The Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, in collaboration with the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology at the University of Münster, Germany, hosted the Indo-German Workshop on Translational Andrology on February 28 and March 1.
The event focused on integrating the latest advancements in male reproductive research into clinical applications, with a particular emphasis on non-invasive sperm selection techniques and fertility preservation for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Bridging Research and Clinical Practice
The workshop brought together leading experts in reproductive medicine, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing fertility treatments.
Distinguished attendees included Prof. Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE); Prof. Dr. Satish Adiga, Head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology at KMC; Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt, Director of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology at the University of Münster; Prof. Dr. Andreas Meinhardt from Justus Liebig University in Germany; and Dr. Claudia Krallmann, an expert in andrology and sexual medicine.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Sharath Rao emphasized that the workshop marked a crucial step in translating research into real-world solutions for male infertility. He noted that fostering international partnerships would accelerate the development of innovative, patient-focused reproductive healthcare strategies, reinforcing MAHE’s commitment to global scientific collaboration.
Addressing Male Fertility Challenges
Prof. Dr. Satish Adiga highlighted the pressing need for research in male fertility, particularly in India, where nearly 20 million couples require assisted reproduction. He stressed that declining sperm quality is a growing global concern and that the workshop aimed to assess whether Indian men were experiencing similar trends compared to their German counterparts. Understanding these patterns, he said, is essential for shaping future reproductive health policies and strategies.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt echoed these concerns, stating that poor sperm quality remains a major obstacle in fertility treatments, significantly impacting the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF). He underscored the urgent need for advanced techniques to select genetically healthy sperm, which could lead to improved outcomes for couples undergoing assisted reproduction.
Strengthening Global Collaboration in Reproductive Medicine
The workshop served as a platform for leading researchers from India and Germany to exchange insights and explore cutting-edge developments in reproductive medicine. It underscored the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing male fertility challenges and translating scientific discoveries into effective clinical practices.
By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative research efforts, the Indo-German Workshop on Translational Andrology reaffirmed its role in shaping the future of reproductive healthcare and fertility preservation strategies.
