Here's a quick overview of the program structure by Program Committee Co-Chairs Janice L. Bailey, Ph.D., and Janice P. Evans, Ph.D.
The four modules for the 2013 meeting represent the four pillars of reproductive biology:
1. Gametes: Including germ cells, germline stem cells, meiosis, gametogenesis, fertilization, gamete maturation, early embryonic development, the oocyte-to-embryo transition.
2. Gonads: Including testis and ovary, somatic cells and germ cells (and their interactions), gametogenesis, hormone signaling.
3. Hormones: Including steroid hormones, steroidogenesis, peptide hormones, hormone signaling, neuroendocrinology.
4. Reproductive Tracts: Including male and female tracts (oviduct, uterus, epididymis, etc.), implantation, parturition, placenta, gamete/embryo maturation and transport in the male and female tracts, pathologies of the tracts.
Each of the four modules will consist of five sessions over three days, each session having a different, specific focus. Sessions will include both invited speakers and platform presentations selected from the submitted abstracts. A principal objective for the modular system is to generate more in-depth discussion; session chairs will provide a unifying introduction to each session and serve as discussion leaders.
The 2013 program has been designed to maximize the number of platform presentations. Over the course of the meeting, a whopping 170 platform presentations will be a part of the program in concurrent platform sessions in the early afternoons and in module sessions in later afternoons. The poster sessions will provide an ideal place for concentrated, face-to-face scientific exchange. All posters will remain on display for the duration of the meeting.
