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Welcome to the Office of Research on Women’s Health. ORWH works to ensure that women’s health and sex differences research are part of the scientific framework at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and throughout the scientific community.
The ORWH was established in September 1990 within the NIH in response to Congressional, scientific, and advocacy concerns that health-related decisions for women were being made based solely on findings from research studies on men. The establishment of the ORWH heralded earnest efforts by NIH to develop a research agenda addressing gaps in scientific knowledge about women’s health across the lifespan and to increase the number of scientists pursuing investigations with a scientific design that would reveal sex differences in outcomes.
Much progress in women’s health research has been accomplished in the 20 years since the ORWH was established, including:
- A better understanding of what constitutes women’s health and why
- Expanded concepts that embrace women’s health across the lifespan rather than focusing exclusively on the reproductive system
- More exacting scientific endeavors using the most current diagnostic or investigative tools and skills
NIH-funded women’s health and sex differences research addressing the expanded concept of women’s health across the lifespan has grown steadily. Increasing numbers of women’s health research studies in cardiovascular disease and stroke, musculoskeletal and immune disorders, and mental health and substance abuse, among many others, reflect enormous progress. There is much more research to do, however, and ORWH is committed to fostering innovations for future women’s health and sex differences research.
The health of women has a direct bearing on the health of their families and communities, and ultimately, the health of societies. The NIH strategic plan for research on women’s health and sex and gender differences pledges us and our many partners to address opportunities, challenges, and health needs of future generations of girls and women. Our broader vision of women’s health and women’s health research can benefit both women and men by increasing our understanding of the role sex differences in disease.
Dr. Vivian Pinn, the first full-time director of the ORWH, retired in August 2011, after 18 years of service to women’s health research. The successes to date that have expanded women’s health and sex differences research at NIH are due in large part to Dr. Pinn’s tireless effort. Many of the ORWH’s innovative programs for biomedical researchers would not exist today without Dr. Pinn’s many contributions. I thank her for her passion and commitment to this office and for laying the foundation we continue to build upon today.
Please explore our website and our programs and contact the ORWH for additional information: 301-402-1770.
Janine Austin Clayton, M.D.
Acting Director
Office of Research on Women’s Health
Office of the Director, NIH
Department of Health and Human Services
