New award for research exploring the links between infectious diseases and pregnancy

We're funding new research examining the links between infectious diseases and pregnancy with an award of £430,000

Researchers at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust will use thousands of blood samples provided by women as part of their maternity care to examine rates of immunity and infection during their pregnancy.

A similar study carried out in 2020 enabled experts to track the spread of Covid-19 – and they believe developing this approach could enhance understanding of other infectious diseases like polio and rubella.

The research could even help scientists learn more about future pandemics by
pinpointing when and where viruses spread.

This new Parasol Foundation project also creates exciting career opportunities for women in science. Led by research midwife Alison Perry, with support from a wider team of expert scientists at Imperial College Healthcare, the research will aid understanding of where infections are occurring and what sort of people they are likely to affect, with the goal of improving care and treatment.

The research is an extension of our existing relationship with Imperial Health Charity and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and is being delivered by the Parasol Foundation Centre for Women’s Health and Cancer Research.