Thomas Ostermann

Academic Foundations and Early Career

Professor Ostermann embarked on his distinguished academic and research career with a robust educational background, initially training as a mathematician. This rigorous grounding in quantitative methods and analytical thinking provided a unique and powerful lens through which he would later approach complex issues in health sciences. Consequently, this mathematical expertise became a cornerstone of his innovative research methodologies.

He successfully earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the specialized area of speech recognition. This doctoral research was conducted at the Department of Physiology at Witten/Herdecke University, culminating in 1998. This early work already signaled his interest in the intersection of human physiology and advanced analytical techniques.

Following the completion of his PhD, Professor Ostermann transitioned into a Post-Doctoral Researcher position. He undertook this role at the prestigious Chair of Theory of Medicine and Complementary Medicine, also within Witten/Herdecke University. It was during this formative period that his focus began to sharpen significantly on the burgeoning field of complementary and integrative medicine, laying the groundwork for his future contributions.

Pioneering Projects and Foundational Initiatives

A significant phase in Professor Ostermann’s career involved leading groundbreaking projects that have had a lasting impact on the field of integrative medicine. For instance, between 2003 and 2006, he initiated and skillfully managed the OPEN-CAM project. This ambitious undertaking received crucial funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG), a testament to its perceived importance and potential.

The primary outcome of the OPEN-CAM project was the creation of CAMbase (www.cambase.de). This comprehensive literature database quickly became an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking evidence-based information on integrative medicine. Therefore, the success and visibility of CAMbase, coupled with other synergistic initiatives driven by Professor Thomas Ostermann, directly contributed to a major collaborative milestone.

Specifically, these efforts culminated in the founding of the International Collaboration on Complementary Therapy Resources (ICCR) in 2007. This international body aimed to foster global cooperation in the development and dissemination of resources for complementary therapies. Additionally, Professor Ostermann’s commitment to advancing specialized therapeutic areas continued to grow.

In 2008, he was deeply involved in the founding impulse that led to the establishment of the Research Association of Creative Arts Therapies in Germany. This organization was a critical step in formalizing and promoting research in this expressive and therapeutic domain. Subsequently, this association evolved and was formally established as the Scientific Society for Creative Art Therapies (Wissenschaftliche Fachgesellschaft für Künstlerische Therapien – WFKT) in 2017. Professor Ostermann has maintained his dedication to this field, actively serving as a board member for WFKT and helping to guide its strategic development and research agenda.

Academic Appointments and Leadership Roles at Witten/Herdecke University

Professor Ostermann’s academic trajectory at Witten/Herdecke University is marked by progressively significant appointments, reflecting his growing expertise and leadership within the institution. In 2010, the university recognized his contributions by appointing him to the Assistant Professorship for Research Methodology and Information Systems in Complementary Medicine. This role was pivotal, allowing him to dedicate focused effort to developing and teaching advanced research methodologies tailored to the unique challenges of studying complementary medicine, alongside managing complex information systems related to this field.

His academic achievements continued to be acknowledged, and in 2015, he was appointed to the newly established and prestigious Chair for Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology. This significant appointment underscored his leading role in shaping how psychological research is designed, conducted, and analyzed, both within Witten/Herdecke University and in the broader academic community. Moreover, this position enabled Professor Ostermann to further integrate statistical rigor into psychological and health services research.

Beyond his research and teaching, Professor Ostermann has also demonstrated strong leadership capabilities. Since 2016, his colleagues have elected him as the Head of the Department for Psychology and Psychotherapy at Witten/Herdecke University. In this capacity, he provides strategic direction and administrative oversight for the department, fostering an environment conducive to innovative research and high-quality education in psychology and psychotherapy. This leadership role is a testament to the respect he commands among his peers.

Core Research Interests and Profound Contributions of Thomas Ostermann

Professor Thomas Ostermann‘s research is characterized by its methodological rigor and its direct relevance to improving healthcare practices and understanding human well-being. His work spans several critical domains within health services research, psychology, and integrative medicine. Consequently, his contributions have advanced both theoretical understanding and practical applications in these fields.

