Celebrating 30 Years of Leadership at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research

At Palmer College of Chiropractic, research isn’t just a pillar of our institution—it’s a driving force behind the evolution of chiropractic care. For 30 years, the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research (PCCR) has led the way as the largest and most highly funded chiropractic research center in the U.S., transforming how we understand, deliver, and elevate patient care.

Why Research Matters for Your Future
In today’s health care landscape, evidence-based care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Patients, providers, and policymakers are looking for solutions that are safe, effective, and backed by science. At Palmer, you’ll be part of the institution that’s setting the standard.

Through the Research Honors Program, mentorship from world-renowned faculty, and hands-on involvement in groundbreaking studies, you’ll gain the skills to:

• Interpret and apply scientific literature
• Communicate research to patients and peers
• Contribute to the advancement of chiropractic care
• Explore career opportunities in chiropractic research

Defining Moments in Chiropractic Research—Led by Palmer

Building a Foundation for Evidence-Based Education (2007)
A 10-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Education Grant empowered Palmer to train faculty across campuses in evidence-based clinical practice—embedding research into every aspect of our curriculum. As a student, you’ll learn from faculty who are both expert clinicians and research-informed educators.

Chiropractic in Military Health Systems (2010)
The ACT Trials (Assessment of Chiropractic Treatment I, II, III), funded by the Department of Defense, explored chiropractic’s impact on low back pain, military readiness, and smoking cessation. These studies helped improve the value of chiropractic care in high-performance, high-stress environments.

Read more about ACT

Accelerating Innovation Through Collaboration (2017)
Palmer helped launch the Inter-Institutional Network for Chiropractic Research (IINCR), advancing studies like:

• Chiropractic Care for Episodic Migraine
• CHRONECK Trial: Combining chiropractic care and Tai Chi for people with chronic neck pain

These projects reflect Palmer’s leadership in integrative, patient-centered care.

Optimizing Care for Veterans (2017–2025)
The VERDICT Trial, a $7 million NIH-funded study, is redefining how chiropractic care is delivered to veterans with chronic low back pain. Conducted in partnership with Yale, Dartmouth, Duke, and others, this research will shape care protocols across the Veterans Health Administration.

Read more about VERDICT.

From Research to Real-World Impact
Palmer research doesn’t stay in the lab—it’s applied in clinics, classrooms, and communities. Key initiatives include:

• Research Summary Series
• Clinical Decision Support Tools for low back pain
• Age-Friendly Chiropractic Care
• Low-Value Spine Services Studies to reduce unnecessary procedures

These tools ensure Palmer graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed care from day one.

A Global Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
PCCR partners with leading institutions like Harvard, Yale, and the University of Iowa—creating opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and connect with leaders in chiropractic and medical science.

Faculty at PCCR are recognized globally, with honors including:

• NCMIC-JMPT Louis Sportelli Research Award
• NBCE Best Scientific Paper Award
• NIH Loan Repayment Program Grants
• Fellowship in the American Statistical Association
• Most Highly-Published Chiropractic Researcher
• ACA Researcher of the Year
• ACA Academician of the Year

Your Role in the Future of Chiropractic
At Palmer, research is for everyone—not just faculty. Whether you’re participating in a study, attending a seminar, or collaborating with researchers, you’ll build skills in:

• Scientific inquiry
• Data analysis
• Critical thinking
• Professional communication

These are the tools that will set you apart in a modern, evidence-based health care system.

What’s Next for Chiropractic Science?
PCCR is already exploring the next frontier:

• Quality indicators for chiropractic care
• Collaborative care models for veterans
• Models of healthy aging with chiropractic care

This is research that matters—because it’s shaping the future of care.

Why Palmer? Because Chiropractic Begins Here.
Choosing Palmer means joining the institution that defined chiropractic—and continues to lead it forward. Here, you’ll learn from the legends of the profession, engage in research that changes lives, and become part of the largest network of chiropractic clinicians in the world.

At the heart of it all is the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research—a place where bold questions meet groundbreaking answers. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact, Palmer is where your journey begins.