Magee-Womens Research Institute at a Glance


Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) is an independent research institute and one of the largest institutes in the nation that focuses on reproductive biology, women’s health, and infants’ health. 

The independent institute is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and maintains a strong clinical partnership with Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, located across the street from MWRI’s research building. Since its inception in 1992, MWRI has brought more than $185 million in project funding to Pittsburgh from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other sources.

In addition to Obstetrics and Gynecology, MWRI scientists represent numerous departments at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine such as Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology and Physiology, Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Pathology, Surgery, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Urology, Graduate School of Public Health (Epidemiology, Human Genetics, Environmental and Occupational Health and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences), Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Sciences), and Swanson School of Engineering (Bioengineering).

Participation in Clinical Trials

MWRI participates in several large clinical trial networks:

The Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2006, is based at MWRI. The MTN is charged with reducing the sexual transmission of HIV through the development and evaluation of products applied topically or administered orally. The MTN conducts work at more than 20 clinical research sites in seven countries on three continents.

Dedicated to Women's Health

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recognizes the Magee-MWRI partnership as a Center of Excellence in Women’s Health by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as a Women’s Health Research Career Development Center.

Research & Programs

  • MWRI harbors a large development center that concentrates on stem cells and germ cells during early reproductive development.
  • MWRI houses one of the nation’s largest groups studying pregnancy, including prenatal genetics, placental development and function, and complications of pregnancy that include preterm birth and prematurity, and the study of the hypertensive disorder, preeclampsia. Magee is one of the leading maternity hospitals in the country, delivering more than 10,000 babies a year, or 40 percent of the babies born in Allegheny County. Magee’s neonatal intensive care unit is one of the largest in Pennsylvania, with more than 1,600 babies admitted annually.
  • MWRI’s infectious diseases and pharmaceutics program is a leading U.S. program for drug delivery systems targeting the vagina and cervix. In addition, the Center for Family Planning Research is a leader in early toxicity testing of contraceptive microbicides designed to protect women from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
  • MWRI has a large Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology, which focuses primarily on male fertility.
  • Magee’s gynecological and breast cancer programs are among the largest, most comprehensive centers for research, education, and treatment in the country. Intense women’s cancer research at MWRI targets immunological approaches to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer and other gynecological malignancies.
  • A group of MWRI researchers collaborate to study urogynecology and pelvic floor disorders.
  • Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC houses an NIH-funded satellite Clinical Research Center devoted exclusively to women’s health.

Reaching Out to The Community & The World

Via four outreach clinics, Magee meets the needs of community members who might not otherwise have opportunities for health and wellness education because of income, transportation, or other barriers.

Magee Womancare International brings education programs, medical supplies, hospital and clinical equipment, and audio-visual instructional materials to women and families in countries such as Albania, Belarus, Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine.

Training Future Researchers

To ensure the future of women’s health research, MWRI has established training programs at all levels of academic development. The Institute provides opportunities for faculty and postdoctoral scholars as well as graduate and medical students, college students, and high school students.