A number of funding opportunities, sponsored or co-sponsored by the NICHD, are currently available for research related to women's health topics. The Institute also supports health care providers and researchers via other mechanisms, including: For more information about NICHD funding, contact the NICHD Office of Program and Public Liaison, at either 301-496-0536, or 301-435-3447. Research Supported and Ongoing Projects The NICHD is currently funding and conducting a number of research projects related to women's health topics, through its many Branches, Divisions, and Centers. The NIH maintains a searchable database of general information for research projects in certain areas, called CRISP (Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects). This database provides a general overview of all the biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other research institutions that are funded by the federal government. Please note, however, that the database does not provide comprehensive information about these projects, nor does it include projects in topic areas other than biomedical research. To do a search of CRISP for projects with keywords related to women’s health, simply click on the link and follow the prompts and instructions. NICHD Components that Conduct and Support Women's Health Research The NICHD has a broad mission to conduct research on various aspects of women's health. Because this mission encompasses so many topics, the research itself is conducted and supported by a number of NICHD components. These components, and a brief description of their efforts are included below. Extramural Research
Refers to research and projects that may take place or be located at other institutions, universities, or organizations, but are funded by the NICHD. The Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Medicine (CDBPM) is a major source of research and research training in maternal, fetal, and infant health, and in disorders of human development. The following Branches within the CDBPM support women's health research: - The Developmental Biology and Teratology Branch investigates process of developmental biology, including birth defects' detection and prevention, embryonic development, reproductive immunology, and other topics. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-5541 | (301) 480-0303 | | |
- The Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Branch supports research on the biomedical, behavioral, and bio-behavioral aspects of healthy pregnancies and healthy births as they relate to mental retardation and other developmental disabilities; its portfolio includes chromosomal disorders, prenatal nutrition and malnutrition, maternal PKU, Rett syndrome, autism, and other subjects. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-1383 | (301) 496-3791 | | |
- The Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch supports basic and clinical research that strives to improve the outcome of pregnancy, reduce infant mortality, and minimize maternal and infant morbidity. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-5575 | (301) 496-3790 |
The Center for Population Research (CPR) is the federal government's focal point for population research. The following branches within the CPR support research on women's health topics:
- The Contraception and Reproductive Health Branch develops and supports research and research training programs in contraception research, development, and evaluation, reproductive epidemiology, prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and selected reproductive and gynecological health issues. The Brach also provides overall coordination for the Institute's research on microbicides which prevent fertilization and the transmission of HIV/AIDS/STDs. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-4924 | (301) 480-1972 | | |
- The Demographic and Behavioral Sciences Branch fosters research on the processes that determine population size, growth, composition, and distribution, and on the determinants and consequences of those processes, which includes fertility and family planning, HIV/AIDS and STI prevention (including trends in microbicide use), family and household demography, mortality and health, and other topics. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-1174 | (301) 496-0962 | | |
- The Reproductive Sciences Branch encourages and supports scientific research aimed at alleviating human infertility and reproductive disorders, developing and evaluating contraception, understanding the reproductive processes relevant to the transmission of HIV/AIDS/STDs, and expanding fundamental knowledge of the processes that underlie the success or failure of human reproduction. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-6515 | (301) 496-0962 |
The Center for Research for Mothers and Children (CRMC) is the principal NIH center supporting research on maternal health and child development. Within the CRMC, the following branches support research in women's health:
- The Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Growth Branch supports research on the endocrinological and nutritional influences on growth, body composition and bone health, puberty, and brain development, including efforts in maternal-fetal nutrition, infant nutrition, diabetes, osteoporosis, young women's health, pubertal onset, and other topics. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-5578 | (301) 480-9791 | | |
- The Pediatric, Adolescent, and Maternal AIDS Branch supports and conducts epidemiological, biomedical, and bio-behavioral research in the areas of HIV infection and disease in mothers, women of reproductive age, infants, and families. For more information, contact the Branch at:
| Phone | Fax | | (301) 496-7339 | (301) 496-8678 |
The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) endeavors to foster development of scientific knowledge needed to enhance the health, productivity, and quality of life of people with physical disabilities resulting from injury, disease, and aging. Within this overall context, the NCMRR research portfolio includes projects on women's health and the unique health needs of women with disabilities. For more information, contact the Center at:
| | Phone | Fax | | | (301) 402-2242 | (301) 402-0832 |
Intramural Research
Refers to research conducted by investigators who are employed by the NICHD.
The Division of Intramural Research (DIR) includes the majority of research conducted by the NICHD (as opposed to funded by the NICHD). Overall, DIR projects address biological, neurobiological, medical, and behavioral aspects of normal and abnormal human development. The Division supports five clinical research and training programs that explore comparative ethiology; developmental, pediatric, and reproductive endocrinology; genetic and developmental disorders; and perinatal topics. In addition, the Division's 19 research laboratories and branches allow NICHD researchers to investigate topics that range from developmental neurobiology to molecular immunity. For more information, contact DIR at: | | Phone | Fax | | | (301) 594-5984 | (301) 402-0105 |
The Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research (DESPR) provides the NICHD with expert skills in biostatistics, epidemiology, computer sciences, and prevention research. DESPR conducts research on human fecundity and fertility, pregnancy complications, preterm birth and infant growth, birth defects, and numerous other topics. For more information, contact the Division at:
| | Phone | Fax | | | (301) 496-5064 | (301) 402-2084 |
The various Branches, Centers, and Divisions within the NICHD also publish a number of Reports and Proceedings related to women's health topics. These publications contain information best suited for those with a medical or scientific background. Scientific Conferences, Meetings, and Events The NICHD often sponsors and/or organizes scientific conferences, meetings, and events for researchers, clinicians, and other professionals and practitioners. Some upcoming events on scientific topics related to women's health are listed below. Attendance at these meetings is by registration only. Please address questions about registration and logistics to the contact listed for each conference or meeting. - There are no such meetings scheduled at this time.
In addition, the NICHD will have an exhibit booth at the following professional/organizational meetings and conferences. If you're attending one of the meetings or events listed below, stop by the NICHD exhibit booth for more information about the Institute's research. - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
May 1-5, 2004 - Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
June 26-30, 2004 - The Links, Inc.
July 28—August 4, 2004 - National Black Nurses Association
August 4-8, 2004 - American Academy of Pediatrics
October 9-13, 2004 - 17th World Conference of Family Doctors/American Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Assembly
October 14-16, 2004 - Society for Neuroscience
October 23-27, 2004 - American Public Health Association
November 6-10, 2004 - Zero to Three National Training Institute
December 3-5, 2004
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