Michelle Desforges

Dr Michelle Desforges is a Lecturer in Maternal & Fetal Health and Lead for Social Responsibility in the Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine at the University of Manchester. She holds a PhD in Placental Physiology from Manchester University and a BSc in Microbiology with Immunology from Leeds University. Her research focuses on placental function, particularly nutrient transport mechanisms involving taurine, and mitochondrial dysfunction in pregnancy complications like fetal growth restriction (FGR) and pre-eclampsia. She is also investigating how maternal obesity impacts placental health and fetal outcomes.

Teaching roles include supervising postgraduate students (PhD/MRes) and undergraduate projects, as well as contributing to the MRes in Reproduction and Pregnancy program. Professional memberships include The Physiological Society, IFPA, and The Mitochondrial Physiology Society.

Key projects include leading the Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre and investigating taurine’s role in placental mitochondrial function. Collaborations involve researchers like Dr Mark Dilworth and Prof. Alexander Heazell. Notable impacts include the Still Life project engaging communities on stillbirth awareness.