ASRM News: A Monthly Digest – Congress Edition!
Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2026 ASRM Endowment Awards
Each year, ASRM honors exceptional contributions to reproductive medicine by recognizing individuals whose research, clinical care, teaching, or service has advanced the field in meaningful ways. Celebrating innovation, leadership, and lasting impact, each award reflects the legacy of distinguished pioneers in reproductive science and provides ongoing recognition that inspires future generations to push the boundaries of reproductive health and medicine.
ASRM Lifetime Achievement Award
Larry I. Lipshultz, MD
A pioneering clinician, scientist, educator, and mentor, Dr. Lipshultz has transformed how male reproductive disorders are understood and treated while building a legacy that extends through the patients he has served, the physicians he has trained, and the standards of care he has helped establish. In recognition of that influence, ASRM has named Dr. Lipshultz the recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Suheil J. Muasher, MD, Distinguished Service Award
Eric A. Widra, MD
Eric A. Widra has served on the SART Executive Committee and ASRM Practice Committee, contributed to numerous ASRM practice documents, and authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. A longtime RESOLVE board member, Dr. Widra also founded its Physicians Council and has been active in federal and state patient advocacy.
Kavoussi Family Outstanding Teacher Award
LaTasha B. Craig, MD
Dr. LaTasha Craig is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology She has mentored dozens of trainees to co-authorship on 29 publications and delivered 48 national educational presentations, while shaping OB/GYN and reproductive education nationally through APGO’s Undergraduate Medical Education Committee, the ABOG REI Division, and the ACGME Residency Review Committee.
Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism In Medicine Award For Practicing Physicians
Lowell T. Ku, MD
Dr. Lowell Ku is affectionately known as “Dr. Knocked Up” by grateful patients. Having personally struggled with and overcome infertility, Dr. Ku has a never-ending determination to help his patients overcome seemingly impossible odds to achieve their dreams of parenthood.
Ira And Ester Rosenwaks New Investigator Award
Robin M. Skory, MD, PhD
Dr. Skory’s most recent research has characterized the dynamic remodeling and movement of the paternal genome following fertilization and identified a role for the maternal spindle in sperm genome translocation. Her laboratory combines live imaging with follicle culture models to define how communication between somatic cells and the oocyte establishes developmental competence. By defining the mechanisms that govern oocyte quality, her research aims to advance the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Carlos Simón Excellence in Translational Research Award
Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD
Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, collaborated with oncologists, biomedical engineers, and policymakers to establish the field of oncofertility and develop novel approaches that enable cancer survivors to protect their fertility and endocrine health. Working at the national level, Woodruff championed the National Institutes of Health policy mandating the inclusion of both male and female biological variables in fundamental research.
ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award
Richard T. Scott, MD
In conjunction with his colleagues, Dr. Scott has led extensive studies on ovarian reserve, embryonic aneuploidy, genomic instability leading to segmental chromosomal abnormalities, embryonic endometrial dyssynchrony, and the impact of mitophagy on reproductive aging. He is also the scientific director at the Foundation for Embryonic Competence, a nonprofit dedicated to studying embryonic reproductive potential and enhancing clinical outcomes.
The Countdown to Congress is Underway!
In less than 30 days, friends and colleagues from around the world will reunite for the ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress & Expo, in Baltimore, MD, on October 24–28, as the entire field of reproductive medicine comes together for discovery, innovation, and advancement.
This year’s scientific program is packed with opportunities to learn and connect across every area of reproductive medicine. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time!
Behind The Scenes: Creating the ASRM Scientific Congress and Expo
Each Congress is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and commitment. By the time attendees arrive, thousands of decisions have already been made, with the hope of creating a meeting where the complexity gives way to a seamless experience.
Read here to find out how Congress comes to life.
Meet the ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress Program Planning Chairs
Dr. Hwang’s 17 years of ASRM membership have demonstrated how engagement can grow into friendships, research collaborations, leadership opportunities, and a professional community that continues to influence her work. Dr. Hwang reminds newer ASRM members that participation does not require having a perfect plan or knowing all the answers. It starts with finding people who care about the same work and choosing to contribute.
As an ASRM member for eight years, Dr. Halpern has served in several leadership roles. He points to networking through the ASRM Scientific Congress, committees, and special interest groups as one of the most valuable parts of his career. “Join a SIG, register for a webinar, attend the Scientific Congress, learn about advocacy, read a practice guideline,” he says. “ASRM has a nearly endless number of ways to support its members. There is something for everyone.”
ASRM Master Class Summit: A New Era of Pre-Congress Learning
The Master Class Summit is a completely reimagined educational experience designed for today’s reproductive medicine professionals. Instead of spending an entire day of pre-Congress learning in a single course, you’ll build your own schedule from interactive Skill Sprint workshops, expert-led Key Voice discussions, and Global Exchange sessions. Gain practical strategies, connect directly with faculty and peers, and leave with ideas you can immediately apply to your practice. Register now!
Stay After Congress for ASRM INNOVATE: The Synergy of Science and Technology
This 1.5-day summit, immediately following the ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress and Expo, is designed for people who want to identify gaps, spark new thinking, and accelerate collaboration across reproductive medicine. If you are a forward thinker and pasisonate about your work, you belong here. Add INNOVATE when you register for Congress or register separately here.
Enjoy the Elegance of ASRM’s Signature Charity Event, The President’s Gala
An evening of celebration, connection, and purpose, this year’s Gala on Sunday, October 25, invites you to don your finest black-tie attire, with a little 1920’s Great Gatsby inspired flair, and join hundreds of ASRM members and colleagues from around the world for the most anticipated social event of the Congress. Proceeds benefit the ASRM Research Institute. Purchase your tickets during Congress Registration.
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