UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health

Unusual behaviour in the cells of mothers and babies with preeclampsia may provide new therapeutic targets for the condition, finds a new UCL study led by Professor Sara Hillman (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health), Dr Yara Sánchez Corrales and Theodoros Xenakis (both UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health).

Senior author, Professor Sara Hillman said: “We studied individual cells from both the mother and the baby to see how their activity changes in healthy pregnancies compared with preeclampsia.

“This helped us to confirm some changes already suspected in the condition and also discover new ones.”

Learn more:

🔗 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/jul/potential-new-therapeutic-targets-preeclampsia-discovered

Potential new therapeutic targets for preeclampsia discovered Unusual behaviour in the cells of mothers and babies with preeclampsia may provide new therapeutic targets for the condition, finds a new UCL-led study.

📢 We'll be at the Fitzrovia Fête this Sunday 9 August - come and say hello!

Researchers from our CANDI (Computer Assisted Navigation, Diagnosis and Intervention) research group will be showcasing their research in AI-assisted surgery and medical intervention - including work on cancer diagnosis, fetal medicine, and minimally invasive procedures.

Whether you're a local resident, a science enthusiast, or just looking for a great free afternoon out, we'd love to see you there.

📅 Sunday 9 August | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Foley Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W
🎟️ Free entry — all welcome!

Have you or someone you know worked in reproductive health education?

Participate in an MSc research project at UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health focused on better understanding how reproductive health education for family building is delivered, who it reaches, its impact, and the factors that support or hinder its delivery.

📲 Scan the QR code to take part or contact [email protected] for further information.

📢 Final call to apply for our UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health Master’s and PhD Scholarships 2026 for prospective students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

➡️ The Master's Scholarship has one award available, with £10,000 towards tuition fees.

➡️ The PhD Scholarship offers £5,000 per year for 3 years towards tuition fees.

⏰ Deadline: Friday 31 July 2026

For further information about both scholarships and to apply, follow the link below:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/womens-health/study/scholarships-and-funding

We’re thrilled to share that the following members of UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health staff have been promoted in the UCL Senior Promotions Round, effective 1 October 2026:

🔹 Dr Owen Vaughan PhD – Associate Professor

🔹 Dr Zeynep Gurtin – Associate Professor

Many congratulations to Owen and Zeynep on this well-deserved achievement. Their promotions recognise the significant impact and contributions they have made to the Institute and UCL.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/45nm66w

Senior Academic, Research and Teaching Promotions 2025–26 We are delighted to celebrate the success of colleagues recognised through UCL’s Senior Academic, Research and Teaching Promotions process for 2025–26.

Why are women taught to manage periods, but not always to understand them?

“Your menstrual cycle is incredibly powerful because it governs how we operate as women,” said Dr Helen O’Neill (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health).

“But as a society, we’re simply not given the education to equip ourselves properly.”

Learn more:

https://metro.co.uk/2026/07/21/1-4-women-dont-know-this-fundamental-fact-periods-29183209/

1 in 4 women don't know this 'fundamental' fact about their periods 'We should be as familiar with the phases of our menstrual cycle as we are with the days of the week.'

Inspiring the next generation of scientists! 🔬

Last week, we were delighted to welcome 23 students from four secondary schools to our UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health Biomedical Sciences Summer School, hosted by Dr Ellie Chilcott and Dr Juan Antinao Díaz.

Throughout the week, students gained hands-on experience in biomedical research, taking part in laboratory sessions covering microbiology, DNA extraction, genotyping and pre-clinical endpoint techniques, alongside a week-long laboratory activity tournament.

The programme also included interactive discussions on vaccine development and a visit to the UCL Innovative Clinical Trials Unit, providing valuable insight into the diverse career pathways and opportunities within biomedical science and clinical research.

We are incredibly grateful to all the students who participated with such enthusiasm and curiosity. Our sincere thanks go to Dr Chilcott, Dr Antinao Díaz, and the wider team for designing and delivering such an engaging and inspiring programme.

🔗 Learn more here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/news/2026/jul/ucl-ega-institute-womens-health-welcomes-students-biomedical-sciences-summer-school

Last Friday evening, we were delighted to welcome staff, students and alumni to UCL as we celebrated UCL200 and 30 years of our master's programmes at UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health! ✨

It was wonderful to reconnect with our alumni and see the extraordinary impact they are making around the world in shaping healthcare and women's health globally.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special occasion. Your achievements, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire us, and we are proud to be part of your story.

📸: Katharine Brudkiewicz

Joyce Harper Anna David UCL Alumni

Professor Dimitrios Siassakos (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health) warns that mothers who are overweight or have diabetes are more likely to have overweight babies, with one in ten UK babies falling into this category.

Learn more:

https://www.dailymail.com/health/article-15937869/bowel-cancer-risk-age-weight-50s.html

Babies born overweight are more likely to get early-age bowel cancer The number of under-50s being diagnosed with bowel cancer is on the rise in the UK, but the cause of this increase has remained largely a mystery amongst experts.