Overview

The Office of Research on Women’s Health developed and now supports innovative interdisciplinary career development and research programs. Two ORWH signature initiatives are described in this section. 

Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health

The Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program supports  mentored career development for junior faculty. Known as BIRCWH scholars, these researchers have recently completed clinical training or postdoctoral fellowship, and will be conducting interdisciplinary basic, translational, behavioral, clinical, and/or health services research relevant to women’s health. BIRCWH’s goal is to increase the number of investigators and expand their skills through a mentored research and career-development experience.

Specialized Centers of Research (SCOR) on Sex Differences

The Specialized Centers of Research (SCOR) on Sex Differences is an interdisciplinary research program that examines how gender contributes to health conditions affecting women. SCORs are associated with one or more major U.S. medical centers and are organized by a research theme. Researchers at these centers aim to transfer basic research findings into clinical practice.

For more information about ORWH Interdisciplinary Initiatives, contact Joan D. Nagel, M.D., M.P.H., program director, Interdisciplinary Research Programs; director, BIRCWH Program; coordinator, SCOR;  joan.nagel@nih.gov

Additional ORWH–supported interdisciplinary initiatives include Advancing Novel Science in Women’s Health Research (ANSWHR) and research associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). For more information about these programs, contact Lisa Begg, Dr. P.H., R.N., director, Research Programs, BeggL@OD.NIH.gov