# Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR) Training Course

> **NIH NIH R25** · MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY · 2022 · $159,200

## Abstract

Project Summary: This R25 application seeks five years of sponsorship for our advanced training course
entitled: Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR), held annually at the MBL in Woods Hole under the Directorship of Dr.
Rafael A. Fissore (UMass, Amherst). The course is directed towards advanced graduate students, post-doctoral
fellows, and physician-scientists who are committed to fundamental, translational or clinical research studies in
the field of reproductive biology. FIR introduces participating trainees to state-of-the-art research in the field,
spanning reproductive endocrinology, germ cell and organ development, gametogenesis and implantation and
placentation, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). We provide trainees with fundamental concepts,
knowledge of “cutting edge” research and laboratory techniques, career mentoring and instruction in the ethical,
legal, and societal impact of research in reproduction. To achieve this goal, we propose the following specific
aims: 1) Provide a coherent series of lectures covering fundamental concepts spanning the broad field of
reproductive biology and introducing students to the open questions in the field. 2) Provide lectures and
discussions on the emerging concepts and techniques in ART and its applications. 3) Train students in advanced
cellular and molecular techniques required to probe the cellular and organ function underlying reproduction
through state-of-the-art and hands-on demonstrations and mini-projects. 4) Provide opportunities for career
planning and advancement by offering training on scientific communication, data analysis, and oral
presentations. 5) Educate trainees on the ethical considerations involved in the use of human and animals, and
on the use of animals as research models. 6) Foster a diverse, collegial environment that leads to long-term
mentorship relationships and collaborations among trainees and between students and faculty. FIR is divided
into three topical scientific sections, each lasting 2 weeks. The course meets 5-6 days a week with 2 daily lectures
and hands-on laboratory exercises. FIR continually incorporates new faculty, topics and technological
breakthroughs to ensure that the training remains at the forefront of the field. The course will provide a significant
benefit to biomedical research through the training of new investigators in the field of reproductive biology and
biotechnology, and ART. Reproductive science is a broad and well-established field with enormous impact in
society and with biomedical implications across the entire spectrum of NIH’s portfolios.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10164821
- **Project number:** 5R25HD080632-07
- **Recipient organization:** MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rafael Antonio Fissore
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $159,200
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-07-11 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10164821

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10164821, Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR) Training Course (5R25HD080632-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10164821. Licensed CC0.

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