Genea scientist Rachel Campbell has been awarded Best Scientific Paper at the 2025 Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) conference, a prestigious recognition within the field of reproductive science that reflects both her individual excellence and Genea's broader commitment to advancing fertility research.
Rachel's award-winning paper, titled "Investigating Temporal Trends in Known Sperm Donors", examines how Genea's known sperm donor cohort compares to global trends in semen quality and donor demographics. It is a timely and clinically relevant piece of research that sits against the backdrop of a well-documented worldwide decline in key semen quality parameters, including sperm concentration and motility.
Her work goes beyond simply identifying these trends. By analysing Genea's own known donor data in the context of what is happening globally, Rachel's research provides valuable insights into how donor services can better respond to the evolving landscape of male fertility. The increasing average age of donors is also examined as part of this picture, adding an important demographic dimension to the scientific findings.
The research has practical implications for how fertility clinics approach donor screening, recruitment, and counselling, particularly as the demand for donor sperm continues to grow across a range of family types including same-sex couples, single parents, and those facing male factor infertility.
For Genea, the recognition is a proud moment that speaks to the calibre of scientific talent within the organisation. Investing in research is not incidental to what Genea does but central to it, underpinning the clinical decisions that ultimately shape patient outcomes.
Rachel's dedication to scientific rigour and her willingness to interrogate real-world data from within Genea's own programme is a reflection of the values that drive the organisation forward. Her work sets a strong foundation for continued progress in understanding and addressing the challenges facing donor services today.