MELISA is an acronym that stands for Molecular Epidemiology for LIfe Science ReseArch. MELISA Institute is an integrative biomedical research initiative for human life sciences. The Institute is currently running a number of research programs in three major areas: Public Health & Epidemiology, Human Reproduction & Biomarkers, and Prenatal Medicine. Scientists at the MELISA Institute investigate factors affecting maternal, embryonic and fetal health from early stages of pregnancy. Researchers hope to develop potential diagnostic or therapeutic tools that may improve, maintain or restore the health of mothers and their babies.