Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68185
RESEARCH CONFERENCES A Report on the Highlighting Massage Therapy in CIM Research Conference Panel presentations are a useful tool for provoking discussion and often raise many more questions than answers. Research conferences offer an engaging environment to do more than listen to presentations on research. Conferences are an opportunity to interact with research, to feel a part of the process of discovery and inquiry. Academic debate is encouraged: time is provided after each research presentation for peers and clinicians to critique a researcher's work, offering compliments and constructive criticisms on the study, and suggestions for future research. Groups gather at breaks and during structured networking sessions to explore pertinent topics, such as how to better study the therapeutic relationship, if specific techniques are effective for certain populations, and how massage really works. Collaborations are born during poster sessions, combining fields of study to enhance the quality of information uncovered. Therapists and researchers connect to fulfill teams for upcoming projects, ensuring people with massage expertise are involved in the studies. Conferences can be a stimulating environment for all level of participants, from the top researchers receiving million- dollar grants to the budding somatic therapist trying to understand how research impacts their new profession. While I may be biased because of my role as planning chair, I do believe the Massage Therapy Foundation's Highlighting Massage Therapy in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) Research (Highlighting) conference, held in Seattle, Washington, May 13- 15, 2010, was an interactive event of extraordinary proportions. NEWCOMERS TO RESEARCH Not only were current research findings specific to massage and bodywork presented at the Highlighting conference—much of which had yet-to- be published—but unique opportunities were provided to practitioners new to the world of research. A goal of the conference was to level the playing field and promote open dialogue between clinicians and researchers. In the opening remarks of the conference, guidelines for engagement were provided to the practitioners, explaining the process of academic debate and encouraging participation. Additionally, clinicians were counseled to keep an open mind, understanding that new information might refute theories previously held as truths. Researchers were cautioned connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 115