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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

Student studying on MSC in clinical embryology course

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).

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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.

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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). 

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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

Latest publications

Latest article

New Research Unveils Shared Genetic Link Between Endometriosis and Immune Conditions

Research published in the journal Human Reproduction reveals that women with endometriosis are at a significantly higher risk for developing a range of autoimmune, autoinflammatory, and mixed-pattern diseases. This new study, of unprecedented scale, examines not only clinical associations, but also for the first time the biological basis for these comorbidities - through genetics. It identifies osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease, and psoriasis among the comorbid conditions significantly linked to endometriosis.

View our news page

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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

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

* We acknowledge that not everyone designated female at birth considers themselves to be a woman and that many of the issues researched within our department can be particularly challenging for these people. However, for the purposes of clarity and to align with the Government Strategy we continue to use these terms in statements such as these. Research undertaken within the department is, however,inclusive and aims to be relevant to the diverse population.