Researcher granted fellowship for male fertility works

University of Adelaide academic Dr Nicole McPherson has been awarded an early-to-mid-career fellowship by The Hospital Research Foundation Group.

Dr McPherson, from the Male Reproductive Life Course Group with the Robinson Research Institute and Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, is one of three researchers across South Australia and the Northern Territory to receive the support.

Dr McPherson said the funding will support her continued research into male fertility.

“There are many gaps in understanding the role men and their sperm health play in family planning and preconception,” says Dr McPherson.

“Recent research is challenging the notion that sperm are just vessels for DNA, but rather they play a pivotal role in early embryo development and chronic disease risk in children.

“This project will build on this knowledge and cover issues such as the contributions of sperm in successful conception, how they contribute to disease risk, ways to aid sperm function to increase natural conception, improving men’s health literacy and better supporting men with infertility.”

Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) congratulated Dr McPherson on the recognition.

“The University of Adelaide is proud of Dr McPherson’s work around understanding the role and importance of male reproductive health and congratulates her on receiving the support of The Hospital Research Foundation Group,” says Professor Middelberg.

“This funding will help answer questions which may, in time, improve outcomes for men experiencing infertility.”