An estimated 53,000 babies are born prematurely in the UK every year. We know more can be done to help prevent this which is why Imperial is now a leading contributor to the first ever Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research.
Right now, 1 in 13 babies in the UK are born too soon every year and we’re not on track to meet the government's target of reducing premature birth rates from 8% to 6% by 2025. This is unacceptable and an issue we know we have the expertise to help change, and further Tommy's position as the leading pregnancy research charity.
As part of Tommy's strategic goals to grow evidence and improve care through scientific research, Imperial’s Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology is hosting the new Preterm Birth Research Centre. A collaborative research centre comprising King’s College London, University of Leeds, Queen Mary University of London, UCL and led by Imperial, the Tommy’s Centre is the first of its kind in the UK looking into research specifically targeting the causes of preterm birth and alleviating its worst effects.
The Centre aims to deliver the step change needed to reduce the preterm birth rates and make sure every part of the pregnancy and birth journey is becoming safer. The launch of the centre will help raise awareness of the issue of premature birth and how this network of expert researchers are working towards preventing it. It will also create awareness in our community about the care and new treatment that could be available for them, if at high-risk of premature birth in the future.
Find out more about the Centre on its website.
Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research Launch
The Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research launched on 20th March 2024. The event included an expert panel hosted by broadcaster Leah Boleto and heard Sarah and Ben Mee’s first-hand experience of preterm birth, followed by a Q&A with Centre Director Professor Catherine Williamson and Professor Andrew Shennan.
Tommy’s Centre contributes to the House of Lords enquiry
On 14th November 2024 – in advance of World Prematurity Day on 17th Nov – the House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee published its report Preterm birth: reducing risks and improving lives. Members of the Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research contributed to the committee as expert witnesses in the field of preterm birth and women’s health. Tommy’s have released a statement on the report on their website, in which Centre director Prof Catherine Williamson reinforced the importance of the work that the Centre is funding.
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Contact us
Please forward any queries about the Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research to Tom Hewitt.
Ways to take part
We are always looking for participants to take part in trials for our research into preterm birth. We are also looking for volunteers with lived experience of preterm birth to participate in Patient-Public Involvement liaison groups. If you are interested in either, please contact Tom Hewitt.
