FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2025
Endometriosis Foundation of America and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Launch $20 Million Seckin Endometriosis Research Center
New York, NY — The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) announce the launch of the Seckin Endometriosis Research Center for Women’s Health, a new initiative dedicated to advancing research and discovery in endometriosis.
The center is funded through a combined $20 million commitment—$10 million from EndoFound and a $10 million matching gift from CSHL Board Chair Marilyn Simons, PhD. This marks a historic investment in one of the most overlooked areas of women’s health research, aiming to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and improve the lives of those living with endometriosis.
The Seckin Endometriosis Research Center will be housed at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and led by Dr. Semir Beyaz, Assistant Professor and lead investigator, whose work explores the intersection of genetics, metabolism, and the immune system in female reproductive health.
Named in honor of internationally renowned endometriosis surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD, the center will apply advanced technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to investigate the disease’s underlying biology, progression, and potential therapeutic strategies. Dr. Seckin is known for developing the patented blue dye technique that helps surgeons detect otherwise hidden lesions, improving both diagnosis and surgical treatment outcomes.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvic cavity, though it can also appear elsewhere in the body. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and significantly reduced quality of life. Despite its prevalence and severity, endometriosis research remains severely underfunded.
The Seckin Endometriosis Research Center will serve as a hub for scientific collaboration, data generation, and innovation. Its mission is to deepen understanding of the disease and ultimately drive the development of better diagnostics and treatments.
To learn more or to support this initiative, visit https://www.endofound.org/seckin-endometriosis-research-center
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Semir Beyaz, PhD - Seckin Endometriosis Research Center
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Tamer Seckin, MD - Seckin Endometriosis Research Center
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Piraye Yurttas Beim, PHD - Seckin Endometriosis Research Center
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Alexis Roderick Joel - Seckin Endometriosis Research Center
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Leemor Joshua Tor, PhD - Seckin Endometriosis Research Center
About the Endometriosis Foundation of America
The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) is the leading endometriosis organization in the United States, co-founded by internationally renowned surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD, and advocate and author Padma Lakshmi. As the largest non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to this disease, EndoFound works to increase recognition of endometriosis, advance advocacy, support expert surgical training, and fund groundbreaking research. Through its robust public education and medical outreach campaigns, EndoFound champions early diagnosis and effective treatment. To learn more or get involved, visit www.endofound.org.
