The WHx program at the Media Lab seeks to revolutionize women’s health by focusing on critical but often overlooked health disparities that affect women globally. 

Women face unique health challenges throughout their lives, yet historical underfunding and research gaps have left many of these issues inadequately addressed. We want to bridge these gaps by developing practical, accessible solutions tailored to improve individual outcomes and promote health equity. The broader economic opportunity of addressing these disparities is substantial. It has been demonstrated that addressing women’s health more effectively could boost global GDP by $1 by 2040. By collaborating across healthcare, technology, and policy sectors, we can redefine possibilities in women’s health. 

To explore these issues, the WHx program is soliciting proposals for Enabling Grants that will support our goal to improve women’s health by addressing historical gaps in research that have the potential to increase individual well-being and also strengthen communities and economies.

Proposals for bold research studies or technologies that advance women’s health should break traditional disciplinary silos and merge expertise across multiple fields. 

We encourage you to ask new and ambitious science questions that inspire not just incremental advances, but entirely new ways of approaching women’s health. 

Proposals may address general health concerns, but should focus on matters that disproportionately impact women.

Enabling Grants will be awarded in the amounts of $50,000- $250,000 and should be led by a Media Lab faculty member. All work will begin by April 1, 2026 and should be planned for a period of 6, 12 or 18 months depending on scope. Quarterly and final reports will be presented to the WHx faculty committee. 

Proposed work will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1. Impact to women’s health globally;
2. Novel, cross-disciplinary approach;
3. Potential for follow-on funding from other entities; and
4. Alignment with WHx research focus areas:
   4.1    Sex-based differences in disease: Explores how sex influences disease progression and treatment, focusing on conditions like autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancers that affect women disproportionately;
   4.2   Reproductive health and technologies: Studies women’s reproductive health across life stages, including fertility treatments, menstrual disorders, maternal health, and innovative technologies;
   4.3   Mental health in women: Focuses on women’s higher risks for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, driven by hormonal and physiological factors, to develop tailored interventions; and
   4.4   Aging and women’s health: Targets aging-related challenges in women, such as menopause, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline, aiming to improve prevention and treatment strategies.

Proposals may be submitted below, and are due January 15th, 2026; Awards will be announced on March 16th, 2026.