Importance of Research on Sex Differences and the Role of the NIH SABV Policy

Chyren Hunter, PhD
Associate Director, Basic and Translational Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH)
Financial Disclosure: None

The study of sex differences enhances scientific rigor, builds a more complete knowledge base, and minimizes the risk of erroneous conclusions when interpreting results. Sex and gender analyses in translational and clinical research studies ultimately provide critical insights essential to our scientific understanding of women’s health. Cardiovascular disease and stroke, musculoskeletal and immune disorders, and mental health and substance abuse are among many examples of conditions where sex and gender influences affect the health of women.

One of the most important and exciting recent developments in support of the ORWH mission to enhance and expand women’s health research is the publication of the NIH Policy on Sex as a Biological Variable, requiring scientists to study both sexes, as appropriate, at the preclinical and clinical levels.

We will consider the importance of research on sex differences across the research continuum and the role of the NIH SABV policy in the broader vision for women’s health research and women’s health.