Advancing Innovation in Women’s Health Research and Engineering
Clinical problems in women’s health are understudied, but the need is great, with few solutions to problems affecting staggering proportions of the population. Physical sciences and engineering experts have not historically conducted research in women’s health. However, integrative approaches bring different tools to existing clinical problems, and these tools are ideally suited to solve 21st century challenges in women’s health via engineering.
The Center for Women’s Health Engineering
The mission of the Center for Women’s Health Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis is to unite investigators from the McKelvey School of Engineering and the School of Medicine to collaborate in research, education and training at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels. Building on WashU’s strengths within the McKelvey School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the Center for Women’s Health Engineering advances novel engineering approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the field and train the next generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and policy leaders in the field. The center will also support technology transfer, entrepreneurship and outreach both within and outside of the university community.
The Center for Women’s Biobehavioral Health Research
Focusing on psychological and midlife factors, the Center for Women’s Biobehavioral Health Research laboratory is devoted to understanding and enhancing women’s health at midlife and beyond. Our lab is within the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Researchers here continue to push the boundaries of medical knowledge through various publications and studies.
Recent Research Developments
The following timeline highlights significant updates and publications in the field of women’s health:
- October 2025: Dr. Thurston publishes on menopausal hormone therapy in JAMA Interna.
- June 2025: Dr. Thurston publishes major review of menopause in Nature Reviews Psychology.
- May 2025: After Near Miss, What’s Next for Women’s Health Initiative? (Medscape).
- April 2025: Landmark Women's Health Study Saved from Funding Cuts (HealthDay).
- March 2025: Inside the Big Business of Menopause (Chatelaine).
- January 2025: Nearly every woman experiences hot flashes during menopause. Here's how they can be stopped (USA Today).
- February 2023: Dr. Thurston speaks to the New York Times about Menopause.
Core Research Themes
Based on the centers' mission statements and recent activities, the primary areas of focus include:
- Research: Integrative engineering tools for clinical problems.
- Education: Training at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels.
- Midlife Health: Understanding and enhancing women’s health at midlife and beyond.
- Policy and Outreach: Training entrepreneurs and policy leaders in the field.