Infertility is a common condition and clinical causes are equally prevalent in both men and women. However, the underlying mechanisms of infertility remain largely unclear, often impeding specific diagnoses and personalised, evidence-based treatments. 

Reproduction Alliance coordinates a network of interdisciplinary collaborative research endeavors funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the Gates Foundation, and the University of Münster, bridging the gap between science and clinic.

The DFG SFB 1748 'Reproduction.MS' - our flagship - addresses the basic principles of reproduction and the pathomechanisms of male infertility. The central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular programmes governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation, as well as early embryonic development – in both health and disease.

The BMFTR-funded Junior Scientist Research Centre 'ReproTrack.MS' offers ten postdoctoral reproductive medical and clinician scientists a structured programme to advance their academic careers. Working at the interface of basic and clinical research in Münster, it provides networking and collaboration to drive translational reproductive research. 

The 'ProCon.MS' study develops novel tools for early diagnosing male infertility and developing non-hormonal female contraceptives. Central to the project are large-scale direct comparisons of sperm function in infertile and fertile men. The study is conducted with partners at the Universities of Birmingham and Dundee, funded by the Gates Foundation.

The DFG Clinical Research Unit 'Male Germ Cells', investigates the genetic and epigenetic causes of male infertility and the molecular mechanisms essential for germ cell function. Using advanced technologies and cross-project biobanks and databases, it examines the regulation of sperm production to identify infertility causes and inform diagnosis and treatment.

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