Udaipur: The city of lakes, Udaipur, is set to host a prestigious three-day national conference on in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Organised under the aegis of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), ‘Embryology ISAR 2026’ (Pursuing Progress in Embryology – Advances, Research and Learning) will be held from September 18 to 20 at Hotel Marriott.
The conference will bring together leading embryologists, clinicians, senior gynaecologists and researchers from across the country to deliberate on the latest developments and research in infertility management, embryo culture and reproductive science.
ISAR National President and Conference Chairperson Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar said the role of the IVF laboratory is no longer confined to the background. Today, the difference between an unsuccessful IVF cycle and the birth of a healthy baby often depends on scientific decisions taken in the embryology laboratory. From selecting the right gametes to transferring the best-quality blastocyst, laboratory expertise has become critical at every stage of the IVF process.
Dr. Keshav Malhotra, Chairman, ISAR Embryology, said artificial intelligence, automation and greater accountability are expected to significantly transform the field of embryology over the next five years. He said the conference aims to move beyond conventional approaches and critically examine which scientific methods have demonstrated their effectiveness and which require further refinement.
Organising Secretary Dr. Manisha Vajpayee said that nine pre-conference workshops will be conducted on Friday, September 18, from 9 a.m. The sessions will cover embryo culture systems, a masterclass on ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer, male infertility, pre-IVF work-up, genetics in ART, and the legal complexities associated with the new ART and surrogacy laws.
Special hands-on workshops will also focus on advanced vitrification, ICSI through micromanipulation and embryo biopsy. Participants will get an opportunity to practise the latest laser techniques, tubing, microdissection procedures and simulators under expert guidance. A heritage walk, ramp walk and cultural evening will also be organised in the evening.
Dr. Manisha Vajpayee further informed that a ‘Walk for Hope’ walkathon will be organised on September 19 to spread a message of hope among couples facing infertility. Various technical sessions will also be conducted on September 19 and 20.
A key attraction of the conference will be a debate among leading experts on the question: When artificial intelligence and the opinion of an experienced embryologist differ in embryo selection, what decision should the clinician take? The conference will also feature detailed discussions on automated vitrification, time-lapse morphokinetics and electronic witnessing as important safety measures in ART laboratories.
Case-based panel discussions will address recurrent IVF failure, non-invasive PGT and the practical aspects of genetic testing, providing participants with opportunities to discuss emerging technologies and their clinical applications.
The ISAR national and Rajasthan chapter teams are playing a key role in organising the three-day conference. Those contributing to the event include ISAR Honorary Secretary General Dr. Ashish Kale, President-Elect Dr. Madhuri Patil, Rajasthan ISAR Chairperson Dr. Gunjan Jain, Secretary Dr. Vibha Garg, Dr. Sujata Kar, Dr. Rishikesh Pai, Organising Secretary Dr. Manisha Vajpayee and other senior office-bearers.