Frontiers In Reproduction

               

Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR) is an intense laboratory and lecture course designed for scientists-in-training who seek to improve their basic conceptual knowledge and methodological skills, while pursuing a research career in the Reproductive Sciences.

FIR is divided into three 2-week-long sections. Each section consists of lectures from resident faculty and other invited speakers, discussions and informal seminars, laboratory exercises, demonstrations and one-on-one tutorials. The first section, directed by Leslie Heckert (The University of Kansas Medical Center), covers signal transduction and gene expression in Reproductive Endocrinology. The second section, directed by Ann Sutherland (The University of Virginia), explores transgenic technology, cell-cell interactions during reproductive development, and Embryology and Implantation Biology. The third section, directed by Harvey Florman (University of Massachusetts Medical School), is focused on gametogenesis, fertilization, cloning and stem cells.

FIR is held during the summer at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. The MBL has a rich tradition of training experimental biologists. Lectures and labs are taught by 30-40 leading investigators in different areas of Reproductive Biology. Visiting faculty often stay for one or two days to give lectures, whereas resident faculty stay for up to two weeks. The resident faculty also give lectures and, with the aid of teaching assistants, lead laboratory exercises that last all day and into the evening hours.
FIR is limited to 20 participants per year, which gives it a 4:1 ratio of faculty/staff to participants.

The unique characteristics of FIR and the MBL provide an informal and relaxed setting to compliment the intense lecture and laboratory schedule.

FIR is supported by major grants from the NICHD and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Substantial financial aid is available to admitted applicants regardless of nationality. Scholarships are awarded based on need, and may cover the majority of course and travel costs.