March of Dimes Allocates $600K to Three High-Impact Maternal Health Research Projects
Event summary
- March of Dimes awarded $600,000 in 2026 Discovery Grants to three scientists studying preeclampsia, paid sick leave, and prenatal care quality.
- Dr. Frank Lee (University of Pennsylvania) will investigate HIF-2 gene suppression as a potential preeclampsia treatment, drawing from Tibetan high-altitude adaptations.
- Dr. Chanup Jeung (SUNY Albany) will assess whether state paid sick leave mandates improve prenatal care access and reduce preterm birth risks for low-income women.
- Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey (UNC Chapel Hill) will evaluate whether existing prenatal care surveys accurately capture patient experiences, particularly among Black postpartum women in Detroit.
The big picture
March of Dimes continues its focus on translational research aimed at reducing preterm birth and improving maternal health outcomes. The $600,000 investment reflects a strategic emphasis on high-impact, multidisciplinary studies that address both biological and socioeconomic factors influencing pregnancy. The organization's funding model supports long-term research initiatives, positioning it as a key player in maternal-fetal health innovation.
What we're watching
- Therapeutic Breakthroughs
- Whether Dr. Lee's HIF-2 gene research could lead to actionable preeclampsia treatments, potentially transforming maternal health outcomes.
- Policy Impact
- How Dr. Jeung's findings on state paid sick leave mandates might influence healthcare policy and employer practices affecting prenatal care access.
- Equity in Care
- The extent to which Dr. Slaughter-Acey's study could reshape prenatal care quality assessments, particularly for marginalized populations.