Menstruation Science Day at MIT: September 30
On September 30, the Center for Gynepathology Research (CGR) is hosting several events in celebration of the MIT Menstruation Science Initiative, which joins a spectrum of MIT faculty with investigators around the world to tackle some of the most demanding challenges in gynecology and women’s health. We invite the MIT community, as well as our local community of academic and industry collaborators, patients, and clinicians, to join us to learn more about MIT-based research, the patient experience, and ways you might get involved in research and advocacy.
The centerpiece of the day is a screening of the groundbreaking endometrioisis documentary End of the Cycle, created by The Endometriosis Collective. The film not only highlights forefront scientific and clinical research, including that at MIT, but challenges decades of misconceptions—for example, the classic textbook statements that endometriosis is a disease of women in their late twenties and thirties. In reality, onset of disease symptoms is often in very early teen years and symptoms can continue after a hysterectomy or menopause.
Following the film, a panel of leading voices in endometriosis research, clinical care, business innovation, and patient advocacy will discuss the current landscape for patients, and what is happening at MIT and beyond to accelerate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. A reception for those interested in getting involved or learning more will follow the panel, and will feature opportunities for students to engage with the panelists.
Join CGR and principal scientist Mikki Tal at a hands-on demonstration from 4-5pm showing how to measure absolutely everything, from capillary blood flow to eye movements, as well as organs-on-chips platforms for building endometriosis patients in the lab.
SCHEDULE
4:00-5:00 pm – Hands on demos
Join Dr. Mikki Tal and her team for a hands-on demonstration in how to measure absolutely everything, from capillary blood flow to eye movements.
5–6 pm – VIP Reception (Lobby 13)
Join industry and endo community VIPs at a pre-screening reception with appetizers and hands-on demos of CGR’s organ-on-chip (NAMs) technology.
6 pm – Screening Begins (Room 10-250)
Open admission. Doors open at 6 pm for the film screening.
6:10–6:20 pm – Welcome & Introduction
6:20–7:50 pm – Film Screening: “End of the Cycle” (90 minutes)
7:50–8:30 pm – Expert Panel Discussion
Moderated by Professor Linda Griffith, this panel will feature film director Sammy Jaye and expert voices in endometriosis research, clinical care, business innovation, and patient advocacy. Q&A to follow.
8:30 pm – Meet the panelists
After the screening and panel, meet the scientists and professors over light refreshments in Lobby 13.
ABOUT THE FILM
End of the Cycle, directed by Sammy Jaye and Soraya Simi, weaves together intimate personal narratives (featuring voices like Amy Schumer, Brittany Brown, Janel Parrish, Julianne Hough, and Fọlákẹ́ Olówòfóyèkù), frontier basic and translational science, historical revelations, and cultural commentary to challenge misconceptions about endometriosis and offer hope for revolutions in diagnosis and care.
While each woman narrates her own difficult journey through diagnosis and treatment, the film focuses on resilience. It showcases women taking charge of their health, and using their voices and talents to inspire others to do the same, with a vision of bringing about systemic change from their concerted efforts in many dimensions of science and society.
Professor Linda Griffith, Director of the MIT CGR and of the NIH-funded NAMs Technology Development Center for Women’s Health, is featured as a patient-scientist building living patient avatars. The film also highlights pioneering work in endometriosis genetics, chronic pain, systems biology, and drug development by collaborating investigators on her interdisciplinary team.
ABOUT THE DAY
September 30 will be a day highlighting menstruation science as a critical frontier in women’s health innovation. Events during the day will feature the interesting ways investigators and students all over MIT are contributing to both basic and translational science in menstruation, pregnancy, and sex-based immunological diseases. It’s an opportunity to learn from and engage with leading researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and patients.
Whether you’re a student exploring a career in women’s health, an alumnus interested in supporting research, an industry leader exploring investment opportunities, or simply someone who cares about advancing endometriosis and menstruation research and care—you’re invited. Should we link to the CGR website signup for info email list…I think so, we can send updates out through that list.
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REGISTRATION & DETAILS
For most events, please register here.
Questions? Email: cgood@mit.edu.
Get Involved
Join Our Student Outreach Group
Are you interested in learning how CGR engages with college and high school students about menstruation health? Consider joining our student outreach group! Sharing your contact information signals interest, but is not a commitment on your part. We’ll reach out with more details about our activities and what you can expect.
MIT Community Endo Support Group
CGR is exploring ways to connect and engage with endo patients and partners in the MIT community. Let us know if you are interested in learning more about this endeavor as we move forward.