title: The current state of reproductive biology research in Australia and New Zealand: core themes from the Society for Reproductive Biology Annual Meeting, 2016.
abstract: Because reproduction is essential for all life, it is central to our understanding of all aspects of biology. The Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2016 conference held on the Gold Coast (Qld, Australia) displayed the current breadth of reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand, with additional insights from world leaders in the field. This conference review provides a focused summary of the key questions, emerging ideas and novel technologies that were presented in the symposia. Presented research demonstrated key advances in how stem cell biology may allow us to better understand pluripotency, as well as how environmental and lifestyle factors, such as circadian disruption, smoking, alcohol and diet, affect gametogenesis, embryo implantation, placental function and reproductive capacity. Sessions also highlighted the role of reproductive biology in providing insight into the mechanisms and processes governing a wide range of biological science disciplines, including cancer research and therapies, oncofertility, conservation of native species and chronic non-communicable diseases. Recurring themes included the importance of male and female gamete quality for reproductive potential and the critical and varied roles of the placenta in the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Dysregulation of reproductive processes can contribute to a variety of pathological states that affect future health, fertility and fecundity. Research being conducted by the SRB has the potential to shape not only the fertility of the current generation, but also the health and reproductive viability of future generations.
authors.affiliation: School of Biomedical Sciences, Sir William MacGregor Building, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Akison
authors.affiliation: Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Andraweera
authors.affiliation: School of Women's and Children's Health, The University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, Botany Street, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bertoldo
authors.affiliation: Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dve, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
authors.forename: J S M
authors.initials: JSM
authors.lastname: Cuffe
authors.affiliation: Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fullston
authors.affiliation: School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Dve, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.affiliation: Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Medical School North, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Schjenken
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction; D012106:Research