Division of Reproductive Sciences

We are often asked, “Why conduct and invest in basic research in a clinical department?” An investment in basic research at the cellular and molecular level provides us with the tools needed to understand diseases that do not yet have a clinical treatment. Where therapies are known and have complications, basic science research is essential to understanding their side effects and how to avoid them.

A significant focus of our basic research program is in seeking to understand the cellular and molecular interactions and functions that are needed to establish a healthy pregnancy to full gestation in both animal and human models. A healthy pregnancy has the greatest benefit to mother, child and society; however, understanding the causes of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and potential pre-term labor and delivery that result from this condition is essential to developing safe, effective treatments for mother and child.

Our Mission

As an academic institution, our mission is to educate future scientists and physicians in the new world of interdisciplinary and collaborative biomedical research. In particular, for NIH’s (National Institutes of Health) initiative to build interdisciplinary teams to be achieved we must have basic researchers working in clinical departments in order to understand what the clinical problem is at a mechanistic level. Likewise for doctors who are practicing clinical medicine to know what is possible they need to see and understand cutting edge research being done in their own department. We must not overlook the pre- and post-doctoral scholars within our department who are essential to advancing the research mission not only to support work conducted by the faculty Principal Investigator, but also to develop their own career paths through guided mentorship and training. For these reasons, conducting basic research in a clinical department is essential to a healthy and bright future for all women, infants and children.

Division of Reproductive Sciences brings research to 2025 SRI Annual Scientific Meeting

The Society for Reproductive Investigation hosted the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina March 25-29, 2025. Researchers from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences led sessions, gave presentations, and brought posters to the conference. Jessica Vazquez, PhD, moderated the sessio... more

Abbott co-authors publication and guest edits Reproduction’s special series on PCOS

David Abbott, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, co-authored a review in Reproduction as part of a special series on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Origins and Implications. Abbott is a guest editor for the special series. Co-authors on the review and co-editors for the special series include Daniel Dumesic ... more

Patankar elected to Graduate Faculty Executive Committee

Congratulations to Manish Patankar, PhD, director of the Division of Reproductive Sciences! He was elected to the UW–Madison Graduate School’s Graduate Faculty Executive Committee (GFEC) for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2025. The GFEC exercises the powers of the graduate faculty with respect to establishing, reviewing a... more

Department of Ob-Gyn brings research and leadership to 2025 UW Carbone Cancer Research Retreat

The UW Carbone Cancer Center hosted their annual Research Retreat on April 10, 2025. Members of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Division of Reproductive Sciences shared research and provided leadership for the event. Some of their exciting accomplishments:Janelle Sobecki, MD,... more

Zheng publishes article in American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology

Jing Zheng, PhD, professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, recently published an article in the American Journal of Physiology Cell Physiology. Ying-jie Zhao, MD, PhD, and Si-yan Zhang, PhD candidate of this study, are the co-first authors. Chi Zhou, PhD, at the University of Arizona is a co-corresponding author. Sa... more
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