News and Events
Stay up to date with the latest developments in male fertility preservation and restoration.
On this page, you can find news and information about upcoming and previous conferences, workshops, meetings, and interviews relevant to the ORCHID-NET community. Please note that not all events listed here are hosted by ORCHID-NET, we also highlight external events that may be of interest to our members.
Interview
Meet Lize De Bauw
About: We are excited to introduce you to Lize De Bauw, a PhD student at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. She first joined the Biology of the Testis (BITE) laboratory as a master’s intern, where she is now continuing her research as a PhD student.
Interview
Meet Kyle Orwig
About: We are excited to introduce you to Kyle Orwig. He is Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In this interview, he shares insights into his research and clinical work in reproductive medicine.
Interview
Meet Ellen Goossens
About: We are excited to introduce you to Ellen Goossens. She is Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and leader of the Biology of the Testis (BITE) research team. Her research focuses on spermatogonial stem cells, male fertility preservation and restoration, and innovative approaches to in vitro spermatogenesis.
Interview
Meet Ellen De Beer
About: We are excited to introduce you to Ellen De Beer, a PhD student at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. In our Student Spotlight interview, Ellen shares more about herself, her research, and her journey as a PhD student. Read the full interview to learn more!
Interview
Meet Stefan Schlatt
About: We are excited to introduce you to Stefan Schlatt. He is currently Full University Professor and Director of the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology at the University of Münster. In this interview, he shares insights into his scientific career and the milestones that have shaped his research.
Interview
Meet Kirsi Jahnukainen
About: We are excited to introduce you to Kirsi Jahnukainen, Professor of Pediatrics at University of Helsinki and senior consultant at Helsinki Children’s Hospital. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Kirsi Jahnukainen shares her journey into the field of fertility preservation and reflects on the experiences that have shaped her career as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and researcher.
Workshop
European Testis Workshop 2027
When: 15-18 March 2027, Where: Soltau, Germany, About: The European Testis Workshop (ETW) brings together researchers, clinicians, and early-career scientists to discuss the latest advances in testis biology, reproductive medicine, and fertility research. This 3 day workshop provides a unique platform for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and networking within the testis research community. Through keynote lectures, scientific presentations, and interactive discussions, participants will have the opportunity to share knowledge, foster collaborations, and contribute to advancing the field of reproductive science. Website & Registration
Interview
Meet Britt Balvers
About: We are excited to introduce you to Britt Balvers in this Student Spotlight interview. Britt is a PhD student researching male fertility at the University of Amsterdam.
Interview
Meet Nina Neuhaus
About: We are excited to introduce you to Nina Neuhaus, she is heading the research group ‘Germline Stem Cells’ at the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (CeRA) in Münster, Germany.
Interview
Meet Emma Kearney
About: We are excited to introduce you to Emma Kearney, a PhD student in Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh.
Interview
Meet Rod Mitchell
About: We are excited to introduce you to Rod Mitchell, a coordinator of ORCHID-NET. Currently, Rod is Professor of Developmemtal Endocrinology at the University of Edinburgh and a Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.
Funding opportunity
Grant for a scientific stay in Flanders
When: Permanent call, About: The FWO Grant for a Scientific Stay in Flanders supports short research visits by international researchers to Flemish institutions. The grant funds travel costs and provides a daily allowance for stays of 1–3 months, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. More information
Webinar
NYRA x ORCHID-NET Webinar
When: 17 September 2025, Where: Online, About: We (ORCHID-NET) and NYRA hosted a webinar togheter entitled: “From bench to bedside: Advances in Spermatogonial Stem Cell Transplantation and Career journeys in Reproductive Science”. More information
Do you have any news to share on this page? Contact us!