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The world's most comprehensive study of 345,000 people from 48 randomised clinical trials reveals blood pressure-lowering medication is effective in adults, regardless of starting blood pressure level, is published in The Lancet.

Blood pressure-lowering medication found to prevent cardiovascular diseases

The world's most comprehensive study of 345,000 people from 48 randomised clinical trials which revealed blood pressure-lowering medication is effective in adults, regardless of starting blood pressure level, is published in The Lancet.

Research uncovers high risk to pregnant women from COVID-19

A study of more than 2,100 pregnant women across 18 countries worldwide has revealed that COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of severe maternal and newborn complications than previously recognised.

Blood pressure lowering drugs not found to increase risk of cancer

A world leading study involving over 260,000 participants led by Prof Kazem Rahimi, has sought to resolve the long debated issue about whether using antihypertensive medication heightens the chance of developing cancer.

New Endometriosis podcast launched: "Unheard of"

Listen now to the first episode ‘Unheard of – The hidden voice of Endometriosis.’ A bold new podcast series co-hosted by DPhil students Danielle Perro and Magda Mareckova, it seeks answers to the biggest questions posed by the Endometriosis community.

First patient dose in HPV clinical trial

Vaccitech Ltd, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel immunotherapeutics and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases and cancer, today announced the dosing of the first patient as part of the HPV001 clinical study. “The enrolment of the first patient marks a huge milestone and is a crucial step in the fight against cervical cancer” said Dr Karin Hellner, principal investigator of the study.

Speeding up drug discovery for Endometriosis

A worldwide study of 60,000 patients (the largest of its kind) by the Endo Care Research group has uncovered genetic links from Endometriosis to other inflammatory conditions such as asthma and osteoarthritis, and pain conditions such as migraines and back pain. This could mean drugs currently used for those conditions could be repurposed to treat Endometriosis and speed up the process of drug discovery. Read more about how Endometriosis treatment can transform women's lives.

Celebrating Women

It's 100 years since women were admitted as full members of the University of Oxford, and women now hold vital posts at all levels of the institution, including our head of department - Prof Krina Zondervan.

Our research on COVID-19

How is the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health responding to the COVID-19 pandemic? There is lots to be proud of - various papers, studies, surveys plus a generous donation of over 11,000 pieces of PPE to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from an ex dept member!

Welcome to the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health. Our multi-disciplinary department has over 80 years experience innovating, teaching, pioneering and evolving women's health. We work across the full spectrum of women’s health and cover four overarching themes; Cancer, Global Health, Maternal & Fetal Health and Reproductive Medicine & Genetics. We focus on genetic studies, the dissection of molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying normal and aberrant reproductive tissue function, clinical studies in women’s health, pregnancy, growth and development in the first 1000 days of life. Read more

What's new

Blood pressure medication prevents cardiovascular diseases even when blood pressure is not raised

29 April 2021

Research uncovers high risk to pregnant women from COVID-19

22 April 2021

Latest publications

A way to a woman’s heart might be through her bones
Journal article

Canoy D. and Rahimi K., (2021), Heart
The top 10 research priorities in diabetes and pregnancy according to women, support networks and healthcare professionals
Journal article

Ayman G. et al, (2021), Diabetic Medicine
Maternal HIV infection is associated with distinct systemic cytokine profiles throughout pregnancy in South African women.
Journal article

HEMELAAR J., (2021), Scientific Reports

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Study

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. © Medical Sciences Division and John Cairns

We run three world class Postgraduate study programmes: MSc in Clinical Embryology (1 year residential programme) MSc by Research (2 years research degree) and DPhil (3-4 years research degree).

Research

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. © Copyright: Shutterstock

Our research has four overarching themes; Cancer, Global Health, Maternal & Fetal Health and Reproductive Medicine & Genetics, and within these themes, there are thirty two research groups in the department.

Outreach

Photo of EndoCaRe Centre students teaching pupils at Cheney School.

Our staff and students regularly do outreach and engagement work to improve the public's understanding of women's health issues.

Find out more

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