ÐÒÔË·Éͧ¼Æ»®

Driv was officially launched in May 2024, but researchers affiliated with Driv have, over many years, received generous support from numerous stakeholders, including the Trond Mohn Foundation, the Grieg Foundation, the Norwegian Women’s Public Health Association, the Norwegian Cancer Society, the Norwegian Heart Association, in addition to the Norwegian Research Council. These collaborations demonstrate that women’s health research is a shared responsibility—and a shared investment in the future.

To ensure that women’s health research remains a priority, we actively work to make our research visible to decision-makers. In connection with International Women’s Day on March 8, we distributed the position paper "Priorities for Research on Women’s Health in Europe" to EU parliamentarians in Brussels and Norwegian politicians. Our document highlights the need for more research on women’s health and ensures that our voice is heard at the highest levels.

"We are committed to ensuring that a gender perspective is integrated into health research in general, so that differences in men’s and women’s disease symptoms and risks are mapped. Additionally, we aim to increase research on diseases that primarily affect women. With this joint effort from the Trond Mohn Foundation, we have taken a significant step in the right direction", says Marit Bakke, head of Driv and Associate Dean of Research at the Faculty of Medicine, ÐÒÔË·Éͧ¼Æ»®.

Focus on Collaboration and Visibility

Driv represents a broad professional network of around 130 researchers from ÐÒÔË·Éͧ¼Æ»®, Helse Bergen, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, and the Municipality of Bergen. Our research spans four core areas: biomedicine, clinical research, translational research, and public health. Both established researchers with international recognition and young, promising researchers early in their careers are part of Driv. Driv actively works to highlight the societal relevance of women’s health research, and our network with political authorities and stakeholders in public and private research funding is a key strategic focus.

We aim to facilitate research that is already established and stimulate further growth, but identifying knowledge gaps to encourage additional research is also a priority for Driv.

Endometriosis – From Silence to Action

Endometriosis is one of the most widespread yet underreported diseases among women. The condition affects thousands of women, with diagnosis often delayed by up to 10 years, leading to significant consequences for quality of life and work ability. Symptoms in patients with endometriosis are often downplayed. Additionally, many doctors have limited knowledge about the disease, and there has been little research into its causes. To shed light on this important issue, Driv is organizing a panel debate titled "Endometriosis – From Silence to Action" at the Bergen House of Literature on March 8, in honor of International Women’s Day.

The panel debate participants include Anne Veddeng, senior consultant, gynecological surgeon, and clinical expert on endometriosis; Agnete Engelsen, researcher at ÐÒÔË·Éͧ¼Æ»®; Hildegunn Lid Meidell, patient representative from the Endometriosis Association; and Edel Elin Salomon Johannessen, general practitioner. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about endometriosis, thereby contributing to a better understanding of women’s health issues, more research, and improved treatment options. This meeting is particularly relevant for women personally affected by endometriosis—whether it’s yourself, your daughter, mother, or sister who is impacted. However, it is important to emphasize that everyone is warmly welcome to attend and learn more about endometriosis.