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Congratulations to Professor Sylvie Breton, PhD, who has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Andrologist Award by the American Society of Andrology.

The Distinguished Andrologist Award represents the highest distinction conferred by the American Society of Andrology. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the advancement of andrology, based on the scientific impact and international influence of their research careers.

This prestigious recognition highlights Professor Breton’s major contributions to epithelial biology, particularly in the context of renal and male reproductive physiology. Her work has elucidated fundamental mechanisms of ion transport, luminal pH regulation, and mucosal immunity in epithelial tissues, with direct implications for the pathophysiology of idiopathic male infertility and kidney diseases. Her research has notably demonstrated how a tightly regulated luminal microenvironment within the epididymis is essential for sperm maturation and storage, and has identified novel inter- and intracellular signaling pathways governing these processes. More recently, her work has expanded the functional paradigm of epithelial cells by establishing their role as active mediators of immune and inflammatory responses in both renal and reproductive systems.

Professor Breton’s scientific output, comprising more than 150 peer-reviewed publications with a high citation impact, reflects a sustained and influential contribution to the field. Her research program, continuously funded by major agencies including the NIH and CIHR, integrates advanced microsurgical and imaging approaches to investigate epithelial function in vivo. In parallel, her role as a mentor has contributed to the training of a new generation of researchers in biomedical sciences.

Congratulations to Professor Breton for this well-deserved recognition!

The 18th Annual Symposium of the Québec Reproduction Network (RQR) was held from October 20 to 22 in Québec City, bringing together members of the Québec and Canadian scientific communities working in the field of reproduction. The event once again demonstrated the vitality of the network and the richness of exchanges among researchers, clinicians, students, and partners from various sectors.

The pre-symposium day, held on October 20, focused on the theme “Applications of organoids and organ-on-chip approaches in reproduction”, an emerging topic at the intersection of developmental biology, toxicology, and translational medicine. Invited speakers — Daniel Cyr (Institut national de la recherche scientifique), Étienne Audet-Walsh (Université Laval), and Hagar Labouta (University of Toronto) — presented the latest advances in the use of organoids and organ-on-chip systems to better understand reproductive mechanisms and their perturbations.

The symposium continued with a rich scientific program featuring presentations by Anthony Estienne (Université de Montréal), Jodi Flaws (University of Illinois), Mauro Silva (Université Laval), and Anne Monique Nuyt (Université de Montréal). These talks highlighted innovative approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives spanning reproductive and developmental health, as well as veterinary and human medicine.

Students and trainees from the network also took an active part in the event, presenting their research through oral and poster sessions. Congratulations to all the award winners for the outstanding quality of their presentations!

• Elisa Hug (Postdoctoral Fellow, Géraldine Delbès’ team, INRS)
• Emma Bourdillon (PhD student, Caroline Eozenou’s team, INSERM, France)
• Léa Lafranchise (Master’s student, Robert Viger’s team, Université Laval)
• Hengameh Kazemdarvish (PhD student, Yojiro Yamanaka’s team, McGill University)
• Kassey Remillard (Master’s student, Jacquetta Trasler‘s team, McGill University)
• Krutika Patil (Postdoctoral Fellow, Greg FitzHarris’ team, Université de Montréal)

The RQR Knowledge Mobilization Award was presented to Isabelle Plante (INRS) in recognition of her exceptional commitment to promoting reproductive research to the general public. Over the past year, she distinguished herself through her participation in numerous conferences, public presentations, and media interviews, contributing actively to the dissemination of research knowledge across the network.

We also extend our congratulations to Nour Abou Nader, recipient of the EDI Recognition Award, for the design and implementation of EDIcebraker, an interactive tool that fosters cultural exchange and helps break the ice within research teams. To access the tool, please follow this link.

The symposium also featured social activities organized by the RQR Training Committee, including a mini-golf night and a karaoke evening that were both highly successful and enjoyed by all participants.

The RQR warmly thanks the organizing committee and Maryse Um, network coordinator, for their dedication and outstanding work in making this scientific event a success.

Congratulations to Professor Sylvie Breton, PhD, who has just been named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS).

A full professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Université Laval, Sylvie Breton is among the 47 new Fellows recognized by the Academy in 2025. This nomination represents one of the highest distinctions awarded to members of the Canadian health sciences community.

As the Canada Research Chair in Epithelial Dynamics of Kidney and Reproductive Organs, she is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking research on the role of epithelial cells in kidney health and male fertility, paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences brings together the country’s most eminent scientists and researchers from universities, healthcare institutions, and research institutes.

We congratulate Professor Breton on this prestigious distinction, which highlights the excellence and impact of her scientific contributions!

Congratulations to Dr Bruce Murphy (Université de Montréal) who has been awarded the 2025 Marshall Medal by the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (UK).

The Marshall Medal is the highest honour bestowed by the Society for Reproduction and Fertility. Established in 1963 in tribute to F.H.A. Marshall, a pioneer in reproductive biology, the medal recognizes exceptional lifetime contributions to the fields of fertility and reproduction. Recipients are selected based on the global impact of their scientific careers.

