Industry & Collaborations
Our research and innovation are supported through strong partnerships with industry leaders, regulatory agencies, academic institutions, and government bodies.
A legacy of strong and enduring partnerships
For over 30 years, our collaborations with industry leaders, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and government agencies have been central to advancing research in natural products. These partnerships allow us to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in health, agriculture, and sustainability while ensuring that our work is impactful, scientifically rigorous, and aligned with the highest standards.
"FDA has determined that UM-NCNPR is the only institution with the unique capability of providing a broad range of highly relevant scientific expertise and facilities that are physically co-located and singularly dedicated to natural products research. - Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Key research partners
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Academic Institutions
By partnering with top universities and research centers around the world, we combine our expertise in natural product science with the rich ideas and resources of academic institutions. This fosters a global exchange of knowledge that accelerates the development and application of natural solutions, such as through joint research projects and clinical trials. Academic institutions we’ve collaborated with include: Harvard Medical School, Johannes Gutenberg University, Western Sydney University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
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Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP)
NCNPR works with the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP), a Defense Center of Excellence at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. CHAMP is dedicated to optimizing the health and performance of Service Members, their families, retirees, and all Department of Defense personnel.
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Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN)
NCNPR collaborates with the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN), an initiative focused on studying liver injury caused by pharmaceutical and dietary products. DILIN’s work involves identifying, analyzing, and understanding the causes of liver damage, including herb-drug interactions.
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Since 2001, NCNPR has been funded by the FDA to develop analytical methods and reference standards for botanical formulations in dietary supplements. This essential research supports the FDA’s strategy to improve the quality and safety of products in the multi-billion dollar supplement market. As an FDA Center of Excellence, NCNPR also provides training to FDA field inspectors, helping ensure regulatory compliance and safety across the industry.
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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NCNPR has worked closely with NIDA for decades, playing a critical role in cannabis research. Through a longstanding federal contract, we have helped standardize cannabis products for research purposes, contributing to studies that explore the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH)
As one of the leading research institutions in the world, the NIH has been a key partner in supporting NCNPR’s work in drug discovery, natural product safety, and therapeutic applications. In 2020, NCNPR received a nearly $6 million grant from the NIH to study the use of popular oral supplements in promoting resilience against viral infections, leading to the establishment of the Botanical Dietary Supplements Research Center at NCNPR.
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Private Industry Partners
NCNPR collaborates with various private industry partners to advance research and development in natural products. A notable example is our partnership with dōTERRA, a health and wellness company specializing in essential oils. In March 2022, NCNPR and dōTERRA entered into a five-year research agreement to establish quality standards for the essential oil industry, focusing on studying the chemometrics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and metabolomics of essential oils, aiming to produce multiple peer-reviewed studies that will serve the broader scientific community.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
NCNPR collaborates closely with the USDA, particularly with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), to develop natural products for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. Key projects include the development of natural insect repellents, antifungal agents, and treatments for diseases caused by protozoans. NCNPR’s partnership with the USDA also focuses on discovering new natural products for use in pest management, cancer treatments, and skin care.
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ICSB Conference
The International Conference on the Science of Botanicals (ICSB) is a premier event supported by a cooperative agreement between the NCNPR and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It brings together experts from around the world to explore the latest advancements in botanical research, product development, and regulatory science. ICSB plays a key role in advancing the science of natural products, with a focus on safety, efficacy, and sustainability.
Enhance your expertise with specialized training
Our legacy of collaboration extends beyond research partnerships—it includes empowering professionals in the natural products industry through specialized training. Whether you're looking to build foundational knowledge or refine advanced skills, our Natural Products Training Laboratory (NPTL) offers expert-led courses designed for professionals across the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, and regulatory fields.