Thomas Ostermann’s Work on Advanced Statistical Methods

A primary focus of Professor Ostermann’s research involves the sophisticated development and innovative application of statistical methods tailored for Health Services Research and Psychology. He recognizes the unique challenges in these areas, such as dealing with complex data structures and the need for nuanced interpretations. Therefore, he has dedicated considerable effort to refining analytical approaches.

His specific interests within this domain are diverse and impactful. For example, he has conducted significant research on the detection and quantification of regression to the mean effects, a common statistical phenomenon that can often be misinterpreted in health intervention studies. Furthermore, Professor Ostermann has delved deeply into the complex analysis of placebo effects, seeking to better understand their mechanisms and implications for clinical trial design and interpretation. Another key area of his statistical work involves the research and practical application of common language effect sizes in meta-analytic research. This work aims to make research findings more accessible and understandable to a broader audience, including clinicians and policymakers, thereby facilitating the translation of research into practice. The insights from Thomas Ostermann in these areas are frequently cited.

Innovations in Digital Aspects of Creative Arts Therapies

Professor Ostermann is also a prominent figure in the burgeoning field of digital applications within Creative Arts Therapies. He is strongly involved in research exploring how technology can enhance and expand the reach of these therapeutic modalities. This includes pioneering work in the development and evaluation of E-Health and M-Health (mobile health) applications designed to support creative arts interventions.

A notable example of his innovative work in this area is the research into the use of a digital drawing app. This app is being investigated as a tool for the early detection of dementia, showcasing a creative fusion of technology, art, and neuroscience. Such projects highlight his commitment to leveraging digital tools to address significant health challenges and improve patient outcomes. These developments are crucial for making therapies more accessible and scalable.

Current Research Focus: Enhancing Care for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Currently, a significant portion of Professor Ostermann’s research is dedicated to a particularly vital and often underserved area: the evaluation of psychotherapeutic and integrative medical interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. This focus reflects his dedication to ensuring that evidence-based and holistic care approaches are available to all populations.

His work in this domain aims to build a stronger evidence base for interventions that can improve the quality of life, mental health, and overall well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This research is critical for informing clinical practice and policy, ensuring that care for this population is both effective and person-centered. Professor Thomas Ostermann continues to drive impactful studies in this area.

Widespread Impact and Esteemed Recognition

Over three decades of dedicated research, Professor Thomas Ostermann has cultivated a significant and far-reaching impact on the fields of integrative medicine, psychology, and health services research. His work is not only voluminous but also highly influential, shaping methodologies, informing policy, and advancing therapeutic practices. Consequently, he is a widely recognized and respected figure both nationally in Germany and internationally.

Extensive Publications and Influential Editorial Roles

Professor Ostermann’s prolific research output is a testament to his sustained commitment to advancing knowledge. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, a remarkable achievement that highlights the breadth and depth of his scholarly contributions. These publications appear in respected academic journals, disseminating his findings to a global audience of researchers and practitioners.

Beyond his own research, he actively contributes to the scholarly communication process by serving as an editorial board member for a variety of distinguished journals in the field of integrative medicine. These include prominent publications such as “Research in Complementary Medicine,” “Complementary Therapies in Medicine,” and the “Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.” His involvement in these editorial capacities helps to uphold rigorous standards and foster the dissemination of high-quality research in the field. This work by Thomas Ostermann ensures the quality of published research.

Sought-After Expertise and Key Advisory Contributions

Professor Ostermann’s expertise is frequently sought by numerous prestigious national and international organizations. He serves as a frequently requested expert for the German Research Foundation (DFG) on matters related to clinical studies, providing critical insights for funding decisions. Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (DLR/BMBF) in Germany often calls upon his expertise.

His advisory influence extends beyond Germany’s borders. He is a valued expert for the Swiss National Science Foundation, the esteemed Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation, and the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (DAAD). These roles underscore the international recognition of his knowledge and judgment in research evaluation and academic development. Furthermore, Professor Ostermann has also been instrumental as an expert in the accreditation of degree programs. His involvement ensures that educational offerings in the field of integrative medicine and psychology meet high standards of quality and rigor, thereby shaping the future generation of professionals in these areas.

Access Professor Thomas Ostermann’s full list of publications and contributions via ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2695-0701