New research centre aims to tackle gender health gap

Wales has opened its first women’s health research centre, backed by £3m to tackle health inequalities through research and innovation.

The centre, led by Women’s Health Research Wales, marks the first anniversary of the Women’s Health Plan for Wales, published in December 2024.

First minister Eluned Morgan and minister for mental health and wellbeing Sarah Murphy visited staff, researchers and collaborating communities at the launch.

The work covers prevention, early-onset conditions, rare diseases and care for under-served communities.

The centre brings together researchers, NHS partners, industry, policy makers and communities to develop more effective treatments and ensure services meet women’s needs throughout their lives.

It is designed to strengthen investment in women’s health research, including representation in clinical trials.

Morgan said: “I am passionate about improving women’s healthcare.

“To do that, we must invest in research to gather the evidence we need.

Morgan added: “I am delighted to see how the Welsh Government’s £3m investment, through Health and Care Research Wales, is supporting research based on the experiences of women.

“This will result in better care and better health outcomes for women.”

Projects in development include exploring symptom reporting tools to help manage conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Researchers are also investigating how chemicals in menstrual products might affect health, ways to help young people stay active during periods, and pathways to prevent people with polycystic ovary syndrome developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Other projects are exploring fertility issues, including a decision-making tool for women with kidney disease considering whether to have children.

One project is working with women undergoing fertility treatment, investigating why this can lead to mental health issues such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), with the aim of creating guidance for trauma-informed fertility care.

Morgan said: “This innovative new research centre is a key part of the Women’s Health Plan and will help us better understand women’s experiences.

“It will lead to more effective treatments and make sure that our health service delivers improved outcomes for women in Wales.”

Debbie Shaffer is founder and director of Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales and chair of Women’s Health Wales Coalition.

Shaffer said: “Research into health issues experienced by women throughout the life course is vital.

“By working co-productively, in partnership with women and communities, we have a fantastic opportunity to reduce health inequalities and improve treatment options and support.

“We look forward to helping facilitate more opportunities for those with lived experience, whose voices may not have been heard before, to get involved.”