Research is a central element of the educational activities of BCOM and evidence-based medicine is increasingly being required to demonstrate the efficacy of treatments. Research ideas come to fruition via the Human Performance Laboratory and Hydrotherapy Suite which house state-of-the art equipment used for the studies undertaken at the college. BCOM is involved in a number of areas of research, all of which have direct links to osteopathy and naturopathy. Research studies that have been published by peer review journals and conferences are listed in the publications page on this website.

BCOM has the largest full-time research-dedicated staff in the UK osteopathic sector as well as fully functioning Research and Research Ethics Committees, operating to university standards. The Head of Department is Dr Heather Hinkley. Other notable research staff include Head of Anatomy, Dr Arjmand Saaid, Head of Academic Studies, Dr Simon Dyall, the Principal, Dr Ian Drysdale, as well as others. BCOM is currently experiencing a significant growth in its specifically osteopathic research and is forging new research links with other institutions.

ICAOR

BCOM is the founder and a major contributor to the International Conference on Advances in Osteopathic Research, often known as ICAOR. A comprehensive archive of ICAOR activity is available on this site.

NCOR

BCOM is a stakeholder in National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) which has been set up to act as a unifying body for those parties engaged in osteopathic research in the UK. Representatives from the Osteopathic Institutions, General Osteopathic Council and British Osteopathic Association are included on the Council. The college has initiated research collaboration between the UK osteopathic colleges.