Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research

The Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research (WFBR) was a pioneering independent non-profit research institute located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Established in 1944 by scientists Hudson Hoagland and Gregory Pincus, the foundation gained international acclaim for the development of the first combined oral contraceptive pill. Beyond reproductive biology, the institute made significant contributions to the fields of endocrinology, neurobiology, and cancer research. In 1997, the foundation merged with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, effectively becoming part of the UMass Chan Medical School campus. This merger integrated WFBR's distinguished faculty and research programs into the university's academic infrastructure, where its legacy continues through dedicated endowments and ongoing biomedical discovery.