaching in experimental medicine.
• 2019 – Present: Deputy Director of the Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine at the University of Bern, Switzerland. In this role, he helps shape the strategic direction of a leading European institute.
• 2011 – Present: Senior Research Scientist at the University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany, where he continues to lead and contribute to key research projects.
• 2009 – Present: Lecturer at the University of Bern, responsible for educating the next generation of medical and pharmaceutical professionals.
• 1996 – 2008: Senior Research Scientist at both the Hiscia Institute (Society for Cancer Research, Arlesheim) and the Institute of Complementary Medicine at the University of Bern, where he developed his foundational research portfolio.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Prof. Dr. Stephan Baumgartner is exceptionally interdisciplinary, providing him with a powerful and distinct analytical toolkit for his research in integrative medicine. His education began in the hard sciences, instilling a rigorous, methodical approach that he would later apply to the nuanced questions of biological and medical systems. This unique background sets him apart and enriches his capacity for innovative research design.

His progression from physics to environmental sciences and finally to experimental medicine demonstrates a clear intellectual path toward understanding complex, living systems from multiple perspectives. This journey culminated in achieving the highest academic qualification in the German system, the Habilitation, solidifying his status as an independent and authoritative scholar.

• 2013: Habilitation in Experimental Medicine (University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany). This is the highest academic qualification a scholar can achieve in Germany. It signifies the ability to independently lead a research field and is a prerequisite for a full professorship.
• 1995: PhD in Environmental Sciences (Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland). Earning a doctorate from ETH Zurich, one of the world’s top science and technology universities, provided him with a deep understanding of complex ecological systems, a perspective highly relevant to holistic medical approaches.
• 1990: Master in Experimental Physics (University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland). His initial training in physics equipped him with strong quantitative skills and a foundational understanding of the physical laws governing natural phenomena, shaping his evidence-oriented mindset.

Research and Publications

The research program led by Prof. Dr. Stephan Baumgartner is comprehensive and methodologically robust, covering the full spectrum of scientific investigation from the laboratory to the clinic. His work is primarily focused on homeopathy and anthroposophic medicine, two modalities that require sophisticated research models to properly evaluate their mechanisms and outcomes. His approach is designed to build a layered and coherent body of evidence.

His research activities can be categorized into four key areas. First, basic research investigates fundamental mechanisms, often using in-vitro models to explore the effects of preparations at a cellular level. Second, preclinical research uses more complex biological systems to assess safety and efficacy before human trials. Third, Stephan Baumgartner engages in clinical research, testing interventions directly in patient populations. Finally, he conducts systematic reviews, which synthesize all available evidence on a topic to provide a high-level overview for clinicians and policymakers.

This multi-tiered strategy is crucial for establishing credibility and providing the data required by regulatory bodies and healthcare systems. The impressive output of this work includes 99 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 75 other scientific publications. This extensive publication record not only demonstrates his productivity but also his success in communicating his findings through the rigorous process of peer review, thereby contributing significantly to the global scientific discourse on TCIM.

Institutional Leadership and Educational Contributions

Prof. Dr. Stephan Baumgartner significantly influences complementary and integrative medicine through key leadership roles at European institutions. These positions involve strategic planning, administrative oversight, and mentoring, essential for the discipline’s sustainable growth. His leadership helps ensure research and education in TCIM meet the highest academic standards.

His work aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis on “TCIM Education and Training.” By developing curricula and mentoring students, he builds the human capital needed to integrate these practices safely and effectively into future healthcare models. His work is vital for creating a competent generation of practitioners and researchers.

• Deputy Director, Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (University of Bern): He contributes to the institute’s management and academic strategy, fostering rigorous research and high-quality education.
• Head of Research and Development (Society for Cancer Research): He guides the research agenda on anthroposophic approaches in oncology, a critical public health area.
• Professor and Lecturer (University of Witten/Herdecke and University of Bern): Teaches medicine and pharmaceutical sciences students, ensuring an education that includes an evidence-based perspective on TCIM.
• Thesis Advisor and Mentor: Guides Master’s and PhD students, shaping the next generation of researchers.
• Professional Formations: Provides continuing education for physicians, pharmacists, and homeopathic practitioners, elevating the standard of professional care.

Connect with Prof. Dr. Baumgartner

For more detailed information on the work of Prof. Dr. Stephan Baumgartner, including his extensive list of publications and ongoing research projects, please consult his official profiles at his affiliated institutions. These resources offer direct insight into his significant contributions to the scientific understanding of complementary and integrative medicine.

Official Profile at University of Bern: View Professional Profile

Research Profile at Society for Cancer Research: View Research Group Profile

Scientific Publications on ORCID: View Complete Publication List