From September 3–5, the 41st scientific meeting of the European Embryo Transfer Association (AETE) was held in Cork, Ireland — a key event in the field of animal assisted reproduction. Once again, Avantea played a leading role, actively contributing as a sponsor, with two official presentations and by coordinating a workshop during the pre-conference day.
September 3 – Equine Preconference Workshop
The equine pre-conference workshop, held on September 3, gathered around 60 participants including veterinarians and researchers from across Europe, who rotated in small groups through four practical stations dedicated to the main laboratory techniques for equine reproduction.
Avantea led two of the stations, focusing respectively on post-mortem oocyte collection and slow embryo freezing and thawing. The other two stations covered equine embryo vitrification and sperm selection.
The workshop took place in a context of growing dissemination and acceptance of assisted reproduction techniques in horses, with particular emphasis on the role of ICSI, in which Avantea is a pioneer. At the same time, animal welfare was also discussed, with a focus on the OPU procedure.
Among the scientific contributions were presentations by Giovanna Lazzari (Embryo production in the lab) and Cesare Galli (Oocyte Collection by Transvaginal Follicular Aspiration – OPU), offering an updated overview of the most advanced technologies in equine embryo production.
September 4–5 – AETE Congress
During the congress days, the program ranged from genomics to artificial intelligence technologies for embryo evaluation, covering key topics such as the uterine microbiome, cryopreservation, in vitro oocyte culture, and predictive models of male fertility.
The congress represented a key opportunity for scientific updates and international exchange on all aspects of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) in bovine, equine, and other livestock species.
September 6 – Focus on biodiversity and conservation
On September 6, Cesare Galli was hosted at University College Cork (formerly Queen’s University) for a plenary lecture entitled:
“Can we save the Northern White Rhino? Where we stand with the Biorescue Project”
During his talk, Galli illustrated how Avantea’s expertise in assisted reproduction can also be applied to wildlife conservation, through international research initiatives such as the Biorescue Project, which aims to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction.
A very positive outcome
Participation in AETE 2025 was a major opportunity for Avantea to exchange scientific knowledge, gain international visibility, and consolidate its leadership within the European landscape of animal assisted reproduction, reaffirming the company’s commitment both in the clinical field and in applied research.