Why we are doing this
Women’s Health is increasingly gaining attention as a focal point in international research. While Women’s Health has long been underrepresented in health care investment, research and innovation, the need for change has become apparent over the last few years. For example, as recent as 2019, only 8% of the venture capital funding was allocated to female-focused technologies. While in 1993, the first laws were passed to enforce female inclusion in clinical trials by the National Institute of Health (NIH), clinical trials still often include more men, as it is thought that hormone fluctuations would influence trial results. With previous approaches resulting in poorer current solutions in health related challenges fit for women, the opportunity is there to improve health care for women. With emphasis and support over the last decade by organizations such as the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Health Organization, we can clearly say that now is the time that the need for Women’s Health to becomes a crucial point in health(care) research.
"Current healthcare research traditionally has a male first approach, which not always gives the most optimal solution fit for female patients. Differences between men and women occur in health and disease manifestation, and also in response to treatment. Within our multidisciplinary research group at the UT, we focus on bringing new technologies specific for women’s health to those in need, thereby supporting personalization of diagnosis and treatment. we work to improve women’s health and wellbeing throughout their lifespan thereby benefiting both women, their children and loved ones, and thus impact society as a whole.“
Prof. dr. Sabine Siesling
OUR MISSION IS TO:
Empower women by education and knowledge creation and translation by developing a network of collaborative and well-funded research on basic research and discovery on technology optimization and development; on technology application in appropriate home, primary care, or clinical setting; on real-world data acquisition/analysis of gender differences in symptoms, diagnosis and management; on quality-of-life studies from holistic viewpoints; on outreach to engage with society to identify gaps and elicit opinion for improved solutions.
OBJECTIVES
- Design and development of new data strategies and technologies for and with women.
- Responsible use data & AI, combined with patient perspectives to personalize health and care pathway prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- Increasing participation of women with and without female related health conditions and voicing of unique experiences in health care and research.
- Optimizing (self-)care and quality of life for women from a holistic point of view (mental, physical and social wellbeing).