BioInnovation Institute & Science to recognise researchers in women’s health

The BioInnovation Institute (BII) has announced the launch of the BII & Science Translational Medicine Prize for Innovations in Women’s Health and Gender Medicine.

The announcement follows the successful BII & Science Prize for Innovation, which is now in its third year and recognises and celebrates bold researchers asking fundamental questions at the intersection of life sciences and entrepreneurship.

The introduction of the Translational Medicine Prize for Innovations in Women’s Health and Gender Medicine seeks to honour researchers who have developed innovative advances with translational potential to impact women’s health and gender medicine globally.

Contributions within any area of women’s health and gender medicine will be considered, including maternal health and chronic gynaecological diseases, reproductive health including female and male contraception and infertility, or elucidation of sex- and gender-specific approaches to conditions that affect women differently or disproportionately.

The winner will have their essay published in the Journal, Science Translational Medicine, and will receive a cash reward of US$25,000 to further progress their research.

Jens Nielsen, chief executive officer of BII, said: “We are proud to introduce this prize alongside Science Journals, following the success of our innovation prize.

“Women’s Health remains a core focus for BII, and we continue to support early-stage start-ups and projects in the field, through programmes such as our collaboration with Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

“We hope this award, which will be announced in 2025, provides the well-deserved recognition of the researchers leading the way in this underserved area of research.”

Sudip Parikh, chief executive officer and executive publisher of Science Journals, added: “With approximately just one per cent of healthcare research and innovation invested in female-specific conditions beyond oncology, it is a highly underserved area of healthcare.

“That is why we are pleased to be working alongside BII again to launch this award to recognise researchers who are developing innovative solutions to address female specific conditions.”

Women’s Health is a focus area for BII – the institute’s Women’s Health Initiative aims to support women’s health start-ups and projects across a broad range of indication areas.

This new award is hoped to highlight researchers who are striving to address crucial challenges in women’s health using creative approaches.