Centre for Trophoblast Research

The Centre for Trophoblast Research was established in 2007 to promote scientific study of the placenta, the organ that interfaces between the mother and her baby during pregnancy. The ultimate aim is to improve early diagnosis of placentally-related complications of pregnancy that remain a major cause of maternal and infant mortality worldwide, in the anticipation of devising novel therapeutic interventions. To achieve this aim, the Centre integrates basic scientists and research-oriented clinicians in a programme directed at understanding the development of the placenta, and how defects contribute to disorders such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, still birth and preeclampsia.