Spain reinforces its leadership in reproductive medicine at the world’s largest congress in the sector

Paris hosts the largest global event in the sector, with Instituto Bernabeu at the forefront of fertility science.

Spain’s top specialists in reproductive medicine step forward at the sector’s largest forum. The Annual Congress of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the world’s most influential scientific meeting in this field, will feature Instituto Bernabeu’s healthcare professionals, who will be some of the most prominent players thanks to the presentation of ten cutting-edge studies that address everything from new clinical strategies to the social and genetic challenges of assisted reproduction.

The event, to be held from June 26 to July 2, 2025 in Paris, will bring together specialists from around the world: gynaecologists, andrologists, geneticists, clinical scientists and laboratory technicians will discuss the latest advances in a field that has already enabled the birth of more than 12 million children worldwide since 1978.

Among the most relevant Spanish research is the ADAPT-1 clinical trial, a European multicentre study led by Dr Andrea Bernabeu, which compares the efficacy of two hormonal protocols in in vitro fertilisation. Another study by Dr María Martínez examines more effective and safer options to prevent peak ovulation in egg donation cycles. For her part, Dr Ruth Morales analyses the impact of certain male genetic variants on fertilisation failure, a line of research that could change the approach to fertility treatments in unexplained cases.

But it is not all about clinical advances: the bioethical and social dimension is also making its way onto the scientific agenda. The coordinator of the Instituto Bernabeu Venice, Sara Dalla Costa, presents a legal analysis of the unequal access to assisted reproduction in Italy for single women, same-sex couples and transgender people, in a context of growing debate on legal regulation in Europe.

Other studies include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve genetic diagnostics, the relationship between genetics and embryo quality, and the role of the seminal microbiome in female reproductive health. Dr Belén Lledó, scientific director of Instituto Bernabeu Biotech, presents an innovative study on the use of generative artificial intelligence in pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Dr Lydia Luque, director of Instituto Bernabeu Albacete, signs a research on the relationship between chromosomal polymorphisms in oocyte donor patients and the rate of embryonic mosaicism. Dr Alba Cascales, specialist in reproductive biology, analyses how the seminal microbiome influences the restoration of the vaginal microbiome in women with dysbiosis. For their part, embryologists Nerea Díaz, Miguel Herreros and Ángel Máñez present different studies on advanced sperm selection techniques using granulosa and cumulus cells, especially relevant in elderly patients, as well as strategies to improve embryo quality in women over the age of 40, one of the great challenges of fertility today.

In addition, Dr Annalissa Racca, medical director of Instituto Bernabeu Venice, will participate as an expert in a high-level round table on the control of ovarian stimulation, a key aspect in assisted reproduction treatments.

Reproductive medicine has remarkably evolved in recent decades, becoming an essential speciality to respond to new social and demographic challenges. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), more than 12 million children have been born worldwide through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) since 1978. It is estimated that every 35 seconds a baby is born using these techniques, and in countries such as Denmark, Spain and Belgium, up to 10% of births now come from reproductive treatment. Reproductive medicine, therefore, not only treats infertility, but also plays a key role in building families in contexts of diversity and population ageing.

Since its foundation, Instituto Bernabeu has been committed to placing science at the centre of its clinical activity, with a constant commitment to innovation as a tool to respond to the reproductive needs of a changing society. With offices in Spain and Italy, and a track record of more than 40 years, the group continues to lead the development of new reproductive strategies that place biotechnology and precision medicine at the service of people.

Instituto Bernabeu’s outstanding participation in ESHRE 2025 is a new example of Spanish leadership in reproductive medicine at a global level, and reinforces the role of science as a driver of social progress.