Preservation of female fertility is a complex societal challenge. Emerging techniques for oocyte(OO), embryo (EM) and ovarian tissue (OT) preservation offer potential benefits not only for human reproductive health but also for biodiversity conservation. Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise in assisted reproduction, molecular and cryobiology, bioengineering, ethics, and public perception. This unique collaboration integrates technical proficiency with ethical contemplation, comparing human and animal applications.

Our goal is to bridge existing knowledge gaps and establish a network connecting diverse disciplines involved in fertility preservation. Recognizing female fertility preservation as a complex ecosystem, we adopt a holistic approach to address its various dimensions. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to advance responsible research innovation in female fertility preservation, guided by principles of inclusivity, transparency, and ethical responsibility.

Team members: Marta de Ruijter-Villani (UU), Julie Lamy (WUR), Marieke Hollestelle (UMCU), Franck Meijboom (UU), Koen Kramer (UU) Alessia Longoni (UMCU), Riccardo Levato (UMCU), Efrat Gommeh (independent), Hellen Dawo (UU).

Contact team: m.villani@uu.nl.

Foto of the team at the second Spark brainstorming meeting in May 2024

Image credit: Flatland agency

ART Exposition on

FERTILITY and REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Whether you are a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD student, scientific staff, teacher, medical doctor, nurse or a patient in contact with these challenges, you are encouraged to show aspects of FERTILITY and REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH that are normally hidden to the community.

Exhibition:

if selected your piece will be displayed in exhibitions at Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht and Wageningen University during early 2025.

After the exhibitions your piece will be permanently displayed at the Division Woman and Baby of the UMC Utrecht or at the Fertility and Reproduction Research Center of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University.

To participate please fill the form below and upload your artwork(s) to wetransfer.com and send the filled form and the link for download to us: m.villani@uu.nl

The deadline for participating to this initiative is the 1st December 2024.

If you have a physical artwork, you can submit a photograph of it.