A Multidisciplinary Conversation on Translational Reproductive Science
September 25, 2025 | MidTown Collaboration Center
Northern Ohio continues to face significant disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, with rates of infant and maternal mortality that outpace statewide averages. In Cuyahoga County, for example, the infant mortality rate stands at 13.6 per 1,000 live births—well above the county average. These disparities highlight the urgent need for innovative, science-driven solutions that can bring better treatments to patients more quickly.
Advancing Frontiers in the Science of Reproduction is a free day-long symposium hosted by the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) of Northern Ohio. This event will focus on community-engaged research, dissemination, and implementation science to address reproductive health challenges. By leveraging the CTSC’s network of seven partner institutions, we aim to unite community members, healthcare providers, and researchers to advance reproductive health knowledge and improve outcomes for families across the region.
Symposium Objectives
- Identify opportunities for community-based participatory research in reproductive sciences.
- Describe how clinical and translational science can build trust between communities and research institutions to address knowledge gaps.
- Appreciate major reproductive science questions being researched at CTSC institutions and understand their clinical implications.
Highlights
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Erica E. Marsh
S. Jan Behrman Collegiate Professor of Reproductive Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School; Chief, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OB/GYN; Co-PI and Associate Director of Executive Leadership, Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (CTSA).
Dr. Marsh’s research focuses on comparative reproductive health across populations, uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and low ovarian reserve, with a strong emphasis on clinical research, health outcomes, and community-based participatory research.
Community Book Discussion:
During lunch, join a community reading and discussion of Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong, and the New Research That’s Rewriting the Story. The session will explore how bias has shaped women’s health research and the role of innovative science and community input in advancing the field. This discussion is designed to be accessible and engaging for both researchers and community members.
Additional Information:
The symposium features speakers from across CTSC partner institutions, covering a spectrum of reproductive science topics including gynecologic oncology, infertility, reproductive physiology, pregnancy, pelvic medicine, contraception, and sexual health. All sessions are crafted to align with CTSC priorities and promote interdisciplinary and community collaboration.
This is a free event, with lunch and parking provided. Also, the first 100 registrants will also receive a free copy of Angela Saini's book Inferior. Join us for a multidisciplinary conversation that will shape the future of reproductive science and health in Northern Ohio!