Priority Research Themes
We have three priority themes across the reproductive lifecourse. Click below to explore the research projects we are conducting under each of these themes.
Menstrual health and menopause
This covers topics relating to menstrual health, which is defined as complete physical, mental, & social wellbeing in relation to the menstrual cycle, including heavy/ painful periods; & menopause.
Contraception, abortion and (in)fertility
This theme covers three broad topics: contraception, which is anything used to prevent pregnancy; abortion, which is an intervention used to end a pregnancy; and fertility and infertility.
Gynaecology and other pelvic problems
This covers gynaecological conditions, including urogynaecology & pelvic floor disorders as well as endometriosis, pelvic pain & prolapse. It also covers conditions affecting male reproductive system.
Cross-cutting Themes
Central to our work will be:
- Engaging Experts: Researchers, clinicians and experts by experience that include women, men, and gender-diverse service users working in partnership to shape and deliver the research.
- Addressing inequality at every stage: identifying research gaps, designing, conducting and applying research, and sharing findings;
- Improving data: maximising the potential of existing data, highlighting data gaps and working to fill them; and
- Best models of care: exploring different ways of providing care, including digitally.
Rapid Response
We also respond rapidly to Department of Health and Social Care requests as well as delivering new research. We have theme co-leads, a network of collaborators from different disciplines, and external advisory groups.
Learn more about our work
Research Team
The Unit has an interdisciplinary team consisting of senior academics with expertise in reproductive health, experts in evidence synthesis and co-production, and administrative staff.
Engagement
Co-production between patients, public & professionals is a cornerstone principle of our work, embodying our commitment to inclusivity & transparency in development & implementation of health policies
About
The Policy Research Unit in Reproductive Health is a collaboration between researchers to provide high quality research evidence to inform decisions about reproductive health & healthcare in England.
The NIHR Policy Research Unit in Reproductive Health is part of the NIHR and hosted by UCL
UCL Hosted PRUs
- Policy Research Unit in Children and Families
- Policy Research Unit in Cancer Screening
- Policy Research Unit in Mental Health
- Policy Research Unit in Healthy Weight
> Learn more about Policy Research