Adams County Redefines Women’s Health and Life Sciences Research

Fitzsimons Innovation Community

The Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research and Fitzsimons Innovation Community play a critical role in elevating health for women in Adams County and around the world.

Dedicated to improving women’s health, the Ludeman Family Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus supports pioneering research, cultivates scientific talent and collaborates with diverse stakeholders to ensure gender differences are considered in every aspect of medical research.

Devin Lynn, communications manager for the Ludeman Family Center, says it was founded 20 years ago with a mission to make medical research more inclusive. Today, the center’s key areas of research focus are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and the intersection of mental and physical health.

“The center was started because we recognized there was a very real need for research that was specifically dedicated to women’s health,” Lynn says.

Empowering Women’s Health Research

Since its founding, the Ludeman Family Center has funded more than 100 researchers, helping to advance not only women’s research but women in scientific careers.

Judy Regensteiner, director of the Ludeman Family Center, says that the center unites male and female researchers in a shared mission to advance women’s health globally. More than 95% of researchers remain in academic medicine after receiving funding and mentorship from the Ludeman Center.

“Our intensive mentoring encourages researchers to stay in the field,” she says.

Each year, Girls Career Day inspires more young women by introducing them to health science careers at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.

Looking to the future, Regensteiner emphasizes the center’s commitment to sustained investment in its scientists and strategic growth.

“The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is an economic powerhouse for the region, and the Ludeman Center plays an integral role in that,” Regensteiner says. “Our investments in research ensure that our faculty have productive research careers. We also reach out to our community to provide evidence-based research information so everyone in the region can improve their own health in coordination with their health care providers.”

Creating Space Collaboration

The Fitzsimons Innovation Community (FIC), an integrated campus of more than 80 innovative health and life sciences companies, also plays a critical role in shaping the future of health care and biotech in Colorado.

In 2024, Fitzsimons Innovation Community named Kelly Brough as its new CEO to lead the sprawling campus of leading-edge laboratory workspace where innovative health and life sciences companies take their research to the next level to cure diseases, save lives and improve care.

Brough says Fitzsimons Innovation Community is the best-kept secret in Colorado.

“Fitzsimons Innovation Community is creating a space with labs, offices and exactly what companies and innovators need to be successful. They are next door to some of the best hospitals in the nation where they can run clinical trials and seek insight from people working every single day with patients,” Brough says.

Community is a key aspect of Fitzsimons, Brough says, particularly in the way that everyone works together to help each other to succeed.

“As women and people of color enter into the STEM arena more, they still face barriers and challenges, and this is a community that can help you figure out how to navigate those challenges and overcome them,” Brough says. “The vision we have is not just a place where these bioscience companies thrive, but no matter whether you choose to live here or work here, you will thrive and your health will improve.”

This vibrant health care ecosystem solidifies Adams County’s position as a national leader in life science innovation and transforming health care on a global scale.