
Welcome to the webinar, "Building Reproductive Futures: Advances in Oncofertility and Uterine Receptivity."
We are pleased to have you join us for a timely discussion on two important areas of reproductive medicine that are helping shape the future of fertility care.
The first presentation by Dr. So-Youn Kim, "Exploring and Expanding Options for the Reproductive Future of Cancer Survivors," will highlight recent advances in oncofertility and the growing opportunities available to preserve and restore reproductive potential in individuals affected by cancer.
The second presentation by Dr. Liang Ma, "Genetic Regulation of Uterine Receptivity and Decidualization," will explore the molecular mechanisms that govern endometrial function and embryo implantation, providing insights into the biological foundations of successful pregnancy.
Together, these topics span key stages of the reproductive journey, ranging from preserving fertility before or during cancer treatment to optimizing the uterine environment for successful implantation and pregnancy. Advances in both areas are transforming patient care and opening new possibilities for personalized reproductive medicine.
We hope that this webinar will provide valuable scientific insights, stimulate discussion, and foster collaboration among clinicians, researchers, trainees, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving reproductive treatment outcomes.
Date: 15 September 2026
Time: 04:00 pm EDT
Webinar ID: 869 3046 8854
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com

Department of Reproductive Biology, CWRU School of Medicine;Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Fertility Center;Dr. Sung Tae Kim is associate professor in the Department of Reproductive Biology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Lab Director of the University Hospitals Fertility Center. He has over 25 years of experience in reproductive biology, assisted reproductive technology (ART), and IVF laboratory leadership. Dr. Kim received his PhD in South Korea and completed postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St. Louis. His research focuses on improving IVF outcomes, sperm biology, embryo development, and laboratory innovation, with particular emphasis on translational application to clinical practice. He is currently establishing non-invasive screening during IVF procedures and a human ovarian tissue cryopreservation program at University Hospitals Fertility Center, along with oocyte in vitro maturation studies using ovarian tissue. He is board-certified as a High-Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD) and has served in multiple leadership roles, including IVF laboratory director positions in both academic and private practice settings. His work has resulted in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, presentations and invited lectures. Dr. Kim is deeply engaged in professional service through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), the Society of Reproductive Biologists & Technologists (SRBT), the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), the College of Reproductive Biology (CRB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). He is currently serving as Guest Editor for Special Issues on assisted reproductive technologies in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), contributing to the advancement of research in ART. He is also involved in national committees and international education programs, reflecting his commitment to advancing reproductive medicine globally.
Department of OBGYN & Reproductive Health, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School;So-Youn Kim, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Yonsei University in Korea before relocating to the United States. Dr. Kim trained as a reproductive endocrinologist during her postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University under the guidance of Dr. J. Larry Jameson and Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff. Following her fellowship, she served as an assistant and then associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This year, she joined Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Kim has received numerous awards, including the Constance Campbell Memorial Award, the Young Investigator Award from Women in Endocrinology, the New Investigator Award and Distinguished Scientist Award at UNMC, and she was selected for the Rising Stars Session by the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR). Her research program in oncofertility has been continuously funded by the NICHD from 2019 to 2031. She investigates the signaling pathways associated with p63, which plays a crucial role in determining oocyte fate within the ovarian reserve. The objective of her study is to protect oocytes from the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, aiming to preserve endocrine functions and fertility in young cancer patients. Additionally, Dr. Kim has served on various committees, including the Laureate Award Committee and the TCDCC Committee for the ENDO Society. She currently serves as a member of the Membership Committee for the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR).
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis;Dr. Ma is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his B.A. degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Southern California. He received his postdoctoral training in developmental genetics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ma’s first academic position was in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Tulane University. In 2004, he was recruited to Washington University Division of Dermatology, where he was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2011. Dr. Ma uses transgenic and knockout mouse models to elucidate genetic pathways controlling organogenesis and determine how exogenous factors alter key developmental processes. He has published more than 70 papers and is widely recognized for his contributions to reproductive and developmental biology. He has served on numerous study sections, reviewing and advisory panels of NIH, NSF and other governmental and private foundations. He had also served on the Editorial Boards of several journals, including Biology of Reproduction. Dr. Ma's research has continuously been funded by NIH and NSF.
Guest Editor: Dr. Sung Tae Kim
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2026
Guest Editor: Dr. Sung Tae Kim
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2026
Guest Editor: Dr. Sung Tae Kim
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2026