Research done by the members of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) has contributed to assisted reproductive technology including in vitro fertilization methods in humans and animals, the development of contraceptive pills, pregnancy diagnosis tests and fetal monitoring.
The international group — estimated at approximately 2,200 members representing 44 countries worldwide — also has helped to improve the world food supplies by developing breeding techniques and generating superior new breeds of farm animals. The society is well known for its focus on the training of students and fellows, and providing highly qualified scientists for academia, government and industry.
Now, they are coming to Omaha for their 39th Annual Meeting, which will be at the Qwest Center July 29 through Aug. 1. Hosted by UNMC, the emphasis of the annual meeting is to provide opportunities for close communication and informal discussion on the topic of reproductive biology.
“Our goal is to improve the reproductive health of women and men by studying issues related to reproductive diseases including infertility and the effect of environmental agents on reproduction,” said Shyamal Roy, Ph.D., an ovarian biologist and professor in UNMC’s obstetric/gynecology department and organizer for the Omaha conference. “It’s a small, but very focused society. It is a coup to have them come to Omaha.”
“The participants will present their most advanced work and learn what’s going on now and in the future,” Dr. Roy said. “The exchange of knowledge will span reproductive biology and nature. Graduate students will benefit most from this meeting because of the face-to-face interaction.”
Founded in 1967, the society promotes the study of reproduction by fostering interdisciplinary communication among scientists, holding conferences and publishing meritorious studies. The society welcomes reports of new basic or clinical research findings concerning reproduction, regardless of the species involved. The SSR publishes the journal Biology of Reproduction, the premier journal in this area of research (http://www.biolreprod.org).
Last year’s international meeting was in Quebec, Canada. Next year’s meeting will be in San Antonio, Texas.
For more information about SSR, visit their Web site at www.ssr.org.