No evidence that Paracetamol use in pregnancy causes ASD

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Study Reveals AI's Potential in Detecting Heart Defects Before Birth

A recent study with insight from Prof. Aris Papageorghiou, published in The Lancet, highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect congenital heart defects (CHDs) in unborn babies, with research conducted by one of our research teams and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.

Advancing women's & reproductive health through research and education

Welcome to the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health (NDWRH), a pioneering institution with a rich legacy dating back to 1937.

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

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.

Study with NDWRH

MSc in Clinical Embryology

This one-year, residential masters provides graduates with advanced theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Below, you will find information on the DPhil and MSc by Research in Women's and Reproductive Health programmes and the process to apply for them. You can also search for an exciting project for your DPhil or, if you have a project in mind, you can find a supervisor to contact to discuss your plans. Dr Karl Morten, Director of Graduate Studies.

Research degrees

NDWRH offer DPhil and MSc by Research in Women's and Reproductive Health programmes. You can also search for an exciting project for your DPhil or, if you have a project in mind, you can find a supervisor to contact to discuss your plans.

Seminars

Departmental Seminars run at the John Radcliffe Hospital (and online) with internal and external speakers covering a range of topics (particularly related to our research themes).

Our Research Themes

NDWRH comprises over 30 cutting-edge research groups spanning five core themes. Each are led by world-renowned experts in their respective fields. Many of these groups collaborate with other departments at the University of Oxford, as well as with universities and business partners globally.

With our research we strive to provide lasting benefits to women and families worldwide. Thank you to all our supporters and funders, without whom this research would not be possible.

Read our Annual Report to find out more about our research

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.

Latest publications

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
2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of myocarditis and pericarditis.
Journal article

Schulz-Menger J. et al, (2025), Eur Heart J
First trimester maternal infections and offspring congenital heart defects: a meta-analysis.
Journal article

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

Latest article

No evidence that Paracetamol use in pregnancy causes Autism Spectrum Disorder

23 September 2025

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 a clinically important increased risk of ASD, and clinical guidelines on treating pain and fever in pregnancy should not change. Untreated pain and fever can harm both mother and fetus; when needed, paracetamol remains the recommended option.

View our news page

Discover more

Our MSc course was specifically designed to include intense laboratory practical training. Students learn skills and techniques directly relevant to assisted reproductive technology (ART), as well as a range of ‘traditional’ and ‘cutting edge’ scientific techniques and procedures.

Study

We offer two postgraduate research programmes: a two year MSc by Research and a three year DPhil. These involve students undertaking independent research in their chosen area under the supervision of two or more experts in the field. In addition we offer a one year taught MSc in Clinical Embryology.

See our courses

Research

Our worldwide acclaimed research covers four main themes; Reproductive Medicine & Genetics, Maternal & Fetal Health, Cancer and Global Health. We also run a range of clinical trials from women who are not currently pregnant, to those in the first trimester of pregnancy and onward, as well as general women's health studies.

See our research groups

Image shows five women sat round a table chatting and drinking cofee.

People

We have over 160 members in our department spread across eight sites in Oxford, consisting of post-graduate students, academic and research staff and professional staff. Our people are our life-blood and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued and nurtured as part of the Women's & Reproductive Health community.

See our team

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