The University of Alabama Board of Trustees has approved renaming the Center for Women's Reproductive Health (CWRH) to the Center for Research in Women's Health (CRWH) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This decision, made during the Board’s meeting on Feb. 7, 2025, reflects the center’s mission and comprehensive approach to advancing women’s health research.
The newly named Center for Research in Women’s Health more accurately represents the breadth of research conducted within the center beyond reproductive health to include obstetric/maternal-fetal medicine, women’s oncology, gynecologic health, and broader issues affecting women’s health and well-being across the lifespan and the health of their children. The change emphasizes UAB’s commitment to addressing critical health disparities and improving outcomes for women through innovative research, clinical care, education and community engagement.
“This re-naming reflects our dedication to comprehensive and transdisciplinary research in women’s health across the lifespan,” said Alan T.N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice chair of Research and Innovation, director of the Center for Research in Women’s Health, and senior associate dean of Global and Women’s Health. “It underscores our longstanding goal to continue leading advancements that improve healthcare for women in Alabama and beyond.”
Since its founding, the center has played a pivotal role in pioneering studies that have shaped national and global standards for women’s health care. The name change was championed by investigators, who received input from the internal and external advisory boards and the UAB Council of Center Directors.
“This name change is an important milestone that highlights our Center’s growth and evolving focus,” said Warner K. Huh, M.D., MSHA, FACOG, FACS, chair of UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology. “While reproductive health remains a vital aspect of our work, our research extends far beyond, encompassing maternal health, benign gynecologic conditions, including pelvic floor disorders, gynecologic cancer, chronic diseases, mental health, and health care access—as they intersect with women’s overall well-being.”
The Center for Research in Women’s Health, a university-wide interdisciplinary research center (UWIRC), will continue its mission to foster interdisciplinary research, train future leaders in women’s health, and advocate for evidence-based health care practices that benefit all women and close disparities. The name change takes effect immediately, and updates will be reflected across UAB’s platforms and communications in the coming months.