Second Annual Symposium of the Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, 23 November 2012

The presentations of the symposium gave us a fascinating kaleidoscope of fundamental and practical medical investigations in Sheffield in the past few years. The meeting was attended by over 50 participants. The meeting was opened by Dr. Alireza Fazeli, the Head of the Unit and was followed by a number of excellent talks.

Professor Tim Birkhead of the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences talked about his astonishing findings on sperm competition in birds. He explained us why evolution favoured fitter and faster sperms in polygamous birds compared to monogamous species.

The new lecturer of the unit, Dr Mark Fenwick showed dazzling microphotographs on follicle selection and development in the mammalian ovary. He explained different aspects of his current research and outlined the projects he aims to persuade during his tenure in Sheffield.

Dr Robert Fraser made us realize how difficult it is to standardize a clinical test for gestational diabetes which affects 2-5% of women in England and Wales. His excellent screening method will help many of these mothers to receive appropriate treatment in time.

Professor Bill Holt introduced us to the world of Australian koalas. He was talking about the difficulties of conducting conservation project which aims to stem the koala population dwindling. He presented us the problems with the cryopreservation of koala sperm, and the formidable attempts to cary out in vitro fertilization in these animals.

Dr Porus Bustani, a neonatologist in the Jessop Wing, explained how he managed to work out the best oxygen saturation environment for premature neonates.

Dr John Tidy, a gynecologist in the Hallamshire Hospital, showed the long and successful journey of developing a novel impedance spectroscopy for screening the early stages of cervical cancer.

Dr Susan Laird of the Department of Biosciences at Sheffield Hallam University explained how often early implantation failure and pregnancy loss occurred in women. She focused on the increasing number of medical interventions which had no or little scientific rationale, and gave women false hope.

Dr Jean Emly, the Managing Director of GeneFlow, kindly sponsored the poster competition of postgraduate students. For the most outstanding poster, Javier Sanchez-Lopez received the well-deserved first prize. The second prize was awarded to Laleh Marvasti, and Sarah Waite won the third prize.

During the relaxing coffee breaks and lunch the delegates engaged in vigorous discussions which hopefully will result in even more exiting research collaborations for next year’s symposium.

Dr. Fazeli summerised and closed the meeting. He mentioned the strengths of the unit being in the diversity of topics researched and diverse collaborations going on in the unit.

The organisers of the symposium are grateful to our sponsors for their generous financial support.