Tommy’s, a pregnancy charity, has launched the UK’s first National Centre for Preterm Birth Research to address concerns about stalled progress and growing inequalities in premature births. Led by Professor Catherine Williamson from Imperial College London, the center will bring together researchers from five leading institutions to investigate the causes of premature birth and develop effective prevention strategies.
Premature birth, a leading cause of child mortality in the UK, disproportionately affects Black and Asian communities and those in deprived areas. The center aims to drive progress by conducting research projects on various aspects of premature birth, including cervical shortening, mechanisms of labor onset, and parental involvement in care decisions for premature babies. The ultimate goal is to save and improve the lives of thousands of babies and families affected by premature birth.