NDWRH Announces Two New MSc Programmes!

Applications are now open for a a two-year, part-time MSc in Global Women’s Health, and a one-year full-time MSc in Reproductive Genetics.

A new paradigm of pancreatic islet adaptations in pregnancy

Surprising insights into how the pancreas adapts during pregnancy to meet the body’s increased demand for insulin. Findings challenge long-standing assumptions based on animal studies and highlight key differences between human and mouse biology.

No evidence that Paracetamol use in pregnancy causes ASD

Current evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder. A 2025 review of pivotal studies concluded that in-utero exposure to paracetamol is unlikely to confer an increased risk of ASD. Guidelines on treating pain and fever in pregnancy should not change.

Teenage period pain linked to higher risk of chronic pain in adulthood

Teenagers who experience moderate or severe period pain are significantly more likely to develop chronic pain in adulthood, according to a major new study from the University of Oxford, funded by the Medical Research Foundation.

Babies made using three people's DNA are born free of hereditary disease

The technique involves combining DNA from the biological parents with healthy mitochondria from a female donor. Prof. Poulton explains more.

Disrupted Protein Aggregation a Potential Early Trigger in Alzheimer’s Disease

The research, led by Prof Deborah Goberdhan & Prof Clive Wilson reveals that the Alzheimer’s-associated Aβ-peptide disrupts a normal and essential process of protein aggregation within cells, potentially triggering a cascade of damage.

Katy Vincent and Jean Campbells interview discussing Chronic Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis

Professor Katy Vincent and Jean Campbell (chronic pain sufferer and model) discuss the staggering scale and impact on women and girls, from untreated period pain in adolescence to endometriosis, painful sex and fertility.The video is now available to watch below, or read the transcript.

Advancing women's & reproductive health through research and education

Welcome to the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health (NDWRH) – a pioneering centre of excellence in research, education, and clinical innovation since 1937.

As part of the Medical Sciences Division (MSD) at the University of Oxford, the largest of the University’s four academic divisions, we are proud to contribute to one of the world’s most vibrant biomedical and clinical research communities. MSD brings together more than 5,000 academics, researchers, NHS clinicians, general practitioners, and professional staff, alongside 1,500 graduate and 1,600 undergraduate students.

Together, we advance discovery, deliver medical education, and provide world-leading research. At NDWRH, we continue to build on this strong foundation, driving forward scientific understanding and innovation in women’s and reproductive health to improve lives locally and globally.

Read our Annual Report

Vision Statement

Our vision is a world in which there is access to high quality, evidence-based women’s and reproductive health(care) for all.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to advance women's and reproductive health through research and teaching and to improve the quality and delivery of women's healthcare across the globe.

About us

Explore our website to learn about our impactful research groups, postgraduate education options, and clinical research studies. Visit our About Us page to learn more about our department.

Study with us

Oxford is one of the world’s leading centres for research and teaching in women’s and reproductive health.

By studying with us, students become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community, working alongside world-class researchers and clinicians. They benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise spanning areas such as infertility, gynaecological cancers, maternal health, and global healthcare inequalities.

Learn more

Scientific Research

Over 30 cutting-edge research groups at NDWRH are led by world-renowned experts. Our researchers collaborate across the University of Oxford and with leading universities, healthcare institutions, and industry partners worldwide to drive innovation that benefits women and families globally.

We’re deeply grateful to our supporters and funders, whose generosity makes this work possible.

Learn more

Volunteer for Clinical Studies

The Clinical Research Group (CRG) conducts high-quality, inclusive research in women’s and reproductive health, advancing evidence-based care worldwide through a patient-centred approach.

Our multidisciplinary team of nurses, clinicians, scientists, and support staff collaborates to deliver impactful studies in maternal health, childbirth, neonatal care, reproductive health, and gynaecology.

Learn more

Latest publications

Illusory finger stretching and somatosensory responses
Journal article

Hansford KJ. et al, (2025), Neuropsychologia, 217, 109243 - 109243
Effect of supine or semi-recumbent positions on arterial stiffness among pregnant women
Journal article

Ali S. et al, (2025), Pregnancy Hypertension, 41
Subclinical Postpartum Renal Structure After Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders.
Journal article

Cutler HR. et al, (2025), Hypertension
First trimester maternal infections and offspring congenital heart defects: a meta-analysis.
Journal article

Su H. et al, (2025), Eur Heart J

Our five research themes

Cancer

Led by Karin Hellner and coordinated by Mara Artibani, our Cancer theme focuses on eradicating HPV infections, utilising nanoparticles for cancer therapy, and discovering targeted treatments for ovarian cancer.

Global Health

Led by Aris Papageorghiou and coordinated by Nicole Votruba, our Global Health theme addresses challenges such as cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopment, deep medicine and mental health.

Maternal & Fetal Health

Led by Fadil Hannan and coordinated by Reza Soltaninejad, our Maternal & Fetal Health theme investigates lactation, fetal health imaging, labor monitoring, placental health and pre-eclampsia.

Our Reproductive Medicine & Genetics research covers the following research groups: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART); Endometriosis; Fertility Preservation; Miscarriage; Oocytes and Ovaries; Pain in Women; Rhino Fertility Project and Sperm.

Reproductive Medicine and Genetics

Led by Suzannah Williams and coordinated by Lydia Coxon, our Reproductive Medicine & Genetics theme research includes assisted reproductive technology, endometriosis, fertility preservation, miscarriage.

Data Science

Led by Kazem Rahimi and coordinated by Nilufer Rahmioglu, our Data Science theme researches the use of AI and deep learning technology across the other 4 research groups.

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NDWRH Announces Two New MSc Programmes!

Advancing women's & reproductive health through research and education

Vision Statement

Mission Statement

About us

Study with us

Scientific Research

Volunteer for Clinical Studies

Latest publications

Our five research themes

Cancer