Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Oregon BIRCWH: Scholars in Women's Health Research Across the Lifespan - Project Summary This application is for competing renewal of the “Oregon BIRCWH: Scholars in Women's Health Research Across the Lifespan” program. The overarching goal of our program is to recruit early-stage research faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and develop them into scientific leaders who advance interdisciplinary research in women's health and sex/gender-based research across the lifespan. The Oregon BIRCWH has successfully trained 31 scholars who have received nearly $268 million in research funding ($115M increase from the last cycle), published over 1,400 peer-reviewed papers (doubled from last cycle), and received endowed chairs and leadership roles in academics, industry and federal agencies. The unifying theme of our program centers on the lifespan. Scientifically, Oregon BIRCWH Scholars and mentors lead innovative, cutting-edge research across the entire lifespan from in utero and childhood to reproductive age and late adulthood. Professionally, we recognize that networks and mentoring are critical supports for BIRCWH Scholars throughout their academic lifespan. Scholars are selected through a highly competitive process. The Oregon BIRCWH provides: 1) a robust mentored research and training infrastructure that promotes interdisciplinary women's health and sex/gender differences research; 2) a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive culture of collaboration and mentorship that promotes team science; and 3) a proven process to recruit, train, and support diverse faculty who become national research leaders and expand the footprint of women's health and sex/gender differences research. The Oregon BIRCWH prioritizes the goal of gender, racial, ethnic, ability, and sexual orientation equity and diversity in science, professional development, and culture. We leverage our distinguished programs and unique position as the only institution-wide K12 career development program specifically dedicated to women's health and sex/gender differences to advance the trans-NIH ORWH strategic plan for women's health research at institutional, regional, and national levels. Innovative expansions proposed in this renewal include: 1) enhancing our campus-wide approach to recruitment and expansion of the BIRCWH infrastructure to attract, support, and nurture even greater diversity; 2) drawing upon the legacy and success of the program to introduce a core curriculum specifically tailored to the unique needs of BIRCWH Scholars, called “BIRCWH Essentials by BIRCWH Alumni”; 3) leading inter-institutional conferences and events to promote innovative thinking, networking, and collaboration; and 4) developing “BIRCWH Connect”, a social media platform to support an actively engaged BIRCWH community across the country. The broad institutional support, highly interdisciplinary environment, committed leadership, and deep dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion position the Oregon BIRCWH to drive the future of women's health and sex/gender differences research for years to come.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).