Gravida was originally set up under the name of the National Research Centre for Growth and Development (NRCGD) in 2003 and was initially headed by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman.

The main research question is how environmental influences such as nutrition and maternal weight, before, during and shortly after pregnancy can alter the way humans and animals develop.

The aim is to translate research findings into better health for the community, as well as into increased agricultural productivity.

Gravida is a member of the Association of Centres of Research Excellence (aCoRE), NZ.

[2] Gravida, and the other CoREs, are funded by the New Zealand government through the Tertiary Education Commission.