This summer Rita Lobo joined ReproUnion’s Executive Board as Ferring Pharmaceutical’s representative, and we have taken the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her background and first impressions and activities in ReproUnion.
What is your background in reproductive medicine?
My career has been dedicated to advancing women’s health and reproductive medicine across clinical practice, research, and industry. I trained as an obstetrician-gynecologist with a subspecialty focus on infertility, and over the past decade I have worked at the intersection of clinical science and drug development. My research has centered on ovarian stimulation, individualized treatment approaches, and improving safety and effectiveness for patients undergoing treatment with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Today, I combine this clinical foundation with scientific leadership to help shape evidence-based innovation that can meaningfully improve reproductive outcomes worldwide.
When did you join Ferring and what is your area of responsibility?
I joined Ferring in 2017 and currently serve as Senior Medical Director within Global Research and Medical Affairs for Reproductive Medicine. My responsibilities span global scientific strategy, clinical development support, medical governance, and external stakeholder engagement across regions. I lead several cross-functional scientific programmes – from large global randomized controlled trials to real-world evidence generation and lifecycle management – and I work closely with academic partners and key experts to ensure that our innovations translate into tangible benefits for patients and healthcare systems.
What is your first impression of ReproUnion?
ReproUnion stands out as a powerful and truly visionary collaborative platform. From the outset, I have been impressed by the depth of scientific expertise, the openness of dialogue, and the strong commitment to advancing fertility innovation across borders. What differentiates ReproUnion is its ability to unite academia, industry, and healthcare providers around shared priorities – and to do so with a clear commitment to impact. The partnership has created a unique ecosystem in the Øresund region that accelerates scientific progress, fosters talent, and enables joint solutions to complex challenges in reproductive medicine.
Ferring will once again host the ReproUnion Summit, this time in April 2026. You also attended the 2022 summit. What are your expectations for the upcoming event?
I am very much looking forward to welcoming researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to Ferring for the 2026 ReproUnion Summit. The last summit in 2022 created a sense of shared purpose across disciplines working to improve fertility and reproductive health. Next year’s summit will be another great opportunity for Ferring colleagues to connect with leading experts and stakeholders who are driving the fertility agenda forward. I expect the discussions to be both ambitious and solution-oriented – especially around how we can continue to unlock innovation through public–private partnerships. With sessions focusing on everything from the unanswered questions about infertility to the future of ReproUnion and the political perspectives ahead, I believe the summit will spark important conversations about how we can continue to move from knowledge to action.
Are there any perspectives that you would like to share with the ReproUnion community?
Looking ahead, I believe ReproUnion is uniquely positioned to shape the future of reproductive health in Europe and beyond. The challenges we face – ranging from declining fertility rates to the unmet need for equitable access to care – require coordinated, multidisciplinary action.
My perspective is that we should continue to strengthen three strategic pillars:
- Research excellence with real-world impact
Advancing translational research, digital innovation, and evidence that supports better clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. - Cross-border and cross-sector collaboration
Expanding the ecosystem by deepening partnerships with hospitals, academic institutions, industry, and policymakers to ensure that innovation is scalable and impactful. - Talent development and future leadership
Empowering the next generation of scientists and clinicians – particularly through initiatives like ReproYoung – will be essential to sustaining momentum in the field.
ReproUnion has demonstrated that when we align around a common mission, we can accelerate progress. I am confident that the next phase will be even more transformative as we continue to move from scientific knowledge to lasting societal benefit.