This prestigious award highlights Professor Murphy’s outstanding influence on the field, particularly through his groundbreaking research into the hormonal and molecular mechanisms that regulate reproduction.

Congratulations once again to Professor Murphy for this well-deserved recognition!

The success of animal production lies at the heart of the RQR. Improving livestock reproduction and understanding the interactions between reproduction and the environment are among the central goals of our main program.

Yet, laboratory work often distances us from the day-to-day challenges faced on farms. Gaining insight into real-world conditions is essential for any researcher or student involved in animal reproduction research. With this in mind, the RQR’s Knowledge Transfer Committee, in collaboration with the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec (ITAQ), organized a field visit that proved both enriching and inspiring for all participants.

On May 29, RQR members had the opportunity to visit Maskita Farm, located in Saint-Hyacinthe. The day began with a series of educational presentations. Guylaine Sauvé, a professor at ITAQ, opened the session by presenting the foundations of the rearing cycle and lactation cycle. Next, Kévin Ten Have, manager of Maskita Farm, shared his experience managing a farm that is functional, modern, and profitable—offering visitors a realistic glimpse into the reality of dairy production in Quebec.

Kévin Ten Have demonstrates the real-time cow monitoring software Heatime.

Since reproduction is at the core of RQR’s focus, particular attention was given to the reproductive strategies in place. Gilles Daigle, Training Coordinator at the Quebec Artificial Insemination Center (CIAQ), and Sylvain Riendeau, professor at ITAQ, presented the artificial insemination techniques used on the farm. Finally, Dr. Jean-Philippe Roy, a veterinarian, outlined the reproductive management tools implemented at Maskita Farm, highlighting an approach centered on both performance and animal welfare.

Demonstration of the artificial insemination technique by Sylvain Riendeau.

The guided tour of the farm led by Saray Rangel, Maskita Farm administrator, allowed participants to directly observe the practices discussed during the presentations, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the daily issues farmers face. Among the challenges identified were: heat stress experienced by dairy cows due to climate change, issues related to animal selection and genetics, nutrition, and diseases that impact milk production and reproductive success.

This activity not only helped demystify modern agricultural practices but also underscored the importance for the scientific community to remain closely connected to field realities. The RQR Knowledge Transfer Committee warmly thanks all the speakers, ITAQ organizers, and the Maskita Farm team for their outstanding hospitality.

The RQR congratulates Céline Augière, PhD, from Clémence Belleannée’s lab, whose microscopy image has been selected as one of the 20 finalists in the 16th edition of the “La preuve par l’image” contest, organized by Acfas in partnership with Espace pour la vie.

This prestigious competition highlights both the scientific rigor and visual power of research images, showcasing each year original photographs produced by scientists working in Canadian research institutions.

Céline’s submission reveals the unexpected beauty of the microscopic world while drawing attention to often-overlooked issues in reproductive health. Her work powerfully underscores the importance of fundamental research in understanding male infertility and in developing male contraceptives.

We invite you to discover this remarkable work and to support Céline by voting for her image (Image 10) on the official contest website.

1. Dr. Isabelle Gilbert (PI, ULaval) and her co-applicants: Dr. Geraldine Delbes (INRS), and Dr. Guylain Boissonneault (UdeS) obtained a grant of  $20 000 from RQR  for the new collaborations competition. Their project is titled “Instabilité du breakome spermatique et âge paternel: Du transfert d’expertise à la compréhension des mécanismes et des conséquences sur la fertilité”. The main objective is to characterize, for the first time, the effect of male age on the distribution and abundance of double-strand break hotspots in the sperm genome, and to identify the most vulnerable gene regions.

2. Dr. Mauro Silva (PI, ULaval) and his co-applicants: Dr. Isabelle Plante (INRS), and Dr. Etienne Audet-Walsh (ULaval) obtained a grant of  $20 000 from RQR  for the new collaborations competition. Their project is titled “A Brain-Centered Human Organoid Model to Investigate the Neuroendocrine Origins of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome”. The two objectives are: i) To develop an in vitro model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) using ARCOs and investigate the effects of androgen exposure during specific prenatal periods on female neurodevelopmental, and ii) To determine whether 1,2-Dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cyclohexane exposure during early female brain development promotes PCOS-like neuroendocrine features.

Congratulations!

The Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR) is proud to highlight the participation of Professor Marc-André Sirard, PhD (Université Laval), in the new documentary series Naissances du futur, now streaming on Savoir média.

Hosted by Claudie Simard and enriched by the insightful perspectives of bioethicist Vardit Ravitsky, this series explores the many facets of medically assisted reproduction—from groundbreaking scientific advances to the complex ethical and social challenges they raise. Professor Sirard contributes his expertise in Episodes 1 (In Vitro Fertilization) and 6 (Infertility).

Through the emotional and medical journeys of couples facing infertility, Naissances du futur delves into the broader implications of IVF on parenthood, clinical practice, and future generations.

We extend our congratulations to the participants and creators of this thoughtful and rigorous series, which sheds light on the complex realities of assisted reproduction and the central role of research in shaping clinical innovation.

The series is now available on Savoir média (in French).