Northwestern Center for Reproductive Science

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Northwestern Center for Reproductive Science

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We are a group of scientists and clinicians dedicated to reproductive science and medicine. Welcome to the Northwestern Center for Reproductive Science (CRS).

We cannot think of a more exciting or important time to be involved in reproductive science and medicine! Reproduction matters. Just think:

The male and female reproductive systems are essential for giving rise to the next generation and for maintaining endocrine function. Reproductive hormones are essential for general health as they contribute to cognitive, cardiovascular, bone, and immune system functions. Colliding epidemics of infectious diseases, obesity, and diabetes challenge our reproductive health and future - along with iatrogenic insults (chemotherapy and radiation), environmental contaminants, and delayed child-bearing. Reproductive science and medicine will guide evolving and emerging treatments related to contraception, infertility, reproductive tract conditions,
cancers, infectious diseases, and pregnancy-related disorders. The Center for Reproductive Science leads the way. Reproductive science and medicine through the CRS extends from basic research on cellular and molecular mechanisms to physiological integration across organ systems to clinical practices that impact fertility and health. Our scientific and medical discoveries are intertwined with significant moral, ethical and political questions. Since its formal inception in 1987, the CRS has been at the forefront of reproductive science and medicine research. Professor Neena Schwartz was the first to characterize inhibin in follicular fluid and Professor Erwin Goldberg was the first to identify the male germ cell-specific enzyme LDH-C4. Building on this foundation with strong institutional support, the CRS today includes nearly 200 faculty members and 100 trainees that together have discovered placental hormones, revealed signaling pathways in reproductive tract disease, solved the structures of key reproductive hormones, characterized major hormone biosynthetic pathways, and developed new fertility preservation strategies. This rich environment has fueled the reproductive science and medicine pipeline, nurturing generations of reproductive scientists who today assume leadership positions in academics, medicine, industry, journalism, policy, and beyond. Our reproductive science community is vibrant, and we garner success from innovative collaborations and technologies. We are at the crossroads of multiple disciplines, including medicine, physiology, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biomaterials engineering, religion, anthropology, law, and bioethics. The CRS offers a wide array of resources, programming, and funding opportunities in reproductive science and medicine, and we invite you to dive into our website to learn more. Sincerely,

Francesca E. Duncan, PhD
CRS Co-Director

J. Julie Kim, PhD
CRS Co-Director

10/14/2026

Great feature on Dr. Francesca Duncan's recent publication!

The organ continues to have an impact well past fertility. And it keeps changing, “quite dynamically,” research shows.

10/12/2026

Did you know that we have a dual degree program? The MS/MA in Reproductive Science and Medicine (RSM) and Medical Humanities and Bioethics (MHB) is the first of its kind. This dual-degree program provides students with the foundational and advanced knowledge in human reproductive biology and medicine, while also exploring medicine and its ethical implications through the perspectives of anthropology, literature, philosophy, history, and law. Beatrice Piras is part of our very first dual degree cohort!

Learn more and apply on our website!

10/09/2026

CRS - The Month Ahead

Check out the CRS programming coming up this month!

October 14 - RRU
"Limnal cells are a ubiquitous un(der)recognized cell type with a role in placental separation," Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Associate Professor of Pathology

October 21 - RRU
“Cellular identity loss and immune-like reprogramming as a contributor to ovarian aging," Dr. Aubery Converse, Research Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn

October 23 - Career Catalyst
"Commercializing Your Science," Dr. Lisa Dhar, Associate Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures

October 28 - RRU
"Separable chromosome-associated activities promote microtubule organization in acentrosomal oocyte spindles," Jordy Martinez, PhD candidate, Wignall Lab

10/08/2026

CRS is excited to welcome Lisa Dhar, PhD, for our first Career Catalyst of the year!

Dr. Dhar is the Associate Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures at Northwestern University and will present on "Commercializing Your Science." This is an in-person event on October 23, 12:00-1:00pm.

10/07/2026

Congratulations to the recipients of the CRS Predoctoral Training Grant in Reproductive Science, Medicine and Technology!

- Amir Darbar, MSTP student, Goyal Lab
- Brittany Johnson, PhD candidate, Adli Lab
- Natalie Piehl, PhD candidate, Bulun Lab
- Margaret Stapleton, PhD candidate, Kozorovitskiy Lab
- Brianna Thompson, PhD candidate, Laronda Lab

Congratulations and we look forward to supporting your career development!

10/05/2026

Hear directly from MS-RSM alumni and faculty in our recent promotional video and learn what makes our program a leading master’s program in human reproductive health! Interested in applying? Learn more on our website!

Learn more about the Master of Science in Reproductive Science in M...

10/01/2026

CRS members kicked off the start of the academic year with a great first Reproductive Research Updates session! CRS leadership and trainees came together to deliver a community-focused presentation on "who we are," "what we do," and "why it matters." We can't wait for a CRS-ly amazing year!

09/28/2026

Curious about the MS-RSM program Northwestern University? Sign up for one of our virtual information sessions to learn more and connect with program leadership and current students. The first one is THIS Friday, October 2nd! Register today!

09/24/2026

In honor of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, CRS celebrates the significant contributions of postdocs to our reproductive science community. We are proud to have our postdocs on our team!

Learn more about NU's celebrations of National Postdoc Week: https://postdocs.northwestern.edu/announcements/postdoc-news/2026/national-postdoc-appreciation-week-npaw-2026.html

09/22/2026

Congratulations to CRS T32 Trainee Maggie Stapleton on her award!

A big shout out to the 2025-2026 IBiS student award winners: Janet, Maggie, and Liz!

Your hard work and contributions to IBiS and in teaching inspire us all! Thank you for all that you do!

Address

Chicago, IL

Telephone

312-503-6303

Website

http://crs.northwestern.edu/

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