Soter Women's Health Research Program

Soter Women's Health Research Program is sponsored by Ohio State University College of Medicine. Advances women's health research to deliver new treatments and improve diagnostics, prevention, and health outcomes across the lifespan.

Soter Women's Health | Ohio State College of Medicine The Soter Women's Health Research Program A groundbreaking research and innovation initiative dedicated to addressing health conditions and diseases that disproportionately affect women.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine is pleased to offer a comprehensive research and innovation initiative dedicated to addressing health conditions and diseases that disproportionately affect women.

The Soter Women’s Health Research Program (SWHRP), supported by a generous contribution from Sarah “Sally” Ross Soter and the Soter Ziegler Foundation, advances women’s health research to deliver new treatments and improves diagnostics, prevention, and health outcomes across the lifespan.

SWHRP connects basic science with clinical and translational researchers to drive novel therapeutic approaches that address critical challenges in women’s health. Services provided by the Soter Women’s Health Research Program The SWHRP is committed to advancing women's health throughout all stages of life, with research initiatives focused on the treatment and prevention of diseases that predominantly impact women.

The primary elements of the program include: Soter Research Awards – Competitive funds for multidisciplinary teams advancing women’s health, including the annual Soter Summit Award. Program Directorship – An endowed position for a preeminent physician-scientist with demonstrated success in creating new approaches to women’s health.

Early-Career Professorships – Two endowed professorships for postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty members, with positions rotating every three years. Women’s Health Research Laboratory – The SWHRP is housed in a dedicated neighborhood of eight labs in The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s new Pelotonia Research Center in The Carmenton Innovation District.

The research neighborhood will bring together eight principal investigators and their teams to conduct research focused on advancing women's health. Women’s Health Community Outreach – Support to expand The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s community outreach programs for women's health.

The Soter Summit Award is an annual, competitive research grant awarded to a team of investigators whose research focuses on women’s health and sex differences across the lifespan. The goal of this award is to support innovative and transdisciplinary research that generates critical data for extramural grant applications.

A total of $250,000 is provided collectively each year to support laboratory personnel, supplies, and other required expenses such as core services. At least one principal investigator (PI) of the grant must be a faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and all co-investigators must be within The Ohio State University or The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

The teams should comprise basic, clinical, and translational scientists working together to address a common issue affecting women’s health. Special interest is given to projects related to: Soter Summit RFA and awardees Awardee(s) will be selected in April/May 2026. To request the current RFA or ask questions regarding the Soter Research Awards, reach out to WomensHealthResearch@osumc.

edu . Priya Dedhia, MD, PhD and Aleksander Skardal, PhD for “Immune targeting of sexual dimorphism in adrenocortical carcinoma. ” Zeynep Saygin, PhD and Maged Costantine, MD for “Sex-specific neuroprotective factors in fetuses exposed to adverse intrauterine environments.

” Aharon G. Freud, MD, PhD, Casey Cosgrove, MD, and Christopher C. Oakes, PhD for "Clinical and Genetic Factors Molding NK cell Functions in Endometrial Cancer” The FY2025 award went to Kara Rood, MD, Natalia Higuita-Castro, PhD and Kristin Stanford, PhD for their research on "Novel Modalities for Preeclampsia and Postpartum Cardiovascular Risk Reduction."

The Women’s Health Research Symposium The Women’s Health Research Symposium was designed to foster collaboration and advance research in women’s health across the College of Medicine. 110 registrants attended the event, with attendees from eight different colleges and more than 50 departments. The keynote address was delivered by W.

Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, CEO of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research.

The Research Showcase featured 10 presentations on women’s health research by scientists from the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences, and the Enterprise for Research Innovation and Knowledge.

In 2025, the Ohio State University College of Medicine was selected for membership in the Milken Women's Health Research Network, garnering national attention and laying the groundwork for future partnership opportunities. The plenary session of the symposium was delivered by Ayodola Anise, Senior Director for The Milken Institute, Health.

Sarah Ross Soter Women’s Health Luncheon The Women’s Health Luncheon included Sally Soter and family, leadership and faculty across the university, all advocating for women’s health. During the event, the FY25 Soter Summit winners were presented with their award.

Soter Women’s Health Research Program Directorship Installation Tamar Gur, MD, PhD was named the endowed director of the Soter Women’s Health Research Program in 2024. The Installment Ceremony took place May 13, 2025. Dr. Gur was joined by OSU leadership, as well as many colleagues, friends, and family, to celebrate this achievement.

$15 million gift funds new Sarah Ross Soter Women's Health Research Program Ohio State to open a new $15 million women's health research center in Carmenton Research program creates healthier future for women Director, Soter Women’s Health Research Program Dr. Tamar Gur is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, Neuroscience, and Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

She is also the Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program at OSU. As a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Dr. Gur specializes in caring for women who have anxiety and depression across the reproductive lifespan, and is a nationally recognized expert in the trans-generational transmission of stress.

Program Manager, Soter Women’s Health Research Program Hilary has a background in biological sciences with a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology. Her professional experience includes pre-clinical research, clinical research, and project management with previous positions at universities, hospitals, contract research organizations and in industry.

Hilary brings 12 years of experience in cancer research, with a focus on managing National Cancer Institute clinical trials and large-scale cancer genomics research projects. She joins SWHRP as the new program manager, and supports all areas of growth and administration within the program. Questions?

Want to get involved in women’s health research? Email us at: WomensHealthResearch@osumc. edu .

Support Women's Health Research Ways to give to the SWHRP