The obstetrics and gynaecology research team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) Newcastle is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women and families through high-quality research, innovation, and clinical excellence.
Working closely with patients, clinicians, and academic partners, we aim to translate research into better care and outcomes across all stages of life.
Our team
Our large multidisciplinary team includes consultants, research midwives, research nurses, clinical fellows, and data specialists. Together, we deliver a diverse portfolio of studies, ensuring research is embedded in routine clinical care.
In addition to recruitment to clinical trials, we support research education through formal supervision:
- Masters of Research (MRes)
- Doctoral research (MD and PhDs)
- Academic foundation training
- NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship
- NIHR Clinical Lectureships
We welcome specialist interested in working with us to get in contact through our clinical lead Rachel O’Donnell, or contact our research team on [email protected].
Research areas
We actively recruit to regional, national, and international clinical trials. This enables patients to access innovative treatments and contribute to advancing future care in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Our research is broad and covers research in women and people trying for a pregnancy, research during pregnancy, research into the health of babies as well as research in women with gynaecological conditions including cancer, prolapse, incontinence and endometriosis.
Current studies open to recruitment
We welcome patients, staff, and partners to get involved in our research. Taking part in research is voluntary and plays a vital role in shaping the future of care. If you are interested in participating or collaborating with us, please get in touch.
| Pregnancy |
| The INGR1D 2 study: aims to identify children with genetic markers that put them at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study uses a small amount of blood from the routine heel prick test most babies already have at around 6 days old. Parents/carers of babies identified at high risk are given the opportunity to enrol their child into further prevention research. |
| As part of the hAEC study, amniotic fluid cells are collected from donated placentas to study Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC)—a severe bowel inflammation affecting infants with Hirschsprung’s disease. The study is run in collaboration with Newcastle University |
| The ABOVE trial is a study to find out if a cerclage (stitch) placed vaginally or abdominally is better in those who have had a preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or mid-trimester loss (a loss between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy) after a previous caesarean section in labour. |
| The Generation Study, is a Genomics England study aiming to recruit 100,000 newborn babies and screen them for over 200 rare genetic conditions. These conditions usually appear in the first few years of life, can be improved if caught early and can be treated through the NHS in England. |
| The PIONEER study aims to investigate whether taking pravastatin medication reduces the number of babies born early (preterm i.e., before 37 weeks of pregnancy), in pregnant people who are at medium- high risk of preterm birth. The trial also aims to understand how pravastatin prevents preterm birth. |
| The MAMA study is looking at the effects of stopping or continuing biologic medication for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in pregnancy |
| Women’s health and fertility |
| The Newcastle team lead the ARTI study which aims to improve assisted reproductive technologies for those with fertility difficulties through the study of donated eggs, sperm or embryos. |
| The UNiTY study is a randomised controlled trial evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of intrauterine insemination versus IVF for unexplained infertility. |
| The PREMIS study aims to understand if women affected by miscarriage will benefit from omega-3 supplements. |
| The PROTECTOR Study is a research study for women who are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Participants can chose if they would like an operation aiming to reduce cancer risk. |
| The PEPPY study Is a randomised controlled trial of the clinical and cost effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training plus vaginal pessary compared to pelvic floor muscle training alone for the management of pelvic organ prolapse. |
| The SHELLS study aims to establish effective diagnostic criteria to help women with lichen sclerosus get an accurate diagnosis sooner. |
Contact our team directly if you would like to discuss taking part in research
Further information about taking part in research
There’s lots of information on our website about taking part in research. You don’t need to be a patient at Newcastle Hospitals to take part in our trials and studies, and we look for healthy participants as well as those with health conditions.
We also run a registry called Research + Me for people who are interested in taking part in research. By signing up to the registry, you’re agreeing to receive information about studies that you may be suitable for.
Taking part is entirely optional and we will never share your personal information. You can contact us at any time to stop receiving information or to remove your details from Research+Me altogether.
