Women’s health and diseases

Research plays a significant role in advancing gender equality and women’s health. On behalf of the government, Forte and the Swedish Research Council are investing in long‑term research on women’s health and diseases. The first step in this initiative is the establishment of three research centres, which aim to promote sustained knowledge development through long‑term, sustainable research environments.

The initiative aims to promote the development of knowledge by providing long‑term funding for sustainable research environments.

Knowledge about women’s health and diseases has long been focused on the reproductive phase, despite the fact that women’s conditions and health needs change throughout life. Therefore, research that adopts a life‑course perspective needs to be strengthened, as well as studies that highlight differences in living conditions, health, and access to care.

There are many research needs in this field; the initiative focuses on two main areas:

• Diseases and health conditions that are unique to or more common among women
• The health of pregnant women and equitable maternity care, including postpartum care

Research Centres in the Field of Women’s Health and Diseases

Within the framework of the call for Centre Grants 2025, three research centres have been awarded long-term funding for research on women’s health and diseases. The centres conduct interdisciplinary research in close collaboration with healthcare, public authorities, and other societal actors.

• MAMA Research Hub – Multidisciplinary Strategies for Maternal Health – Towards person‑centred care, evidence‑based interventions, and integrated postpartum follow‑up
  Marie Blomberg, Linköping University
• WHOLE – Interdisciplinary Centre for Women’s Health from a Life‑Course Perspective – at the intersection of reproductive transitions, mental ill-health, and pain
  Alkistis Skalkidou, Uppsala University
• CIRCE – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Cancer and Equity in Women
  Lao Saal, Lund University

The research centres are co-funded by the Swedish Research Council. External link.