Published: 15 Mar 2019 | Last Updated: 10 Aug 2023 15:33:44

The RVC’s Camden campus will host the London leg of the annual highly acclaimed ‘Sex in Three Cities’ public lecture tour run by the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) on Wednesday 20th March.

The event will provide the opportunity to hear renowned reproductive biologist Professor Sarah Robertson present her lecture, ‘Partner compatibility: the immune system and reproductive success’.

Professor Robertson, who is a Fellow of the Academy of Science and a Director of the Robinson Research Institute University of Adelaide, will discuss:

• Whether there is any scientific basis around the idea of biological compatibility?
• The special types of immune cells that support robust placental and health foetal development, and protect from recurrent implantation failure, miscarriage and pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia.
• How this new insight is changing how medical science considers the immune system in fertility.

This fascinating one-hour lecture is taking place in the Great Hall on the RVC’s Camden campus at 17.30 on Wednesday 20th March, and will be followed by a drinks reception at the campus’ Lightwell Café.

Dr Mandi de Mestre, Associate Professor in Reproductive Immunology at the RVC, commented: “The RVC is very excited to be hosting the Society of Reproduction and Fertility’s ‘Sex in Three Cities’ lecture series in 2019. RVC academics have worked closely with the SRF for over 20 years as members of its council. The series provides an excellent opportunity to bring the general public and scientists together to promote greater awareness of the latest scientific research that informs current clinical practices aiding the conception and the subsequent birth of a healthy baby.”

Professor Robertson said: “I am excited to be part of the ‘Sex in Three Cities’ lecture series to increase awareness of the amazing biological processes underlying reproduction and pregnancy.  The insights we are gaining from recent scientific discoveries will inform intending parents, and contribute to better treatment options for human infertility and pregnancy disorders.”

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

• Alex Cassells (alexander.cassells@plmr.co.uk)  or Ploy Radford (ploy.radford@plmr.co.uk)
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520

About the RVC

• The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a constituent College of the University of London.
• The RVC offers undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences.
• It is currently the only veterinary school in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, EAEVE, RCVS and AVBC.
• In 2017, the RVC received a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – the highest rating a university can receive.
• A research-led institution, the RVC maintained its position as the top veterinary institution in the Research Excellence Framework (2014), with 79% of its submission being rated as world-class or internationally excellent.
• The RVC also provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals: the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in central London, the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (Europe's largest small animal referral centre), the Equine Referral Hospital and the Farm Animal Clinical Centre located at the Hertfordshire campus.