Our Research

We support and champion research across fertility and reproductive health.

What we fund

Current Areas of Interest

Eleven themes we expect to support over time—always evolving as science, policy and lived experience tell us where new evidence is most needed.

Basic research in reproductive biology

Foundational science that explains how reproduction works—eggs, sperm, fertilisation, embryo development, implantation, placenta and reproductive ageing—and creates the basis for better tests and treatments.

Unexplained infertility & improved diagnostic pathways

Research to uncover hidden causes of infertility and develop clearer, faster routes to diagnosis and appropriate care.

Miscarriage & recurrent pregnancy loss

Studies to understand why miscarriages happen, identify risk factors, and improve prevention, investigation and treatment for those affected.

Endometriosis & PCOS

Research into two common conditions that can affect hormones, ovulation, pain and overall health—aiming for earlier diagnosis and more effective fertility-focused care.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Research into why ovarian function declines earlier than expected and how to improve early detection, fertility options and long-term health support.

Male-factor infertility & sperm health

Work to understand and treat sperm-related infertility, including the impact of genetics, hormones, lifestyle and environmental exposures.

IVF & assisted conception

Research to improve success rates and safety, reduce the physical and emotional burden of treatment, and support smarter, more personalised approaches.

Novel & emerging fertility treatments

Research into new ways of creating or maturing eggs and sperm (e.g. in vitro gametogenesis), and other next-generation approaches, with careful evaluation of effectiveness, safety, ethics and long-term outcomes.

Fertility preservation

Developing and improving ways to protect fertility (for example before cancer treatment) and understanding outcomes for different groups of patients.

Inequalities in access & outcomes across the UK

Research into why fertility care and outcomes vary by geography, income, ethnicity and other factors—and what actions reduce these gaps.

Mental health & wellbeing during fertility treatment

Evidence on the emotional impact of fertility challenges and what support, counselling and care pathways make the biggest difference.

For Researchers, Clinicians & Stakeholders

We welcome collaboration with universities, NHS services, professional bodies, funders, and patient communities.

Working together

We are interested in partnerships that strengthen research quality, support responsible involvement of people with lived experience, and help translate findings into practice. If you'd like to discuss research funding opportunities, patient and public involvement (PPI), dissemination and impact, or strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange—please get in touch.

We welcome collaboration to

  • Develop early-career pathways into fertility research
  • Co-design priority research questions
  • Support responsible data use and translation to practice
  • Host joint events, placements and skills programmes

Supporting Researchers

We welcome interest from researchers at all career stages—particularly students and early-career scientists who want to apply their skills to fertility and reproductive health.

Seed funding & pilot grants

Generate early data for larger funding applications.

Studentships & bursaries

Undergraduate, MSc and PhD opportunities.

Early-career fellowships

Protected research time and career development.

Conference & training support

Travel bursaries and skills workshops.

Mentoring & networking

Linking early-career researchers with senior academics and clinicians.

PPI support

Helping design relevant, ethical, impactful studies with patient and public involvement.

We will work towards clear, transparent processes for opportunities we offer, including published eligibility criteria, timelines and selection approaches.

Register your interest Partner with us

Fund an Early-Career Researcher

You can help create opportunities for the next generation of fertility researchers—supporting training, pilot studies, mentorship and career development. Investing in people is one of the fastest ways to grow progress across the field.

Why early-career support matters

  • Build long-term UK capacity in fertility and reproductive health
  • Retain talent and prevent "leakage" to better-funded fields
  • Accelerate innovation through new perspectives and techniques
  • Strengthen translation from lab to clinic through wider collaboration