New mapping of research needs in women’s health

“The mapping showed that more research is needed, for example about disease mechanisms and the treatment of diseases that are unique to women, such as endometriosis,” says Madeleine Durbeej-Hjalt, Secretary General of the Scientific Council for Medicine and Health at the Swedish Research Council, who has taken part in the mapping work.

Together with Forte, the Swedish Research Council proposes a research initiative focusing on two primary areas: diseases and health conditions that are unique to or more common among women, and healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. The initiative should be broad-based and include both basic research and applied research. By developing a funding strategy for the area, the amount of research can increase and the state of knowledge be improved.

“Every year, the Swedish Research Council awards grants to research in gynaecology, obstetrics, reproductive medicine and neighbouring research fields in women’s health. But the resources are not sufficient to fund all the research that is needed to cover the knowledge needs.”

The mapping and the proposed research initiative in the area of women’s health and diseases was carried out in response to a Government mandate.

Read the report “Kvinnors hälsa och sjukdomar – kartläggning och analys av forskningsbehov” on Forte’s website (in Swedish) External link.