Welcome to the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH)
Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all life, essential for the continuation of our species. Reproductive success – the birth of a baby that will enjoy a long, healthy life – is a complex multistep process requiring production of sufficient numbers of viable gametes, fertilisation, implantation in a ‘receptive’ uterus, formation of a placenta that can sustain and nuture the baby and delivery at full term. Pregnancy complications can have profound life- long impacts on individuals. Tissues within the reproductive systems of both men and women are prone to development of disorders that have a huge impact on individuals, their families and impose large costs on health care systems. Health disorders being investigated in the Centre include infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, heavy periods, endometriosis, fibroids, testicular and endometrial cancer and pre-term birth.
Core to the philosophy of the Centre is a strong integration between basic and clinical studies underpinned by joint grants and co-supervision of trainees that ensures we maintain a robust research framework within which mechanistic insights into normal and abnormal tissue function can be translated for patient benefit.
The Centre is based within the Queen’s Medical Research Institute located on the Little France Campus in Edinburgh – this environment provides an unrivaled opportunity for training, effective outreach and knowledge exchange. Researchers within the Centre benefit from access to state-of-the art core facilities, for more information on these, please click here »
Dr Rod Mitchell, Young Investigator of the year
Congratulations to Dr Rod Mitchell having won the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health – Young Investigator of the Year Award for 2013. Rod will be presented with his medal and money to spend on his research at the Royal College Annual Meeting in June.
Successful award for Dr Fiona Denison
Dr Fiona Denison has been successful in her application (collaborative with Heriot Watt University) to the Edinburgh and Lothian Health Foundation for rapid prototyping and development of an illuminated mirror for waterbirths. Dr Denison has been awarded £31,684.
Supporting research at the Edinburgh Tommy’s Centre
Elizabeth Haynes and her daughter Melanie from Glasgow are long term supporters of Tommy’s (since 1996). Their last event was an Xmas fair which raised £550. During their visit to the Edinburgh Tommy’s Centre, they presented their cheque to Fiona Denison and Rebecca Reynolds. Elizabeth is a biochemist and Melanie is a student. Their support to this vital work is very much appreciated.
Support our research
For details on how you can make a gift to support our research, please click here »
PhD and MSc Training
The normal route for direct entry at PhD level is through one of the PhD studentships which are advertised on Findaphd.com » when available.
Details of how to apply are included. Enquiries: please contact the Postgraduate Administrator Dean Ainscough ».
Grant success heralds new era in Imaging
Scientists at Little France have been awarded £1.7 million for a grant entitled ‘Integrated multi-dimensional molecular organ imaging’. The award was made by the MRC as part of an initiative to support the establishment of sustainable and innovative optical imaging platforms across the UK. The lead PI on the grant is Professor Jeffrey Pollard with Co-Is being Dr Rolly Wiegand and Professors Brophy, Grant, Mullins and Saunders. This grant will allow the establishment of a state-of-the art imaging facility in the basement of the Queen’s Medical Research Institute and will catalyse new research directions building on existing strengths in optical imaging.
Centre expands clinical research portfolio
The Jennifer Brown Research Group is led by Dr James Boardman a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Consultant Neonatologist. The Jennifer Brown group who are supported by the PiggyBankKids charity are conducting innovative studies using computational magnetic resonance imaging techniques to understand the phenotype and causes of abnormal brain development in the newborn period.
To learn more about hormones why not visit the Society for Endocrinology website ‘You and your hormones’
Follow the MRC CRH on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MRC_CRH
This page was last updated on 9 May 2013
