34th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE 2018)

The 34th edition of the annual congress of ESHRE will take place in the vibrant Catalonian city of Barcelona, Spain, where the research presented, in addition to the weather, should reach soaring levels. As always, this event will enable professionals in the field of reproductive health to hear the latest research, digest the views of expert speakers, and network with clinicians, researchers, and industry representatives. Held at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB), located very close to the Mediterranean seafront, ESHRE attendees are sure to be entertained as well as informed throughout the 4 days, from 1st–4th July 2018. The EMJ team will be out in force for the event’s duration, preparing our subsequent review of the congress in the next edition of the EMJ Reproductive Health eJournal, which will be published in August.

There are four major community events taking place at this year’s event. The Opening Ceremony is due to take place on Day 1 of the event, Sunday 1st July, in the auditorium at 19.00, with the subsequent Welcome Reception continuing until 22.00 in the exhibition area. On Monday 2nd July, all participants have the opportunity to take part in ESHRE’s charity run, beginning at 18.30. The distance is 5 km and funds will be raised for patient groups throughout Europe. The following day features a highly anticipated networking event, including food, drinks, and entertainment, at a restaurant called Bestial in a stunning location by the sea. Finally, to bring proceedings to a close, the Closing and Award Ceremony will be held after the final scientific session has ended, from 15.30–17.00 on Wednesday 4th July. Included in the awards section will be the unveiling of the winners of the best oral and poster communications.

A variety of session types will cover the wide range of congress topics that will be making up the scientific programme throughout the 4 days. These areas include the following: Andrology; Embryology; Endometriosis; Ethics and law; Female fertility; Female infertility; Fertility preservation; Implantation and early pregnancy; Nursing and midwifery; Psychology and counselling; Reproductive (epi)genetics; Reproductive endocrinology; Reproductive epidemiology; Reproductive surgery; Safety and quality in ART; and Stem cells. The nature of these subject areas means that there will be plenty on offer for all specialities in the field of reproductive health, as well as for those who want a more general overview of the latest news and research.