Professor Mary Renfrew OBE

Professor Mary Renfrew OBE

The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust is delighted to welcome Mary Renfrew OBE,  Professor Emerita, University of Dundee, as its new Patron.

Recognised globally as a midwife, advocate and academic whose work has shaped maternity and newborn services, Mary’s career has spanned over 40 years.

This has included work to improve the care of women and babies, reduce the impact of social and health inequalities, working with governments and with bodies such as UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, and the National Institute for Health Research.

Her multidisciplinary collaborations and research have influenced public health policy and midwifery practice both nationally and internationally, while the work she led at the Nursing and Midwifery Council has shaped the practice for all UK midwives and students. Professor Renfrew stepped into her role in February 2026, and here you can read our interview with her.