American Society of Andrology Annual Meeting

Project Summary The American Society of Andrology (ASA) is a professional society dedicated to advancing the science and medicine of male reproductive health. The ASA was founded in 1975 and has held an annual meeting each year since. The 380 members of the ASA represent a robust mix of scientific fields and clinical interest areas including male reproductive biology, biochemistry, molecular & cellular biology, genetics, endocrinology, urology, gynecology/obstetrics, veterinary science, and reproductive technologies. One of the primary distinguishing features of the ASA is the approximately equal mix of basic scientist and clinician members. The central goal of the ASA, and of its in-person annual meeting, is to advance research in basic, translational, and clinical andrology. Twenty one percent of the ASA membership are trainees, both graduate and professional. The ASA prides itself on its support for trainee members and works to make our annual meeting accessible to them. Given its relatively small size, and annual meeting programming created with a focus on trainee members, trainees have ready opportunity to interact with established investigators, enriching their scientific experience and expanding their networks. This leads to opportunities for collaborations, advanced training, and employment. It also serves to ensure continued scientific and professional interest in andrology and the diversity of investigators in the field. A vibrant and diverse biomedical workforce results from exposing trainees to investigators doing cutting-edge research. As scientists, we not only generate research findings, we also train the next generation of scientist through the trainees working with us. In this R13 application for conference support, we seek an additional five years of funding to support trainee travel awards to the ASA Annual Meeting. Our Specific Aims for this grant are similar to the previous funding period and reflect our goals for our annual meeting. Aim 1: To deliver an outstanding scientific program covering the latest concepts and discoveries in andrology, with an appropriate balance of clinical, translational, and basic science presentations. Aim 2: To attract a diverse group of attendees including women, minorities, and people with disabilities representing both clinical and basic scientists at all career stages. Aim 3: To create a forum to foster research collaborations between basic scientists and clinicians. Aim 4: To provide opportunities for career enhancement and advancement for trainees and attendees at other professional stages. The anticipated outcome for attendees at the ASA Annual Meeting is that they will acquire new knowledge to apply in their own research and/or practice, learn about key advances in fields outside their own, make new professional contacts and renew existing ones. These outcomes are particularly valuable for trainee attendees.