What We Do
Closing the Gap in Women’s Health Research
Until the 1990s, health research has focused primarily on men despite women and men presenting different symptoms and responding differently to medications and treatments. In addition, women receive different care based on social norms and implicit bias.
Our work is aimed at changing biased research by supporting researchers’ work that considers the distinct but linked concepts of sex and gender differences—both of which impact women’s health and well-being. By focusing our research on, but not limiting it to, the diseases that most threaten women’s health, we are discovering life-saving preventative measures. From reducing obesity and treating diabetes in adolescent girls to pioneering technological advances to better identify and treat heart failure in women across the lifespan. Our mission is clear:
Healthy Women. Healthy World
Research Areas
Cardiovascular Disease
Our researchers are filling the gap in knowledge, informing the development and testing of treatments to benefit both women and men, helping the public to recognize signs of heart disease in women and guiding health care providers to better evaluate and treat heart conditions in women.
Diabetes & Metabolism
Our scientists are finding answers to inform diabetes prevention and management and providing women with tools to break the cycle of disease in their own lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Intersection of Mental & Physical Health
Our researchers are addressing patients' critical needs, including how to help manage the anxiety that women with certain types of heart disease often experience. The early-life biological origins of depression is also being investigated to better inform diagnoses and treatment approaches with the goal of finding a cure.
Empowering Opportunities for the Public & the Scientific Community
Funding for Early-Career Researchers
Through seed grants, the BIRCWH scholars program and additional awards, we help further the careers and ground-breaking research of scientists who study women’s health and sex and gender differences.
Research Events & Trainings
From our National Conference on Women's Health to the Annual Women's Health Symposium, we draw researchers from our campus and around the world to network, learn and advance their research and provide world-class mentoring.
Community Events
The Ludeman Center's community events provide educational opportunities on a variety of women's health issues offered to the public. From the annual Girls Career Day event to the quarterly Let's Talk lecture series, there are many ways to get involved.
Support Our Vision for Better Healthcare For All
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