ElevateHER: Engineering a new era in women's health

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Women's Health Research
• Health Technology

Background:

• Women's health is often treated in isolated silos, leading to a universal approach in healthcare and technology development.
• This fragmented approach results in data deficiencies and inadequate models for predicting or personalizing women's healthcare.
• Engineering innovations offer significant potential to advance women's health but require greater recognition of their applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical research investment areas for women's health through engineering innovations.
• To address the need for a cohesive and integrated approach to women's health within the broader healthcare landscape.
• To highlight calls to action for advancing women's health research and development.

Main Methods:

• Convening scientists at the ElevateHER (Engineering Innovations in Women's Health Discovery) conference.
• Identifying and discussing strategic research investment areas.
• Focusing on resource sharing, standardization, funding, communication, and workforce development.

Main Results:

• Key areas for strategic research investment in women's health were identified.
• Emphasis was placed on the need for improved resource sharing and standardized practices.
• Calls for action were made to streamline funding, enhance science communication, and develop the future workforce.

Conclusions:

• A cohesive, integrated approach is essential to revolutionize women's health.
• Engineering innovations are crucial for addressing the unique health challenges faced by women.
• Strategic investment and collaboration are needed to engineer a new era in women's health.