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OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES The objectives of the Trust are to provide financial assistance for medical research and teaching in the field of gynaecology, obstetrics and related fields in paediatrics. The Trust is organised in order to promote, by all available means, the study of healthy childbearing and diseases of women. Most activities supported by the Trust are centred at the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology at the Wolfson and Weston Research Centre for Family Health and at Queen Charlotte's and Hammersmith Hospitals. However some academic activity of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology within Imperial College Faculty of Medicine takes place on other West London sites. The Trust contributes significantly towards postgraduate teaching, running an MSc Course in Reproductive Medicine and many short courses and one-day symposia. These courses and symposia are attended by a total of approximately 3000 full-time and part-time students per year. RESEARCH WORK FUNDED BY THE INSTITUTE OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY TRUST 1. Research into the development of the egg and sperm, the very early development of the embryo in the first few days after fertilisation, and into basic molecular events important in human evolution. 2. Research into the genesis of genetic defects which arise during early pregnancy once the embryo has implanted. This research recently identified the sequence of the cleft palate gene and a gene causing a spina bifida-like condition. 3. Understanding twin twin transfusion syndrome and its treatment and the use of fetal stem cells for diagnosing and treatment in utero. 4. Research into the uterus, events surrounding embryonic implantation and afterwards, and miscarriage. This research also has major interest in the placenta and premature labour. 5 Research into steroid hormones - molecular reproductive endocrinology. These hormones are the controlling influence for all reproduction in men and women. This research led to the discovery of a key cofactor required for ovulation. 6. Research into neonatal brain injury and other problems associated with prematurity, fetal medicine and wellbeing, and fetal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord blood for various therapies. 7. Understanding diseases that affect pregnant mothers - these conditions may be life-threatening to both the mother and fetus. This research aims to understand the role of genetic abnormalities in the mother and fetus in causing disease. 8 Research into the proliferation and development of human embryonic stem cell into different types of differentiated cells. This new initiative will support young investigators who are studying the genetic changes that take place in the cells and the factors that control their development.
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