Science
2.0 Challenge conceptFive reproductive challenges to overcome infertility
In 2019 ReproUnion introduced a paradigm shift in the research strategy – away from a previous focus on several individual research projects to a challenge-driven and consolidated effort.
The aim was to contribute to solving five major global challenges within reproductive health, by bringing together basic, clinical, and epidemiological research in the Challenge-based concept.
A key factor was to identify synergies, to enhance the already existing research and develop it to a new level. This entailed finding new collaboration opportunities across research fields and identifying collaboration partners across the Oresund bridge, to connect and develop competences in the region. This work also led to the planning of the Platform for driving reproductive health innovation which was launched as the successor project in 2023.
From 2019-2022 ReproUnion focused on the following five challenges and a key result was to develop and launch the ReproUnion Biobank and Infertility Cohort:
We encourage you to find out more about each of the five reproductive challenges:
Challenge 1: Improvement of human male fertility
Increase the understanding of how lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors affect male fertility with the goal of developing specialized treatments and preventative measures.
Challenge 2: Optimizing medically assisted reproductive treatment
Develop new, cheaper, and more efficient reproductive techniques to reduce societal costs and to minimize the strain women are exposed to during artificial reproductive treatment.
Challenge 3: Securing female ovarian function
Reduce the negative impact diseases and treatments have on fertility by increasing the knowledge of the function of the ovary.
Challenge 4: Prevention of infertility-related morbidity
Prevention of infertility-related morbidity: Investigate how infertility can function as an early marker for common major diseases, which could be prevented through early preventative measures.
Challenge 5: Fertility awareness
Increase information to the society regarding the impact of lifestyle factors on reproduction and the possibilities of having a family; important information in relation to political decisions and the work of authorities to minimize negative societal consequences.
With this Challenge-based concept, ReproUnion i strengthening the collaboration between the universities, hospitals and the life science industry in the Oresund region, towards creating the best possible conditions for life science research and innovation based on one of the Region’s scientific strongholds; reproductive medicine. Together, we can overcome infertility!