REPRO-TRAIN · Reproductive Biology Early Research Training

The “Reproductive Biology Early Research Training” network (REPRO-TRAIN) aims to provide all the elements required to train the nextgeneration of researchers with the latest skills to solve the current societal problems in male reproductive biology (Andrology). Thedecline in sperm counts and concomitant increase in testicular cancer demands research in this field as an urgent priority.Spermatogenesis is the essential physiological process for male gamete production. It also provides a ideal paradigm model system tostudy cellular development and differentiation; necessary for an understanding of dysfunction. An innovative aspect of this ITN is toharness Systems biology into Reproductive Science. Here, we offer a high calibre, multidisciplinary research environment involvingfrontier “omic” approaches in male reproductive biology for the first time with the aim of identifying the gene networks that are deregulatedin the infertile testis. The REPRO-TRAIN programme will integrate this highly interdisciplinary training with knowledge transfer tostrategic stakeholders. We will include universities and research institutes with internationally recognized experience in postgraduatetraining, hospitals recognized for high quality clinical training and key private companies. This trans-national, inter-disciplinary researchnetwork will provide a robust platform for the success of the proposed ITN. Ten ESR and four ER researchers will perform studies ingenetics and epigenetics, molecular male reproductive medicine, molecular and structural biology, and biotechnology with hands-ontraining in cutting-edge technologies relevant to current molecular-genetic and medical research. A clear definition of their PersonnelCareer Development Plans, training in complementary skills allied to business and the coordination between the elements that composethis plan are detailed herein.