Recap of the event
From 31 August to 3 September 2024, the Biomedical Centre in Plzeň became the vibrant hub for the 4EU+ Summer Symposium of Applied Embryology, bringing together students from Charles University, Sorbonne University, Heidelberg University, and the University of Milan. This inaugural event aimed to provide students passionate about embryology with a hands-on experience in reproductive medicine laboratories. It served as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary learning, fostering connections and potential future collaborations within the 4EU+ Alliance.
The symposium featured an engaging mix of practical workshops and thought-provoking lectures, designed to enrich participants’ knowledge and skills. Highlights included a lecture by JUDr. Mgr. Martin Šolc, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Law at Charles University, who addressed the current legal landscape surrounding surrogacy, and a presentation by MUDr. Alžběta Kantorová on the common causes of male infertility and potential solutions.
Participants had the unique opportunity to engage in practical exercises, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which offered an exclusive insight into advanced reproductive technologies. Other activities included work on immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, allowing students to stain and capture images of oocytes and embryos. These images were then compiled into a mini-book, serving as both a keepsake and a tangible record of their scientific exploration.
The symposium’s success was made possible by the support of 4EU+ Student mini-grants, which facilitated the event and its collaborative spirit. As this first edition set a strong foundation, organisers are already looking forward to continuing the tradition in the coming years.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this enriching event and invite everyone to stay tuned for the next chapter in this exciting initiative.
Prepared by:
Kateřina Grygarová and Hedvika Lukesová