>> Professor John E. J. Rasko AO, Sydney
Medical School, University of Sydney. RRI Hosts: Dr Hannah Brown and Professor Jozef Gecz
Travel Story
>> Professor Laura Bennet, The University
of Auckland, NZ. RRI Host: Dr Julia Pitcher >> Louise Johnson and Karin Hammarberg,
Victoria Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Sydney. RRI Hosts: Professors Ray Rodgers and Darryl Russell >> Professor Chris O’Neill, University of
Sydney. RRI Hosts: Dr Hannah Brown and Associate Professor Jeremy Thompson >> Professor David Gardner, Department
of Zoology, University of Melbourne. RRI Hosts: Dr Hannah Brown and Associate Professor Jeremy Thompson >> Dr Anita Kozyrsky, University of Alberta,
USA. RRI Host: Associate Professor Vicki Clifton
Exchange Program
Dr John Schjenken Dr John Schjenken from the Reproductive Immunology Group attended the 2014 Society for the Study of Reproduction conference in Michigan, USA.
The Exchange Program seeks to build collaborations with interstate and international researchers and to expand the international profile of the Institute - with the aim of increasing research capacity and facilitating access to international funding, databases and expertise.
What was a highlight of the conference? I was fortunate to receive the International Best Abstract Award from the Australia New Zealand region for my presentation: Novel immune mechanisms for seminal fluid action through the TLR4 signalling pathway.
transcripts, particularly miRNA may interact with the uterine epithelium to influence the female immune response to coitus. Dr Krawetz showed strong interest both in our work and exploring a future collaboration.
In 2014 six visits were supported, building links with research groups from Denmark, the UK, and the USA.
Did you meet any researchers or collaborators of significance?
How has the experience supported you?
I was introduced to Dr Stephen Krawetz, who is a world-leading expert in RNA transcripts in sperm and his publications have been highly influential in my field. We discussed new methods for extracting RNA from sperm and my research - which is seeking to understand how sperm
I learnt about the latest research from my peers, presented my work and received feedback, which is instrumental in my career development. Additionally, networking with researchers from around the world who are working in the field of reproductive immunology has broadened my scientific network
Visitors to the Robinson Research Institute >> Professor David M. Olson, Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, USA. RRI Host: Professor Sarah Robertson >> Professor Tessa Roseboom, Academic
Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Denmark. RRI Host: Professor Ben Mol Hosts to Robinson Research Institute Members >> Professor Rebecca Simmons, Center
for Research, Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, USA. RRI Visitor: Dr Kathy Gatford >> Dr Lars Henning Pedersen, Department
of Clinical Medicine – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University, Denmark. RRI Visitor: Dr Luke Grzeskowiak >> Professor Lucilla Poston, Division of
Women’s Health, King’s College London, UK. RRI Visitor: Professor Jodie Dodd >> Professor Angela Clow, Psychophysiology
and Stress Research Group, University of Westminster, UK. RRI Visitor: Dr Nicolette Hodyl.
Travel Grants
Media Training
Supporting early career researchers to travel so they can present and share their research findings at national and international conferences and meetings is essential for career development and building a strong track record.
9 institute members attended a one-day media skills course run by Science in Public. Participants received professional insights and guidance from highly experienced and talented television, radio and print journalists. The challenging and practical day included 1-on-1 media practice with the experts who provided constructive feedback and coaching.
Attendance at key conferences enables networking with peers, and the opportunity to develop future collaborations. In 2014 this jointly funded program with the School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, allocated $70,000 to 54 research staff and students who visited 27 conferences. Researchers are encouraged to submit a brief story about their travel – above is what Dr John Schjenken had to say about his experience.
“The opportunity to speak directly with and practice our skills on journalists was invaluable. I’ll be putting into practice what I learnt.” Dr Megan Warin, 2014 participant.
Annual Report 2014
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