It's been a big year for the AWaGHR Centre in 2025, with new research projects and an expanding, specialised team.
In May this year, the Centre launched an Australian-first study into IVF support and in July, the Centre began The MadeHER Project, a Queensland-first study investigating the effects of period symptoms and pelvic pain on the daily lives of Queensland teenagers.
Further research into the prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding among women was also conducted, with clinicians invited to participate in the HeMBDA project in April.
The Centre’s research was shared at the Queensland Women and Girls' Health Showcase, hosted by Queensland Health in March, with further work on endometriosis and genetics shared at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis to more than 1,100 delegates from across 60 countries.
The Centre also helped upskill a number of researchers by hosting a one-day data linkage Workshop held in November alongside Queensland Health’s Statistical Services Branch.
Reflecting on the AWaGHR Centre’s work in 2025, Centre Director Professor Gita Mishra AO said she is pleased with the team’s success this year.
“I am delighted in the Centre and our collective achievements to further women’s health research,” Professor Mishra said.
“From our work in genetic epidemiology, to heavy menstrual bleeding, adolescent menstrual experiences and menstrual health, IVF Support, our international consortium, InterLACE, and the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, our team’s focus is always on improving the health of women, and everyone has had a large contribution and impact this year.”
Six new staff members across academia, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and professional staff joined the team this year, including global health researcher, Associate Professor Julie Hennegan.
In June, AWaGHR Centre Director, Professor Gita Mishra, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, and recognised internationally with an Honorary Doctorate from Stockholm University, for her work in women’s health research.
As the Centre continues to advance the research of women’s health, Professor Mishra said new research projects are already on the horizon.
“In 2026, we will launch a new study into menopause and perimenopause in Australia, and we’re starting to look for women with lived experience to contribute to the study. 2026 will also mark 30 years of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), which is a joint project with the University of Newcastle, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this occasion," Professor Mishra said.
