Symposium on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine – including Awards 2026

On Friday, April 17, 2026, the de Snoo – van ’t Hoogerhuijs Stichting will host its biennial symposium in Utrecht, the Netherlands. This year’s symposium focuses on the theme “Transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine” and brings together clinicians and researchers from across the field of reproductive medicine.

Symposium: Artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine

The aim of the symposium is to bring together both clinicians and researchers in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, embryology, genetics, developmental biology and reproduction. Throughout the day, speakers will present the latest scientific findings and engage in discussions on current challenges and controversies related to the use of artificial intelligence in reproductive medicine.

The following speakers have been confirmed:

  • Ricardo Faúndez-Carrasco – Harvard University, USA

  • Antoniya Georgieva – Oxford University, UK

  • Rohi Hourvitz – Tel Aviv University, Israel

  • Elisabeth Kooi – Groningen University, the Netherlands

  • Mark Scheper – Rotterdam University, the Netherlands

  • Masoud Zamani Esteki – Maastricht University, the Netherlands

The symposium will take place at the Gertrudiskapel, near Utrecht Central Station, and will run from 08:30 to 16:30.

De Snoo – van ’t Hoogerhuijs Awards 2026

As part of the programme, the de Snoo – van ’t Hoogerhuijs Awards 2026 will be presented during the symposium. These awards traditionally recognise individual efforts and innovative ideas in human embryology and reproduction, a field in which securing funding for novel research can be particularly challenging.

In 2026, two awards will be granted:

  • A senior prize (VIDI/VICI level) of €40,000 for the proposed plan, plus €1,000 for personal use

  • A junior prize (PhD student/junior postdoc, VENI level) of €15,000 for the proposed plan, plus €1,000 for personal use

Nominees are invited to describe an important research question in human reproduction or development and to submit a feasible plan that can be carried out within one year. The award winners will present their plans in a short pitch at the symposium after receiving the award.

The submission deadline is February 27, 2026. Winners will be notified before March 13, 2026 and are expected to attend the symposium.
More information about the call and application form can be found here.