Modern medical research is dependent on many political considerations such as the funding sources and the personal belief systems of those in control of setting the directions for the use of those funds. The author provides information on the role of women in that decision-making structure. She details several areas of re-search which have a direct impact on the health of women but in which women have little or no role in setting policy. She concludes that if the situation is to be changed women must play a much more active role in both determining research policy and In carrying out the research itself.