Page 6 - ASPIRE JANUARY 2023 Volume 8 / Issue 1

ASPIRE 2023 ADELAIDE
Empowering the science and clinical practice of assisted reproduction in the Asia Pacific region
The focus of human fertility is sharpening on the Asia Pacific with new research and rapidly developing technologies that will empower science and clinical practice locally and help shape the future of assisted conception throughout the world.
People attending the ASPIRE 2023 Congress in Adelaide will gain unique insights into how assisted reproductive technology will evolve and present new career opportunities in our region.
The Congress will begin with a reality check through the Bruno Lunenfeld Lecture by John Aitken, Distinguished Emeritus Laureate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Newcastle in Australia, who will explore the decline of human fertility and potential solutions.
A world leader in reproductive biology, Professor Aitken is the author of a recently published and critically acclaimed book entitled The Infertility Trap, Why Life Choices Impact Your Fertility and Why We Must Act Now.
The book explores how the consequences of modern life affects fertility so that we can consider behavioural,
social, medical and environmental changes that may reduce the severity of what is about to come.
Adelaide-based Professor Louise Hull, co-chair of the Congress Local Organising Committee, said the multifaceted program would provide vital updates for scientific researchers, clinicians, embryologists, nurses and counsellors.
“We will feature excellent keynote speakers and other presenters who will take us into the future of assisted reproduction,” Professor Hull said.
“Addressing the theme Welcome Back to the Future, the Congress will beckon us to get together again for the first ASPIRE Congress in face-to-face format since 2019.
“The Congress venue at the Adelaide Convention Centre is world class with accommodation options within easy walking distance.
“Adelaide is the heartland of exceptional food and wine experiences in a safe and peaceful city with easy walking to local art galleries, museums, cafés, restaurants, and roof top bars.
“The Congress is supported by a very appealing social program with delegates encouraged to take time to explore the beautiful Adelaide Hills and our glorious sandy beaches, our nearby wine districts and unique Australian animals in their natural environment, including the world famous Kangaroo Island.”
The evolving Congress program and other information can be accessed at www.aspire2023.com
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THE CHALLENGE OF REDUCING THE TO
Globally, one in six pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is generally defined as the loss of an intrauterine pregnancy before viability. This equates to an estimated 23 million miscarriages every year, or over 40 miscarriages per minute.
The physical effects of miscarriage – including bleeding, pain and infection – along with its psychological impacts can be profound, especially in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss. The cost of miscarriage for individuals and health care systems is also enormous.
Arri Coomarasamy, Professor of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine at the University of Birmingham, leads a team of scientists and doctors researching the causes of and treatments for miscarriage. He is also Director of the Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research and Joint Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health.
In his keynote presentation at the ASPIRE 2023 Congress in Adelaide, Professor Coomarasamy will pose the question: Can We Really Make a Difference in Reducing Miscarriage?
Risk factors for miscarriage include very young or older female age (younger than 20 years and older than 35 years), older male age (40+ years), very low or high body-mass index, previous miscarriages, smoking, alcohol, stress, air pollution and exposure to pesticides.
Professor Coomarasamy said the prevalence and effects of miscarriage were not fully understood by many women, and its impacts were not adequately recognised among health care providers, policy makers and funding bodies.
At ASPIRE 2023, he will outline the need for more effective gathering and reporting of data to facilitate comparison of miscarriage rates among countries, and the importance of accelerating research to improve patient care and policy development.