By Olivia Milne, Communications Intern
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) and mark Women’s Health Research Day on January 25, the Friends of ORWH coalition gathered members and supporters on January 20, 2026, to hold a reception on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The celebration highlighted ORWH’s long-standing contributions on promoting women’s health research. The celebration was a success, honoring shared progress and forward movement in the field and serving as a space for researchers, partners, and advocates to convene and celebrate decades of worth of progress
The event began with warm opening remarks from Kathryn Schubert, MPP, CAE, President and CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research’s (SWHR), welcoming guests and noting that the future of women’s health research is strengthened by collaboration. She expressed gratitude for the multitudes of partnerships and collaborators in the room, before introducing the event’s first speaker.
Janine Austin Clayton, MD, FARVO, Associate Director for Research on Women’s Health at the NIH and Director of ORWH since 2012, then spoke about how ORWH’s work is rooted in shifting women’s health research from an afterthought to a priority. The ORWH advances this mission by educating on sex differences research and advancing meaningful policy, like the 2016 NIH Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) policy. The office also leads signature programs that support researchers across the country, like the Specialized Centers of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences program and Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program.
Looking forward, Clayton said “We still face persistent gaps in knowledge that disproportionally affect women… [however, there] is an urgent responsibility that we all share to translate new discoveries to all women everywhere.”
Remarks by Sandra E. Brooks, MD, MBA, FACOG, CEO of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasized that the strides made in this field are the result of decades of dedicated collaboration and underscored the importance of sustaining momentum. Dr. Brooks highlighted that the current moment presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress by renewing a collective commitment to partnership and persistence across the medical and research communities.
“Advancing science is not a goal that sits in isolation. Every investment in innovative treatments and research is felt across generations,” said Dr. Brooks. “Let us work together to ensure continued improvement for the future.”
Rita K. Kuwahara, MD, MIH, FACP, Primary Care Internal Medicine Physician and Past Vice-Chair of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) Advocacy Committee spoke about the work of AMWA as a support and membership organization for women in medicine that, like many of the organizations at the reception, has been working for decades to close the women’s health gap – for both patients as well as providers.
“When women are fully represented in scientific research, science is better for us all,” Dr. Kuwahara said.
Next, Celina Gorre, MPH, MPA, CEO of WomenHeart highlighted the importance of equity in research on women’s health. Gorre stressed that dialogue and inclusion are necessary for shaping a sustainable future in the health care system for women, stating that “women must be at the table” where change is made. She concluded by reminding us that “when we invest in women’s research, we strengthen science and improve lives.”
The event was hosted with the support of Representative Yvette Clarke’s (D-NY) office. A long-time champion of women’s health research, Representative Clarke has supported numerous initiatives in the field, including leading the introduction of bipartisan legislation advancing menopause research in 2023. In her remarks, she highlighted the critical need for health research that mirrors the diversity of the populations it serves, stressing the importance of including people from all backgrounds. “When science reflects reality, our communities thrive.” The congresswoman concluded by celebrating the achievements of ORWH, stating, “I am proud of what the ORWH has accomplished, and I look forward to continuing the fight for a more equitable health system.”
Thank you to all who joined the Friends of ORWH at this event and to the sponsors of the evening, ACOG, AMWA, SWHR, WomenHeart, and CRD Associates.
Explore additional photos from the evening here.