News
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Professor Susan Hampshaw Appointed Associate Dean of the NIHR Academy
MIHERC congratulates Professor Susan Hampshaw on her appointment as Associate Dean of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Academy. This prestigious leadership role recognises her outstanding contribution to research capacity building, knowledge mobilisation, and public health research. Professor Hampshaw, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield and Director of the
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Sands Launches New Strategy 2026-2031
Sands, the Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Society, has published its new strategy for 2026-2031, setting out its vision and priorities for the next five years. The strategy is built around a clear mission: a world where fewer babies die. For those families who do experience the death of a baby, Sands is committed to ensuring
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Identifying Research Priorities for Digital Technology in Mental Health Care
This study explores key research priorities for digital technologies in mental health care, based on a collaboration between people with lived experience, carers, and health professionals. It highlights how digital tools such as smartphone apps, online therapies, and wearable technologies could improve access to mental health support. The research identified important unanswered questions about how
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Breastfeeding Practices and Attitudes Among Women in West Sumatra, Indonesia
This study explores breastfeeding behaviours, maternal attitudes, and cultural influences among women in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It highlights high breastfeeding rates among mothers in the region, revealing how culture, attitudes, and support systems shape infant-feeding practices. Mothers described breastfeeding as natural, healthy, and the expected norm within their communities. Strong family encouragement , especially from
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The Impact of Ethnicity and Migration on Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes
This study investigates the relationships between maternal ethnicity, migration status, and perinatal outcomes. This article is the first U.K.-based study to examine the interplay between ethnicity and migration status in reference to perinatal health, and it has uncovered some important differences, particularly between groups of women with shared ethnicity but different migration status. Positive results
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Exploring research and healthcare priorities in maternal health
Our new ethnographic study highlights maternal health priorities voiced by ethnic minority mothers in the UK. They emphasised the importance of effective communication & culturally safe care. They call for clear advice and support for healthy lifestyles — particularly physical activity — supporting perinatal mental health and easing the transition to parenthood. The study calls
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An eHealth paper from Bournemouth University has reached over 40 citations!
The paper titled “Midwives’ views towards women using mHealth and eHealth to self-monitor their pregnancy: A systematic review of the literature” published in 2020, has now been cited more than 40 times. This paper highlights key challenges surrounding digital health, a core theme for MIHERC, and will contribute to our recently awarded NIHR funding aimed
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Sixteenth NIHR Doctoral Research Training Camp
A key aspect of a career in research is the ability to know how to put together a successful application for funding. This training camp will offer delegates access to workshops, inspirational speakers and practical experience in preparing grant proposals.
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International women’s day!
We celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women worldwide. From breaking barriers to driving change, women continue to powerfully shape our societies, industries, and communities. IWD reminds us that true gender equality must include all women—across all ethnicities, backgrounds, and identities. When we uplift and empower women from every community, we create a more
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WHO announces spotlight on maternal and newborn health and survival.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that World Health Day 2025, observed on April 7th, will focus on maternal and newborn health under the theme Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures. Link here. This campaign comes at a crucial time, as setbacks in humanitarian aid threaten millions of lives, highlighting the need for renewed investment in