The Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) is partnering with the International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) to host a series of virtual symposia focused on novel contraceptive discovery this fall, with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Solving Challenges in Contraceptive Discovery and Innovation aims to stimulate new research and novel approaches to expanding choice for contraceptive users.
The event will include e-poster sessions, a trainee mentor roundtable, and opportunities to network and engage with attendees from around the world! There are three two-hours sessions on Wednesday September 30, October 7, and October 14 from 4-6 PM (EDT):
September 30, 2020: Novel Contraceptives Targeting Sperm Development and Function Keynote Speaker: Martin Matzuk, Baylor College of Medicine
DNA-Encoded Chemistry Technology and Functional Genomics for Contraception Research October 7, 2020: Male Contraceptive Development Targeting Spermatogenesis Keynote Speaker: Patricia Cuasnicú, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine Buenos Aires Argentina
CRISP Proteins as Novel Targets for Male Contraceptive Development October 14, 2020: Non-Hormonal Female Contraceptive Strategies Keynote Speaker: Diane Duffy, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Ovulatory Angiogenesis as a Target for Novel Contraceptive Development
See below for full program details.
Registration
Registration is open now, and individuals from all areas of reproductive biology research and all geographic regions are encouraged to attend. Registration is free for all SSR members (remember, SSR is also offering a free trial membership through October 31st!)
Register here for the event.
Abstract Submission
The SSR Contraception Program Committee welcomes abstracts reporting new basic, clinical, and/or translational research in any field of reproduction that may have relevance to contraceptive innovation.
SSR has re-opened the abstract submission portal to allow entries for poster presentations.
The deadline to submit a poster abstract is September 30th, 2020 11:59pm EDT.
All abstracts from eligible early / mid-career investigators that meet the criteria will be considered for one of three $1,200 Awards to support conference travel or three awards of a free one-year SSR membership.
Full program details
E-Posters: The e-poster hall will be open 24-hrs a day from October 12-19.
September 30, 2020: Novel Contraceptives Targeting Sperm Development and Function 4:00-6:00 PM (EDT) Keynote Speaker: Martin Matzuk, Baylor College of Medicine
DNA-Encoded Chemistry Technology and Functional Genomics for Contraception Research
Laura Giojalas, National University of Cordoba, Argentina: Sperm Chemotaxis And Its Potential Application For New Contraceptive Development
Mariano Buffone, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine, Argentina: Sperm Acrosome Reaction and Capacitation and The Potential Application For New Contraceptive Development
Aaron Crapster, Vibliome Therapeutics Stanford University, USA: HIPK4-Selective Inhibitors for Male Contraception
Alan Andrew Silva, São Paulo State University, Brazil: The Roles of Epididymal Protease Inhibitor (EPPIN) N-Terminal and C-Terminal Regions on The Regulation of Mouse Sperm Motility
Noemia Mariani, São Paulo State University, Brazil: Recombinant Seminal Vesicle-Secreted Protein SVS2 Inhibits the Motility of Mouse Spermatozoa in vitro
Nongnuj Tanphaichitr, University of Ottawa, Canada: Potential Use of LL-37/17BIPHE2 as Vaginal Spermicides/Microbicides
October 7, 2020: Male Contraceptive Development Targeting Spermatogenesis 4:00-6:00 PM (EDT) Keynote Speaker: Patricia Cuasnicú, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine Buenos Aires Argentina
CRISP Proteins as Novel Targets for Male Contraceptive Development
Gustavo Blanco, Kansas University Medical Center, USA: Targeting Na,K-ATPase Alpha 4 for Male Contraception
John Amory, University of Washington, USA: Inhibition of Retinoic Acid Biosynthesis as A Target for Male Contraception
Wei Yan, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA: SD-1 Is A Reversible, Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive Agent
Asifu Basiru, University of Ilorin, Nigeria: Waltheria Indica Linn. Root Exhibits Male Contraceptive Effect Through Inhibition of Androgensis In Male Wistar Rats
Haiqi Chen, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, USA: Testicular Spatial Transcriptome Atlas Reveals Functional Dynamics in Gene Programs During Mammalian Spermatogenesis
Maximilian Lyon, Washington University School of Medicine: The Sperm-Specific Potassium Channel SLO3 is a Target for Contraceptive Development
October 14, 2020: Non-Hormonal Female Contraceptive Strategies 4:00-6:00 PM (EDT) Keynote Speaker: Diane Duffy, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Ovulatory Angiogenesis as a Target for Novel Contraceptive Development
Xiao Shuo, University of South Carolina, USA: 3D In Vitro Follicle Culture as An Effective Model for Contraceptive Discovery
Marina Peluffo, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas (CEDIE), Argentina: Chemokines and Their Potential Application for New Female Contraceptive Development
Sergio Romero, by Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru: Oocyte Maturation Mechanism. Potential Targets for Contraception
Doan Thao Dinh, University of Adelaide, Australia: Unique Molecular Mechanism of Progesterone Receptor in Granulosa Cells during Ovulation
Emily Harris, Washington State University, USA: Progesterone Signaling in the Oviduct Epithelial Cells is Required for Normal Embryo Transport and Development
Jiyang Zhang, Northwestern University, US: Mouse Ovarian Follicles from Encapsulated in Vitro Follicle Growth (eIVFG) Preserve Ovulation Molecular Signatures in Vivo
6:15-7:30 Virtual Happy Hour: An informal networking event where you can get to know attendees from around the world. Bring your beverage of choice and mingle in randomly assigned breakout rooms.
Learn more about the event here