New AI model Could Improve Prediction of Medium-Term Mortality in Heart Failure Patients
16 February 2026
Researchers from the University of Oxford and international collaborators have developed a new artificial intelligence model that can more accurately predict the medium-term risk of death for people with heart failure using routine electronic health records.
AI ‘digital assistant’ could transform fetal ultrasound training and support
11 February 2026
Researchers from the University of Oxford, including clinicians and scientists from the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health (WRH), have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) system to assist clinicians during fetal ultrasound scans in real time.
New Study reveals how egg cells mature in anolis lizards
10 February 2026
Researchers from NDWRH and the MD Anderson Cancer Center shed light into the egg cell maturation in lizard ovaries by providing a detailed characterisation of the individual stages a reptile egg cell must pass through before it ovulates.
The Changing Face of Heart Disease: Why It’s Time to Rethink Prevention
9 February 2026
For decades, heart disease prevention has been one of the biggest public health success stories. Thanks to research and better awareness about risks like high blood pressure, smoking, and cholesterol, rates of heart attacks and strokes have fallen dramatically since the 1960s. But in recent years, this progress has slowed, and in some countries, even reversed. Despite medical advances, the number of people being diagnosed with heart and circulatory diseases has stayed roughly the same since the mid-2000s. Rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are thought to play a big role in this worrying trend.
National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit officially joins the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health
2 February 2026
The University of Oxford is pleased to announce that, as of Monday 2 February, the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU) has officially joined the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health (NDWRH). This marks a significant milestone in a partnership first announced in 2025 and represents a major strategic step in strengthening Oxford’s leadership in women’s, maternal and reproductive health research and education.
Oxford Spinout Launches AI-based Ultrasound Technology to Improve Early Detection of Pregnancy Complications
2 February 2026
A new University of Oxford spinout, Oxailis Ltd, has launched an AI-based ultrasound technology that enables healthcare professionals to measure perfusion (how effectively oxygen-rich blood is delivered to tissue), using existing standard ultrasound hardware and without the need for contrast agents.
MitOX 2026 - Thursday, 9 April 2026
30 January 2026
The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health invites you to MitOX 2026 on Thursday, 9 April 2026 in Tingewick Hall, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.
Upcoming Virtual Open Events for Prospective Masters Students
27 January 2026
With the deadline for 2026 entry fast approaching, the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health (NDWRH) is inviting prospective students to attend three upcoming virtual open events. These sessions will provide an opportunity to explore two new Oxford University postgraduate courses launching in 2026: the MSc in Reproductive Genetics and the MSc in Global Women’s Health, alongside the department’s well-established MSc in Clinical Embryology.
New WHO Meta-Analysis Suggests Better Clinical Markers Could Improve Early Detection of Postpartum Haemorrhage
17 December 2025
A major international research collaboration has published new evidence in The Lancet that could transform how postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is diagnosed and treated around the world. The study - an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis involving more than 312,000 women from diverse clinical settings - was led by scientists including Dr Adam Devall and Prof Arri Coomarasamy.
Unequal access to early pregnancy scans delays detection of serious conditions
25 November 2025
Early screening resulted in earlier detection for 40% of anomalies, including heart and limb issues. Researchers from the University of Oxford, together with colleagues from the NHS and other partners, have published the first population-level study linking first-trimester ultrasound practice with early detection rates for serious congenital anomalies.
Early Diagnosis Saves Lives: New Study Highlights Critical Window for Postpartum Haemorrhage Care
18 November 2025
A new international study co-led by Professor Arri Coomarasamy of the University of Birmingham and the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, has shown that diagnosing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) within the first 90 minutes after childbirth can be crucial in preventing maternal deaths.
From Oxford to Empowerment: Why Fertility Awareness Matters
14 November 2025
We’re delighted to share an inspiring piece by Maryam Rahbar, a former MSc in Clinical Embryology and DPhil student in Women’s & Reproductive Health at Oxford. Drawing on her academic journey and passion for translating science into empowerment, Maryam explores the science and significance of fertility awareness and preservation. Her reflections remind us that informed choice, grounded in knowledge, not fear, is one of the most powerful forms of reproductive autonomy.
Oxford researchers awarded funding to pioneer ovarian cancer vaccine development
14 November 2025
Ovarian cancer remains a devastating global health challenge: each year, over 300,000 women are diagnosed, and nearly 200,000 lives are lost, largely because the disease is detected at a late stage. Women carrying inherited genetic changes face a significantly elevated lifetime risk, over 40%, and current preventive strategies often require invasive surgery that compromises fertility. These limitations underscore an urgent need for non-surgical preventive options, and vaccines could offer a groundbreaking solution.
From pain to policy: global reviews call for urgent action on endometriosis in most world regions
5 November 2025
First global mapping shows half the world’s countries lack policies or guidelines for endometriosis, affecting >200 million women and girls.
Places available for IF Oxford Festival panel discussion
5 November 2025
Why is women’s pain often dismissed or misunderstood? Attend our panel discussion on the realities of pain in women, from endometriosis and period pain to IUD insertion and pain during consensual sex.
Celebrating Excellence: MSc in Clinical Embryology 2024–25 Prize Winners Announced
24 October 2025
We are delighted to announce the prize winners from Cohort 17 (2024–25) of the MSc in Clinical Embryology. These awards recognise outstanding achievement, dedication, and excellence across research, academic performance, and professional development.
NDWRH Announces Two New MSc Programmes in Global Women’s Health and Reproductive Genetics
5 October 2025
The Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health is pleased to announce that applications are now open for two new postgraduate taught courses, commencing in Michaelmas Term 2026. Both courses further strengthen our department’s commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in reproductive and women’s health worldwide.
A new paradigm of pancreatic islet adaptations in pregnancy
1 October 2025
University of Oxford researchers have uncovered surprising new insights into how the pancreas adapts during pregnancy to meet the body’s increased demand for insulin. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, 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 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.
Teenage period pain linked to higher risk of chronic pain in adulthood
1 September 2025
Teenagers who experience moderate or severe period pain are significantly more likely to develop chronic pain in adulthood – including pain beyond the pelvis – according to a major new study from the University of Oxford, funded by the Medical Research Foundation.