International Symposium on "Molecular and Clinical Aspects of the Regulation of Ovarian Function: Impact on the Reproductive Health of Women" including Indo-German Satellite Workshop on "Fertilization: Lessons from in vitro Approaches" October 6 - 10, 1999, New Delhi, India **************************************** International Symposium on "Molecular and Clinical Aspects of the Regulation of Ovarian Function: Impact on the Reproductive Health of Women" This meeting aims to provide an international forum for scientists to discuss the latest advances in our understanding of the molecular, cellular and clinical aspects of the regulation of ovarian function. The topics to be discussed are listed below and have been carefully chosen to ensure a synergistic interaction between the interests of the laboratory scientist and those of the clinician interested in optimal patient care. It is hoped that this exchange of information and ideas will equip us to effectively tackle an important challenge in the coming millennium, the reproductive health of women. As the scientific and social relevance of this issue is of such importance, we have no doubt that there will be a strong resonance from both clinical and basic scientists. There will be sessions addressing specific topics which will start with key lectures followed by two to three short presentations pertinent to the topic, that will be selected from submitted abstracts. Topics to be discussed include : - Regulatory aspects of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary Ovarian Axis - Molecular biology of steroid synthesis and action - Intraovarian regulators of follicular maturation - Ovulation and atresia - Regulation, maintenance and demise of corpus luteum, - Life beyond ovarian cyclicity and hormone replacement therapy - Ovarian carcinoma A further attraction of this meeting will be an Indo-German satellite workshop entitled "Fertilization: Lessons from in vitro Approaches." This will be a workshop dedicated to discussing different approaches to the diverse problems encountered in reproductive medicine ranging from contraception to sterility therapies. Choosing India as a venue for this important event will ensure that in addition to lively scientific and academic interaction, the symposium will have the magnificent backdrop of a rich and ancient culture. Furthermore India has always been aware of the social importance of reproductive biology and this has been underpinned by internationally acclaimed research being carried out by Indian scientists on many aspects of this field. Many other countries in South East Asia are also developing strong research programmes in this area, and as New Delhi is close to these countries, we expect a large participation of colleagues from this entire region. Moreover, being well connected to all major airports in the world, New Delhi is also an attractively accessible meeting place for scientists from the other continents as well. With a combination of a highly rewarding scientific meeting in a location rich in cultural heritage, this event promises to be a large and effective international scientific meeting. Indo-German Satellite Workshop on "FERTILIZATION: LESSONS FROM IN VITRO APPROACHES" (Workshop Directors: Prof. M. Rajalakshmi, AIIMS, New Delhi, India and Prof. F.A. Leidenberger, IHF, Hamburg, Germany, Organising Secretary: Dr. A.K. Mukhopadhyay, IHF, Hamburg, Germany) This satellite workshop has been planned in conjunction with the international symposium on "Molecular and Clinical Aspects of the Regulation of Ovarian Function: Impact on the Reproductive Health of Women". Since reproductive health of women is the focus of this symposium, it was considered appropriate to include a deliberation on technological advances made in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Our German clinician colleagues, who are known to be among the best in the world in this field, have expressed an interest to join with our Indian colleagues in organizing this workshop in conjunction with the symposium in Delhi. The topics chosen to be discussed in the workshop and symposium are complementary to each other and will therefore be of equal interest to the participants of the satellite workshop as well as of the main symposium. Topics selected for the workshop deliberations include the following: · Infertile couples and clinical assistance · Technical progress in ovulation induction procedure - in depth discussions on various stimulation protocols including the use of recombinant gonadotropins - laboratory quality control · Ways and means to safeguard women's health undergoing ovulation induction - management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and other complications · Advances in andrological techniques in ART · Ethical conceptions in ART One highlight of this satellite workshop will be a panel discussion on " Infertility Evaluation: State of the ART with special reference to the developing world". Active interaction and exciting discussions are guaranteed in this session, which will be moderated by leaders in this field. Although it is intended that speakers for this workshop will be either from Germany or India, discussion leaders for the panel discussion will be from various international ART institutions. There is no doubt that the major focus of this satellite workshop will be on problems associated with human infertility. However, it is obvious that the discussions on recent advances in assisted reproductive technology will also be beneficial to experts interested in a variety of other areas including agricultural genetics, animal breeding and cloning of animals or preservation of endangered species. Further information Dr. Amal K. Mukhopadhyay Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research Grandweg 64 D-22529 Hamburg Germany Tel.: +49 40 56 19 08-20/23/0 Fax : +49 40 56 19 08 64 email: mukhopadhyay@ihf.de or amal@ihf.de