OB/GYN Research Network (OGRN)
Mission & Vision Statement
Our mission is to provide an unparalleled research infrastructure that streamlines administrative processes, optimizes recruitment strategies, and promotes effective multi-disciplinary and industry collaborations. As a result, our investigators have the necessary resources and support to conduct high-impact and high-quality research that advances the field of obstetrics & gynecology.
Our vision is to be the premier network for obstetrics & gynecology research by facilitating and conducting research that is ethical and inclusive, improves outcomes, reduces healthcare disparities, and enriches the lives of those in our local and global communities.
About OGRN
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN) is the research infrastructure for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah Health.
Our overarching purpose is to expertly facilitate and conduct women’s health research in Utah and beyond. Our administrative core works hand in hand with team members to deliver the highest quality research.
The OGRN and its staff are committed to the highest possible research standards in order to improve the health of women and their families, both in Utah and across the globe. This ever-evolving research infrastructure is at the heart of the department’s academic success.
Providing Research Administrative Services
The OGRN houses a full service suite of research administrative services including:
- Pre-award and post-award grant management
- Protocol development
- IRB submission
- Compliance expertise
- Clinical research personnel
- Data management
- The requisite laboratory facilitates for processing and storage of research specimens
It fosters a robust environment for the conduct of externally and internally funded research and also serves to facilitate research career development for departmental faculty and trainees.
Our History
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah has a long history of successful clinical and translational research. In 1996, the Department was awarded a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Between 1996 and 2006, the Department joined five other networks and was also awarded three large NIH research contracts and individual investigator NIH awards, some of which were conducted in collaboration with Intermountain Healthcare.
The expanding financial and administrative requirements of these awards were initially absorbed by the Department’s existing clinical infrastructure. However, research funding had increased tenfold in 10 years and it soon became clear that a dedicated research infrastructure was required in order to optimally manage the numerous aspects of research administration.
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN) was established in 2006 and Michael Varner, MD, was appointed as the OGRN Director and Department Vice-Chair for Research. These positions have transitioned to Carolyn Swenson, MD and he has transitioned as OGRN Co-Director. From 2006 to the present, the OGRN has continued to evolve as the comprehensive research infrastructure for the department. OGRN personnel are available to assist researchers in preparing and submitting grants, administering grants after they are awarded (including orchestrating subcontracts with Intermountain Healthcare and other research institutions across the country), training and managing research personnel, ensuring that appropriate IRB approvals are in place, and monitoring research compliance.