Fertility 2021 – the joint conference of the Association of Reproductive & Clinical Scientists, British Fertility Society and the Society for Reproduction & Fertility – is the largest UK educational forum focusing on fertility and reproductive medicine. As always, the event was jam-packed with important translational science, and members of the CRH enjoyed great success over the five day long conference. Image Professor Critchley received the prestigious SRF Distinguished Scientist Anne McLaren Award for her outstanding contributions in the field of women's reproductive biology. The 2021 conference, aptly named ‘Barriers and breakthroughs’, was held online from 6 - 10 January in a commitment to continue to provide the delegates with CPD, education, and cutting edge content. The programme showcased a high-profile panel of national and international speakers, a wide range of concurrent sessions focusing on specialist areas in fertility and reproductive biology, interactive Q&A sessions, networking opportunities, a fun social event (complete with a cheese and wine goodie hamper!) and the chance to view the latest work and research taking place in the field in an online poster display and short paper sessions. Please find below a summary of the CRH’s ample involvement: PhD Prize Talks: Kirsten Wilson (Supervised by Professor Colin Duncan) 'The novel use of androgens to optimise detection of the fertile window in giant pandas'. *JOINT WINNER OF THE SRF PhD PRIZE* Kathleen Duffin (Supervised by Norah Spears and Professor Rod Mitchell) 'The effect of repeated doses of doxorubicin on the pre-pubertal mouse testis'. *JOINT WINNER OF SRF PhD PRIZE* Emily Bailie (Supervised by Evelyn Telfer and Professor Richard Anderson) 'Testosterone treatment affects non-growing and early growing ovarian follicles'. Talks and lectures: Dr Roseanne Rosario (Anderson Lab) 'BOLL regulates distinct mRNA targets from DAZL in the human fetal ovary'. Dr Federica Lopes (Mitchell Lab) 'Developing an in vitro model for toxicological study of chemotherapy on isolated mouse germline stem cells'. The Anne McLaren Memorial Lecture: Professor Hilary Critchley 'Barriers and breakthrough – tackling taboos and the mysteries of menstruation'. This lecture was widely applauded across social media channels. Posters: Gabriele Matilionyte (Mitchell Lab) 'Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) does not protect the germ cells from cisplatin-induced damage in prepubertal mouse testis'. Chairs: Professor Colin Duncan chaired several sessions across the conference, but particularly on the SRF Satellite Day. Professor Duncan also created this video in advance of the event, which succinctly summarises what Fertility 2021 offers the participants. 'Meet The Editors' session Professor Norah Spears and Professor Andrew Horne participated in this, offering their expertise as editors of the Reproduction and Fertility Journal. SRF Council members Professor Rod Mitchell and Dr Federica Lopes were elected new members of the SRF Council. Conclusion: Fertility 2021 ended with an amazing plenary lecture from Dame Jane Goodall - a real highlight from the conference. All talks can be revisited over the coming months, so visit the website if you are interested. Huge congratulations to everyone who was involved. The CRH is looking forward to Fertility 2022 which is due to take place from the 5-8 January 2022 in Liverpool. This article was published on 2024-09-10
