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.