Division of Reproductive Sciences

We are often asked, “Why conduct and invest in basic research in a clinical department?” An investment in basic research at the cellular and molecular level provides us with the tools needed to understand diseases that do not yet have a clinical treatment. Where therapies are known and have complications, basic science research is essential to understanding their side effects and how to avoid them.

A significant focus of our basic research program is in seeking to understand the cellular and molecular interactions and functions that are needed to establish a healthy pregnancy to full gestation in both animal and human models. A healthy pregnancy has the greatest benefit to mother, child and society; however, understanding the causes of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and potential pre-term labor and delivery that result from this condition is essential to developing safe, effective treatments for mother and child.

Our Mission

As an academic institution, our mission is to educate future scientists and physicians in the new world of interdisciplinary and collaborative biomedical research. In particular, for NIH’s (National Institutes of Health) initiative to build interdisciplinary teams to be achieved we must have basic researchers working in clinical departments in order to understand what the clinical problem is at a mechanistic level. Likewise for doctors who are practicing clinical medicine to know what is possible they need to see and understand cutting edge research being done in their own department. We must not overlook the pre- and post-doctoral scholars within our department who are essential to advancing the research mission not only to support work conducted by the faculty Principal Investigator, but also to develop their own career paths through guided mentorship and training. For these reasons, conducting basic research in a clinical department is essential to a healthy and bright future for all women, infants and children.

Ong joins panel on AI in medicine at Cap Times Idea Fest

Irene Ong, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, joined a panel of oncologists, scientists, and researchers at Cap Times Idea Fest on September 25, 2026. Ong was part of the “AI in Cancer Research and Care: Friend or Foe?” panel alongside UW Carbone Cancer Center director Christian Capitini, MD, C... more

Keding and Stanic Lab publish study in Placenta

Logan Keding, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in the Stanic Lab led by Aleksandar Stanic-Kostic, MD, PhD, is lead author on a new article in Placenta that examines the relationship between placental blood flow, perfusion, and histopathology. Co–authors include Ruo-Yu Liu, Taylor Keding, Jessica Vazquez, Crystal Bockoven, Dinesh... more

Schmidt to serve as co-investigator on R01 grant to study infertility causes

Congratulations to Jenna Schmidt, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences! Schmidt will be a sub-principal investigator on a R01 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Kenichiro Taniguchi, PhD, associate professor in the Medical College of Wisc... more

Ong selected for LEADS Pathway Program

Congratulations to Irene Ong, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, who was selected to join the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research LEADS Pathway Program.The LEADS Pathway Program supports the well-being and leadership development of mid-career faculty in the translational, biome... more

Integrated Program in Endocrinology T32 grant renewed

The Integrated Program in Endocrinology (iPEnd) Translational Postdoctoral Training Program has successfully been renewed! Led by Ian Bird, professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, and Jon Levine (Wisconsin National Primate Research Center), the training program is set to receive $1.8 million over the next five yea... more
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