Dunaif is a prolific researcher in the area of diabetes and women’s health authoring more than 135 original scientific publications. She recently led the first study of its kind to map susceptibility genes for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of diabetes in women, in individuals of European ancestry. Dunaif has directed the NIH-supported Northwestern University Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) on Sex Differences since 2002. The research of the NU SCOR focuses on the role of genes, androgens [male hormones] and intrauterine environment in development of PCOS.