Imagine what cutting-edge technologies can achieve in transforming women's health + wellbeing.

Every day at the MIT Media Lab, we harness cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize women's health, enhancing both mental and physical wellbeing.

By integrating AI, wearable devices, and groundbreaking biomedical solutions, we strive to deliver personalized, preventative care that addresses the comprehensive health needs of women worldwide.

Why it matters

Women's health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of global health. Women face unique health challenges that are compounded by systemic inequities in healthcare access, research, and treatment. 

Despite living longer than men, women spend approximately 25% more time in poor health, affecting their quality of life and economic productivity. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of justice but also an economic imperative, as closing the women's health gap could generate over $1 trillion in global GDP by 2040.

Our approach

Our approach to women's health integrates digital mental health, human-computer interaction, biomechatronics, and advanced materials.

• Advanced materials for health
  Our research in advanced materials focuses on developing novel solutions for health monitoring and treatment. This includes innovative sensors and devices that can be integrated into everyday objects or worn on the body.

Key researchers
Canan Dagdeviren: Specializing in conformable electronics and bio-integrated devices, Canan Dagdeviren's work includes the development of wearable sensors that monitor vital signs and detect health anomalies in real-time. Her recent projects include a flexible piezoelectric device that can be used for long-term, non-invasive monitoring of cardiovascular health.

• Enhancing physical capability
  In collaboration with the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics, we develop transformational bionic interventions to restore and augment physical capabilities. This includes advanced prosthetics and exoskeletons that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater mobility and independence.

Key researchers
Deblina Sarkar: Her research on nanoelectronics and nanobiotechnology is paving the way for new types of neural interfaces that could revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders.
Hugh Herr: A leader in biomechatronics, Hugh Herr's work includes developing advanced prosthetics that seamlessly integrate with the human body, significantly enhancing mobility for individuals with limb loss.

• Digital mental health
  Utilizing wearables, nearables, and immersive systems embedded with physiological and brain sensors, we aim to monitor and improve mental well-being through early detection and personalized interventions. These technologies help reduce stigma and provide continuous support for mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

Key researchers
Roz Picard: Known for her pioneering work in affective computing, Roz Picard's recent projects include the development of wearable devices that detect emotional states and provide real-time feedback to improve mental health.
Pattie Maes: Her research focuses on human-computer interaction, including the development of intelligent systems that support mental and physical well-being.

• Advanced space suit design and biomedical engineering innovations
  we aim to enhance women's health through personalized, adaptive technologies that address both physical and mental well-being. These innovations include wearables and AI-driven systems for continuous health monitoring, early detection of health issues, and customized interventions, contributing to holistic wellness and empowerment.

Key Researcher
Dava Newman: Dava's work emphasizes the integration of physiological monitoring systems to improve health outcomes for women, both on Earth and in space. Newman’s leadership at the MIT Media Lab continues to drive advancements in personalized health technologies, ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to diverse populations.

• Social Robotics for Women's Health
  Utilizing robots embedded with advanced AI, emotion recognition, and responsive behaviors, we aim to create companions that interact naturally with women, addressing specific health needs. These robots are designed to support various aspects of women's daily lives, from companionship to educational support and health monitoring. The goal is to improve the quality of life by providing interactive and empathetic robotic solutions tailored to women's health.

Key researcher
Cynthia Breazeal:  Breazeal's recent projects focus on developing robots that can engage in meaningful social interactions with women. Her work emphasizes creating robots that understand and respond to emotional cues, offering support in areas such as mental health, prenatal care, and chronic illness management. By facilitating natural and supportive human-robot interactions, Breazeal's innovations aim to provide continuous emotional and cognitive support, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being for women.

Goals + aspirations

We defined these goals because addressing the disparities in women's health outcomes is essential for promoting equality, enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and fostering inclusivity and diversity.

• Closing the women's health gap
  Through targeted research and innovative solutions, we aim to reduce the disparities in health outcomes between men and women.
• Enhancing quality of life
  By improving mental and physical health, we strive to enable women to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
• Economic empowerment
  Healthier women contribute to a more productive workforce, driving economic growth and stability.
• Fostering inclusivity + diversity
  We are committed to addressing the unique health needs of all women, including those from marginalized and underrepresented communities.

How you can be a part

If you believe like we do that innovative technology can transform women's health, you can contribute by supporting interdisciplinary research, advocating for equitable healthcare solutions, and participating in our collaborative initiatives to drive forward personalized and preventative care.

• Collaborations
  Join us in collaborative research and development initiatives. Whether you represent an academic institution, a healthcare organization, or a technology company, your expertise and resources can help us achieve our goals.
• Funding
  Financial contributions are vital to advancing our research and expanding our impact. Donations and grants enable us to develop new technologies and support the dissemination of our findings
• Advocacy
  Raise awareness about the importance of women's health. By advocating for policies and practices that prioritize women's health, you can help create a more equitable healthcare system.
• Engagement
  Participate in our programs, events, and workshops. Engage with our researchers and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of women's health.

Meet the researchers

At the MIT Media Lab, we believe in a future where women's health is prioritized, and technological innovation is harnessed to create a more equitable and healthy world. Through our interdisciplinary research and collaboration, we are dedicated to closing the women's health gap and enhancing the well-being of women everywhere. Join us in this transformative journey to revolutionize women's health and create lasting change.