Fetal growth and development
Group Leader(s): Dr Alison Forhead
Contact: aforhead@brookes.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 483625
About us
Our research work has an integrative approach to the study of mammalian endocrinology and systems physiology. It is focused on three main areas:
- the development and regulation of hormone systems in the fetus,
- the endocrine control of fetal growth, development and maturation,
- the role of hormones in developmental programming of adult physiology.
Key research questions include:
- How do hormone systems develop before birth, and how are these processes controlled?
- What are the mechanisms by which hormones regulate normal development of the fetus?
- How do hormones interact to prepare the fetus for birth and survival as a neonate?
- What are the hormonal mechanisms by which the environment before birth influences health in later life?
Related courses
- Biological Sciences (Human Biosciences) (BSc (Hons))
- Biomedical Science (BSc (Hons))
- Medical Science (BSc (Hons))
Research impact
![Metatarsal bone from normal and thyroid-deficient ovine fetuses using micro-computed topography Metatarsal bone from normal and thyroid-deficient ovine fetuses using micro-computed topography](/getmedia/a88cf6d8-8287-4eee-8fc6-95302c058a22/Fetal-growth-03.jpg?width=800&height=450&ext=.jpg)
Our research findings have important implications for the understanding of normal fetal growth and development; the consequences of prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and fetal endocrine disorders; and the mechanisms underlying the developmental programming of adult (patho)physiology.
We collaborate worldwide with colleagues in basic and clinical science, and publish our findings widely.
Leadership
![Alison Forhead](https://media-cdn.brookes.ac.uk/mediacontainer/medialibraries/oxfordbrookes/profile-images/staff/hls/bms/forehead-alison-p0076253-small.jpg?width=265&height=265&ext=.jpg)
Dr Alison Forhead
Senior Lecturer in Physiology and Medical Science