Largest International Meeting for the Study of Reproductive Biology Attracts Researchers from 36 Countries in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is the host city for the 47th annual Society for the Study of Reproduction conference. (PRNewsFoto/Society for the Study of Reprodu)jwplayer.key="2kY/GKwZ2uQZmDlQ9VYArfZt2b4+KhHX3+DM4zisgtE=";GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- More than 800 researchers from over 36 countries are expected to attend the 47th annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) in Grand Rapids. This is the largest annual international meeting in the field of reproductive biology. The conference, held July 19-23 at Devos Place Convention Center, is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of the reproductive process in humans and animals, while also studying the impact of reproduction on the environment, wildlife biology and conservation, food production, human fertility and population growth.

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"The Society for the Study of Reproduction chose Grand Rapids because of the pioneering research in women's heath being done at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, right here in our city," explains Asgi Fazleabas, Ph.D., local arrangements committee chair for the SSR.

This research has been made possible, in part, by nearly $8 million in national grants to Grand Rapids institutions last year. Researchers at MSU have used this funding to study benign and malignant gynecological diseases, which will help discover new treatments and better understanding of proper ovarian function for reproduction. This research has significant implications for the treatment of infertility in humans and farm animals, as well as developing better diagnoses and treatments for gynecological diseases.

"I hope our fellow citizens will be proud that scientists are coming to Grand Rapids from around the globe," says Fazleabas. "We are excited to welcome them to our city. Their research will lead to longer lives, improved health and better quality of life. Today, as a result of investments made, our city is playing a growing role in the scientific discoveries that will shape our future."

SSR President and Australian-native Jock K. Findlay, Ph.D, D.Sc, explains the meaning behind this year's meeting theme, Fertility: A Global Challenge. "The program reflects the importance of research in our field for the general public by highlighting the impact of research on reproduction on the environment, wildlife species, domesticated animals, human fertility, and population growth, as well as their interaction with one another." 

Renowned international and national speakers will lecture on topics that include the latest research on human population growth and contraception, cloning, our genetic relationship to Neanderthals, animal agriculture and its importance in meeting the future needs of a growing human population, and how environmental and dietary exposures during pregnancy impacts future health of children. 

A full schedule of events can be found on the conference website: http://www.ssr/org. More information regarding the host city can be found at the Experience Grand Rapids website, http://www.experiencegr.com. 

Interviews and live shots are available to the media, along with photos and video b-roll. Please call Sarah at (616) 560-3627 to arrange an interview or to coordinate event coverage.

About the Society for the Study of Reproduction

The Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) was founded in 1967 to promote the study of reproduction by fostering interdisciplinary communication among scientists, holding conferences, and publishing meritorious studies. Today, our members come from 50 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.ssr.org.

Media Contact: Emily Richett, Richett Media, 616-350-2073, emily@richettmedia.com

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SOURCE Society for the Study of Reproduction

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http://www.ssr.org