Research on Women's Health: Ready for the Future

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) was established in 1990. With the completion of the office's 30th anniversary year, we look back and recount some of the key events and overall zeitgeist that led to ORWH's formation, and how it became the focal point at the nation's primary biomedical research agency for coordinating research on science to improve the health of women. We discuss ORWH's mission and signature programs and the bold vision that drives the NIH-wide strategic, interdisciplinary, and collaborative approach to research on women's health and efforts to promote women in biomedical careers. Also discussed are several of the many scientific advances in research on the health of women, policy innovations and their effects, and career advancements made by women in medicine and related scientific fields. We also highlight key challenges for the health of women, the need to continue pushing for equity in biomedical research careers, and NIH's approach to addressing these problems to ensure progress for the next 30 years and beyond.

Automated summary

This article introduces the establishment and development process of the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and emphasizes its importance in coordinating women's health-related scientific research. It also provides an overview of scientific advances, policy innovations, and career advancements made by women in medicine and scientific fields. Additionally, the article highlights the challenges faced by women's health and the need for promoting equity in biomedical research careers.