# Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network - Northwestern Study Center

> **NIH NIH UG1** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $322,525

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
In the United States (US), there are nearly 4 million births per year, and childbirth is the leading indication for
hospitalization. Correspondingly, the prevention of preterm birth and maternal morbidity are important clinical
and public health goals. In addition, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes are sources of major health
inequities in the US; improvements in obstetric care, therapeutic interventions, and screening or diagnostic
strategies have the potential to improve outcomes for all individuals, and particularly those from diverse
populations. Innovative and transformational obstetric research is required to achieve these goals, making
rigorous, multi-site clinical trials and observational studies designed to improve obstetric outcomes of the utmost
importance.
The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network, by creating a multi-site research infrastructure, is an
important mechanism to effectively accomplish this goal. The Northwestern Study Center, through its use of
innovative recruitment and study designs, strong scientific leadership, outstanding academic
productivity, and a large and diverse patient population available for research, has been a productive
member of the MFMU Network since 2001. The Northwestern Study Center is composed of two institutions –
Northwestern University and NorthShore University HealthSystem – that have a two-decade history of successful
collaboration, including within the MFMU Network. The combined volume of birthing individuals receiving
care at these sites is 19,000 births; a high volume of these births occur to individuals who are from
diverse, underrepresented populations or at high risk for adverse outcomes.
In this application, we propose that the Northwestern Study Center continues to participate in the NICHD MFMU
Network. A team of experienced clinical researchers (Lynn Yee, MD, MPH; Michelle Kominiarek, MD, MS; Beth
Plunkett, MD, MPH; Gail Mallett, RN), who have longstanding and nationally-recognized expertise with obstetric
clinical research in general and the MFMU Network specifically, lead this renewal application. With strong
institutional support, a uniquely collaborative research environment, and prior successful participation in and
leadership of multi-site clinical trials, the Northwestern Study Center will continue its significant contributions to
the MFMU Network’s goals through robust enrollment of socioeconomically diverse individuals and the
completion of novel and important studies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10818506
- **Project number:** 5UG1HD040512-25
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Lynn M Yee
- **Activity code:** UG1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $322,525
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2001-04-01 → 2030-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10818506

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10818506, Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network - Northwestern Study Center (5UG1HD040512-25). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10818506. Licensed CC0.

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