BOSTON, MA, November 06, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 2026 Activated Egg Symposium:"Unique Human Egg Activation Pathways,"will bring together an exceptional group of internationally recognized scientists, and clinicians for a one-day meeting focused on one of the most fundamental questDeions in reproductive and developmental biology: how human eggs activate and begin early embryonic development.
Part of a series of Activated Egg Symposia hosted by the Bedford Research Foundation since 2002, the symposium is designed to foster scientific exchange, spark new collaborations, and bring experts from academia, fertility clinics, and biotechnology together to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that shape human egg activation, fertilization, and developmental competence. The event will offer a rare opportunity for researchers, clinicians, trainees, and innovators to engage directly with leaders whose work has helped define modern reproductive biology, stem cell science, and regenerative medicine.
The program will feature presentations spanning ovarian biology, fertilization, calcium signaling, genome stability, cellular reprogramming, stem cell-based models of early development, and the biological foundations of successful embryo development. By uniting leading voices across disciplines and sectors, the symposium aims to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage new partnerships, and accelerate translational progress in fertility and developmental science.
"We still have fundamental questions about how human eggs develop, and answering them could open new possibilities in reproductive and regenerative medicine." said Ann A. Kiessling, Director of the Bedford Research Foundation.
Featured Speakers
The symposium will feature an outstanding panel of distinguished speakers whose research has shaped major advances in reproductive and developmental biology:
Evelyn Telfer, BSc (Hons), PhD, CBE, FRSB — Professor and Chair of Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh
Ali H. Brivanlou, PhD — Robert and Harriet Heilbrunn Professor, The Rockefeller University
Rafael Fissore, DVM, PhD — Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Ehsan Habibi, PhD — Scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa
Jonathan van Blerkom, PhD — Research Professor, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder
Dietrich M. Egli, PhD — Associate Professor of Developmental Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Elizebeth Carr - America's first IVF baby, speaker and advocate
Collectively, these speakers represent pioneering work in ovarian biology, fertilization, egg activation, developmental competence, nuclear transfer, pluripotency, synthetic embryology, and genome stability in early development. Their participation makes this symposium a rare opportunity to hear directly from scientists helping shape the future of the field.
Symposium Highlights
Leading Scientific Perspectives
Hear from internationally recognized investigators presenting current research on the mechanisms and consequences of human egg activation and early embryo development.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Connect with experts from academia, biotechnology, and fertility clinics in a setting designed to promote discussion, networking, and new scientific partnerships.
Translational Relevance
Explore discoveries with implications for fertility treatment, assisted reproduction, stem cell science, and developmental medicine.
Focused One-Day Format
Experience an intensive, high-impact program built to maximize scientific exchange, audience engagement, and collaboration.
About Bedford Research Foundation: The Bedford Research Foundation is dedicated to advancing biomedical research, with a focus on reproductive biology and stem cell technologies. Supported by the ESHE Fund, the Foundation collaborates with leading institutions to address critical challenges in human health.
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