ISA Supports 18th NYRA Meeting in Barcelona

The 18th Meeting of the Network of Young Researchers in Andrology (NYRA) was held from 25–27 May 2026 at the Exe Campus Hotel at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain. The meeting brought together young researchers from across Europe, Africa, and Asia to share their latest findings, foster collaborations, and discuss emerging topics in reproductive science and andrology.

The scientific programme featured a diverse range of topics spanning germ cell biology, infertility biomarkers, reproductive genomics, developmental biology, contraception research, reproductive toxicology, and artificial intelligence in andrology. Throughout the three-day event, early-career researchers presented their work through oral and poster presentations, creating a vibrant platform for scientific exchange and discussion.

The meeting opened with a Plenary Session, "3D Genome in the Male Germline," featuring a keynote lecture by Prof. Aurora Ruiz-Herrera on the evolution of three-dimensional chromatin folding in germ cells across time scales.

A highlight of the meeting was the dedicated ISA Session on "(In)fertility Biomarkers," sponsored by the International Society of Andrology (ISA). The session opened with a keynote lecture by Dr. Ester Anton entitled "Cracking the Sperm Code: Multi-Omics Biomarker Discovery for Male Infertility and ART Success," showcasing the growing potential of multi-omics approaches for understanding male infertility and improving assisted reproductive technologies. The accompanying oral presentations highlighted innovative approaches to understanding male fertility, including single-sperm assessment of oxidative stress, sperm ion-channel signaling, genomic analyses of spermatogenic disorders, and molecular mechanisms linking chromatin remodeling to sperm quality. NYRA is grateful to ISA for its support and continued commitment to promoting education, networking, and scientific development among young researchers in andrology.

The scientific programme continued with a lecture by Prof. Paulo Navarro-Costa, who explored the importance of cellular communication during germline development in his presentation "In Times of Division, Communication Is the Way Forward."

Participants also attended a session on functional reprogenomics featuring Dr. Frédéric Chalmel, who presented recent advances in multimodal developmental atlases of the human urogenital tract and their application to understanding altered developmental trajectories.

Another highlight was the lecture delivered by Dr. David Skerrett-Byrne — "Beyond the Testis: How the Epididymis Shapes Fertility, Contraception, and Offspring Health" — which provided valuable insights into the increasingly recognized role of the epididymis in male reproductive health. During the meeting, Dr. Skerrett-Byrne received the NYRA Young Researcher Award, the highest recognition awarded by NYRA to emerging leaders in the field who distinguish themselves through outstanding scientific achievements and their commitment to mentoring early-career researchers.

Beyond the scientific programme, the meeting offered numerous opportunities for networking and community building. Participants connected during the networking dinner, poster session, and an interactive speed-dating activity designed to facilitate discussions and encourage new collaborations among attendees. These activities reflected NYRA's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for young researchers entering the field of andrology.

The meeting concluded with a scientific debate on the use of artificial intelligence in andrology, where participants discussed the opportunities, challenges, and future implications of AI technologies for research, education, and clinical practice. The debate was followed by closing remarks and awards recognizing outstanding contributions from participating researchers.

The 18th NYRA Meeting once again demonstrated the strength and enthusiasm of the next generation of andrology researchers. NYRA thanks all speakers, participants, sponsors, and organizers for contributing to a successful and stimulating meeting. Special thanks are extended to the International Society of Andrology (ISA) and the Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) for their support and commitment to advancing research and training opportunities for young scientists in reproductive medicine and andrology.

For more information, visit the NYRA website: https://nyra-youngresearch.eu/

Report provided by NYRA.