Obstetrics & Gynecology Research

a group of women standing in front of a poster

Championing Research & Collaboration

We’re advancing knowledge, providing evidence-based solutions and training the next generation of researchers and physician-scientists.

world-class programs in research

The U-M Medical School Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is nationally recognized for research excellence, with a robust portfolio of multidisciplinary, world-class programs.

Our research is strategically focused on driving transformative advances in women’s health and improving the well-being of individuals and families locally and globally. Faculty members lead initiatives spanning bench science, translational research, health services research, and clinical trials—addressing critical areas such as optimizing maternal outcomes, expanding access to quality health care, supporting women’s health across the lifespan, enhancing medical education, and tackling global health challenges.

Our research team supports faculty by helping secure funding, developing proposals, navigating regulatory processes, managing and analyzing data, ensuring compliance, and disseminating discoveries. We also provide educational opportunities and mentorship to foster career development.

We are dedicated to pioneering innovative, evidence-based solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing knowledge, and preparing the next generation of academic researchers and physician-scientists.

Key Research Areas

M-PROGRESS

The Michigan Program for Reproductive and Obstetric-Gynecologic Research, Education, and Scientific Success (M-PROGRESS) Women's Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) Scholars Program seeks to recruit, train, and empower exceptional obstetrician-gynecologist researchers at the forefront of women’s health.

Program on Women's Healthcare Effectiveness Research (PWHER)

PWHER is committed to improving the quality, access, and affordability of healthcare services for individuals at community, national, and global levels using diverse research methods to address pressing policies and clinical questions.

Pelvic Floor Research Group (PFRG)

PFRG is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary research group working to improve the understanding and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. PFRG’s goal is to identify risk factors for developing pelvic floor disorders, work with high-risk women to prevent them, and provide the most effective and newest treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction.

Program for Research and Innovation in Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes (PRIMO)

PRIMO is a collaborative obstetric research group focused on closing critical knowledge gaps, improving the safety of modern obstetric care, and translating this knowledge onto national platforms.

Women’s Health and Reproductive Disparities Collaborative (OnWHARD)

The OnWHARD Collaborative is dedicated to advancing reproductive health through meaningful research, empowering education, and committed advocacy.

Innovative Solutions for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Initiatives, Research, and Education (INSPIRE)

The Department of OBGYN’s pain research program includes independently funded investigators from the University of Michigan in partnership with external investigators, focused on gynecology pain across the life course.

Leadership

labcoat

Vanessa K Dalton, MD, MPH

Timothy R B Johnson M.D. Legacy Professor of Global Women's Health
Associate Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Section Head, Research, Gynecology
Medical School
Stacey Missmer

Stacey Missmer, ScD

Judy Frankel Research Professor of Women's Health
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical School

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