2025–2026 IMPACT REPORT
Leading the Future of Women’s Health
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About Us Our Mission Collaboration Areas of Research Organizational Overview Discovery Outcomes Philanthropy Funding
About Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation For more than three decades, Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation has been advancing discoveries that improve the health of women and families around the world. As the nation’s first and largest research institute dedicated to women’s health, Magee-Womens brings together world-class scientists, physicians, and partners to answer some of the most urgent questions in women’s health. From pregnancy and reproductive health to infectious diseases, cancer, aging, addiction medicine, and health equity, our researchers are transforming scientific discovery into better care—and healthier futures.
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About Us | 3
n o i s s i m r ou Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation exists to advance the science of women’s health and ensure that discoveries reach the women and families who need them most. We accomplish this by: Advancing knowledge in the field of women’s health and sex-specific medicine. Translating scientific discoveries into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for women and families. Training the next generation of scientists and women’s health leaders. Partnering with local, national, and global communities to improve health through research and education.
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Our Mission | 5
Connection Where Discovery Meets Care What makes Magee-Womens unique is our ability to connect research to patient care in real time. Scientists and clinicians work side by side, allowing promising discoveries to move more quickly from the laboratory to the bedside. This collaborative model shortens the path between innovation and impact to ensure patients benefit from the latest advances while helping researchers better understand the health challenges women face throughout their lives. Supported by federal agencies, foundations, industry partners, and philanthropy, Magee-Womens provides the infrastructure and expertise needed to attract exceptional scientists and launch groundbreaking research.
6 | Collaboration
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Stronger Together: Collaboration that Creates Impact Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academic excellence, clinical care, and philanthropy.
impact
Our close partnership with UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh creates an environment where physicians, researchers, educators, and students work together to accelerate innovation. Recent partnership agreements have strengthened collaboration in research, recruitment, grant development, and scientific leadership—creating even greater opportunities to improve women’s health locally and globally. Magee-Womens drives investment for both Magee-Womens Research Institute and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital to translate research into real impact in clinical care, and community investment. Through collaborations with academic institutions, healthcare systems, and national partners, Magee-Womens advances discoveries with the potential to improve health outcomes worldwide.
8 | Collaboration
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l ifechanging Every stage of a woman’s life presents unique health opportunities and challenges. Our research reflects that journey. Gynecology & Urogynecology Improving care across the lifespan—from reproductive health and pregnancy to pelvic floor disorders, menopause, healthy aging, and beyond. Infectious Diseases Developing innovative approaches to prevent and treat infections that disproportionately affect women. Researchers are global leaders in HIV prevention, women’s sexual health, the vaginal microbiome, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging infectious diseases. Pregnancy & Newborn Medicine Using pregnancy as a window into lifelong health, researchers are identifying ways to predict, prevent, and reduce diseases affecting mothers and babies for generations to come. Maternal Health Leveraging new strategies to improve maternal outcomes, reduce complications, and ensure healthier beginnings for every family. Reproductive Development Exploring stem cell and germ cell biology to unlock new possibilities in fertility, regenerative medicine, and reproductive science. Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Advancing fertility treatments while pioneering methods to preserve fertility for patients undergoing life-saving therapies such as chemotherapy. Women’s Cancers Improving prevention, earlier detection, and more effective treatments for breast, ovarian, cervical, and other cancers affecting women. Women’s Addiction Medicine Developing evidence-based approaches to improve care and outcomes for women experiencing substance use disorders. Women’s Wellness Reducing health disparities and improving access to high-quality care through community-based research, prevention, and education.
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Areas of Research |
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highl ights FY25 Impact by the Numbers Behind every statistic is a discovery, a patient, a family, and a future made healthier through research.
$51M 144 33 170+ $87M
in research grants managed
active grants advancing women’s health science
research laboratories driving innovation
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researchers and staff collaborating across clinical and academic disciplines in philanthropy raised over 10 years
Financial Overview MWRI managed $51 million in grants in 2025 with a $29 million budget projected for 2026, reflecting funding changes. Research Scale and Capacity In FY25, the institute oversaw 144 active grants and 33 research labs, showcasing a large and dynamic research enterprise. Collaborative Workforce Over 170 staff from UPMC and University of Pittsburgh work together, combining clinical and academic expertise. Strategic Resilience MWRI adapts to funding challenges by optimizing resources and strengthening partnerships to sustain research programs.
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innovation DISCOVERY
Researchers generate the data needed for larger studies.
Women’s Health Discovery Starts Here
SEED FUNDING
Philanthropic investment launches promising new ideas.
SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION Researchers identify an important unanswered question.
FEDERAL & INDUSTRY FUNDING Successful pilot projects attract additional investment.
CLINICAL TRIALS Promising discoveries move into clinical trials.
BETTER CARE
Research becomes new treatments, better outcomes, and healthier lives.
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Discovery About Us | 15
outcomes
Discovery in Action “I was not 100% certain that I could have a baby, and she [Dr. Erin Rhinehart] allowed me to. It really means the world that I was able to become a mom.” — Madison
As a teenager, Madison experienced a traumatic accident that left her facing years of surgeries and uncertainty about her future. Among the many questions that followed was whether she would ever be able to have a child of her own. More than a decade later, Madison became pregnant and chose UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital for her care. There, she was unexpectedly reunited with Dr. Erin Rhinehart, an obstetrician who had been part of her care team years earlier as a medical student. Their unique connection brought comfort and confidence throughout Madison’s pregnancy journey. In 2024, Dr. Rhinehart helped welcome Madison’s son, Miles, into the world at UPMC Magee. Today, Madison’s story is a powerful reminder of how expert, compassionate care can help patients overcome extraordinary challenges and achieve lifelong dreams.
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h g u o r h t k a e r b The Power of Philanthropy Scientific breakthroughs don’t happen by chance. They happen because people believe in what’s possible. Over the past decade, generous donors have invested $87 million in Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation, including a transformational $50 million matching commitment from UPMC. These investments help: • Launch bold new research ideas • Recruit world-class investigators • Support promising early-career scientists • Purchase advanced research equipment • Expand community engagement • Accelerate discoveries that improve women’s lives Philanthropy provides the flexibility to pursue the next breakthrough—often long before traditional funding becomes available.
World’s first breast cancer vaccine currently in clinical trials
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At the 2024 Magee-Womens Summit, two investigators, Drs. David Peters and Nicole Donnellan received an award to develop a blood test for the non-invasive detection of endometriosis.
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n o i t c e n ccoonmmitment Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever The national research funding landscape continues to evolve. Changes in federal funding—including the dissolution of USAID’s MATRIX program—have reduced critical research support and created new challenges for institutions across the country. Rather than slowing progress, Magee-Womens is responding with determination. We are expanding research support through initiatives like the Women’s Health Impact Fund, growing partnerships with industry and emerging biotechnology companies, strengthening our research infrastructure, and increasing community engagement. Most importantly, we remain committed to investing in the people whose ideas will define the future of women’s health.
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REVOLUTIONARY Build the Future of Women’s Health With Us Every day, Magee-Womens researchers are uncovering new knowledge that has the potential to change how diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated— not just for women, but for everyone. And the greatest discoveries are yet to come. With continued partnership from our donors, volunteers, advocates, and community, we will continue pushing the boundaries of science and creating healthier futures for generations to come. Together, we can change the way the world treats women.
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If you’d like to make a gift: By Mail Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation Attn: Gift Processing 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Online MageeWomens.org/Support or scan the QR code to make your gift
Stay Connected Follow @MageeWomens on social media to see the latest discoveries, explore patient stories, and check out opportunities to get involved
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