History of Conference

The International Symposium of Spermatology has a rich history, united by a consistent purpose: to bring together scientists from diverse disciplines to foster discussion, collaboration, networking, and reflection on the field of spermatology.

Since the inaugural meeting in Italy in 1969, hosted by Biaccio Baccetti, the symposium has been held 14 times across nine countries, each organized by a distinguished leader in the field (see Table).

These gatherings welcome both established experts and early-career researchers, exploring sperm biology not only in humans but also across mammals, plants, and marine life. What unites all participants is a shared curiosity about sperm function, reproduction, and the future directions of scientific discovery in this area.

This year marks an exciting milestone: the very first UK Spermatology Symposium, proudly hosted at the University of Birmingham. We are thrilled to contribute to the incredible legacy of this international meeting and to welcome the global spermatology community to Birmingham.