Male Infertility Public Forum

Hunter Branch Meeting 2025-4 of the Royal Society of NSW — 30 October 2025
"Male Infertility Public Forum"
Featuring: Dr John Schjenken (1,2), Dr Elizabeth Torres-Arce (1,2), Dr Nathan Burke (1),
Dr Aleona Swegen (1, 2), Professor John Aitken (1, 2), Dr Andrew Hedges (3), Nick Allen-Ducat (4)
(1) University of Newcastle
(2) Hunter Medical Research Institute
(3) IVF Australia
(4) Hit 106.9 Newcastle
A joint presentation of the Hunter Medical Reseaarch Institute and the Hunter Branch of the Royal Society of NSW

https://www.royalsoc.org.au/events/hu...

The presentation commences at 07:16

Time Stamps:
00:00:00 Introductions: Carol Duncan (2) and Professor John Aitken (1)
00:07:16 Presentations
00:08:17 Dr John Schjenken
00:16:41 Dr Elizabeth Torres-Arce
00:22:49 Dr Aleona Swegen
00:30:02 Dr Nathan Burke
00:38:04 Panel with Professor John Aitken, Nick Allen-Ducat, Dr Andrew Hedges
01:47:22 Meeting Close

Summary: We all know it takes one egg and one sperm to make a baby, so why has infertility so often been seen as only a women’s issue?

Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples worldwide, and in fact, male factors are responsible in about 50% of cases.

As science advances, we’re learning just how crucial the male role is, not only for conception, but also for the health of our future generations.

Join us for an event that shines a spotlight on male reproductive health.

Hear from local young researchers sharing the latest findings, and take part in a panel discussion with experts in reproductive science, IVF, men’s health, and a local personality who has recently faced infertility challenges.

Let’s break the silence and broaden the conversation about infertility, because it’s not just a women’s issue.