ARCS Symposium Success

Attending the 2025 ARCS Symposium in Birmingham was an incredibly rewarding experience that brought together professionals, clinicians, researchers and students across the reproductive science community. It was my first time at the Symposium, and it did not disappoint. The day was filled with insightful talks, engaging poster presentations, exhibitor stands and plenty of opportunities to network with others.

The morning was opened by thought provoking talks centred around embryo transfer procedures, exploring both clinical practices and the ongoing debate surrounding evidence-based approaches. This was followed by a memorable presentation discussing the use of azoospermic semen samples for police sniffer dog training! Laura Bridgens delivered a meaningful and informative talk on Donor Conceived UK, highlighting the experiences of donor conceived individuals and the importance of communication within donor conception practices.

During the lunch break, there was dedicated time for the poster presentations. I had the opportunity to present my own research, which drew from both my MSc in Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception from the University of Dundee, and research from my current role as a research assistant within the Reproductive Medicine Research Group. My poster focussed on investigating the mechanisms of human sperm-zona pellucida binding and how sperm interacts with oocytes at different stages of maturity. This provided a valuable opportunity to discuss findings with leading embryologists and clinicians. I received valuable and constructive feedback, allowing me to think about potential future directions for my work.

The afternoon session featured several fascinating talks. A highlight was the captivating presentation by Professor Suzannah Williams on fertility preservation for white rhinos! This was an inspiring example of how reproductive science extends beyond the lab and can contribute to conservation and biodiversity.

I had the opportunity to present my own research…providing a valuable opportunity to discuss findings with leading embryologists and clinicians

The Symposium concluded with an interesting panel discussion on the future planning of the healthcare science workforce. This sparked lively debates around training pathways and recruitment into embryology and andrology – lots of different opinions on this topic!

The day was not over yet…the Symposium ended on a celebratory note, with a lovely evening meal, drinks and dancing, the perfect conclusion to an inspiring and collaborative event.