Dr Alison Maunder is an early career researcher in women’s health and complementary and integrative medicine at the NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University (WSU). Her work focuses on improving outcomes for women by combining evidence-based complementary therapies — in particular naturopathy — with whole-person models of care and their integration into mainstream healthcare. Her research spans the full translational pipeline, from identifying research gaps and co-designing solutions, through to clinical trials, evidence synthesis, and guideline development, with a strong commitment to integrative health and equity for all women.

Dr Maunder works with Western Sydney Integrative Health (WSIH), WSU’s academic integrative medicine clinic, and co-leads its research program to develop and implement shared medical appointments.

As NICM’s representative to the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF), Dr Maunder contributes to the WNF Evidence Map of Antimicrobial Resistance, reflecting her commitment to advancing the evidence base for naturopathic medicine on a global scale.

Her research has informed national and international clinical guidelines for the use of complementary therapies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), endometriosis, infertility, and menopause. Competitive research metrics include a Field-Weighted Citation Impact of 2.22, h-index of 6, and 17 peer-reviewed publications (83% in Q1 journals).

Dr Maunder completed her PhD, titled “The Role of Naturopathy for Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve,” at Western Sydney University. She also strives to increase research capacity within the naturopathic profession and is actively involved in mentoring. She is an Editorial Board Member for the Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. 

Dr Maunder is a women’s health and naturopathic medicine researcher. She applies mixed-methods, evidence synthesis, and translational approaches to identify research gaps, co-design solutions, and develop and evaluate complementary and integrative medicine interventions for women’s health across the full research pipeline — from clinical trials through to guideline development.

Her research encompasses naturopathic and integrative medicine approaches to women’s reproductive and hormonal health, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), diminished ovarian reserve, infertility, endometriosis, and menopause. She combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies — including longitudinal population-based data analysis, clinical trials, systematic and umbrella reviews, and Cochrane reviews — to ensure rigorous and comprehensive evaluation.

Building research capacity within the naturopathic profession is a central commitment for Dr Maunder. She leads the development of a mentorship program for naturopathic researchers at NICM, supervises higher degree research students, and actively engages with national and international naturopathic organisations. She is also committed to translating research into practice through implementation in integrative health settings and collaboration with professional associations.

•       Women’s reproductive and hormonal health (infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, POI, menopause)

•       Naturopathic and complementary medicine research methodologies

•       Mixed-methods research, evidence synthesis, and systematic/umbrella reviews

•       Shared medical appointments and integrative models of care

•       Research capacity building and mentorship in the naturopathic profession

•       Translation of research into clinical guidelines and practice

•       Stakeholder engagement and co-design in healthcare research