Educating the next generation of integrative reproductive health researchers

Abstract

Reproductive disorders and sexual ill-health are a serious global health issue. To address this, substantial research into reproductive systems and processes is currently being conducted. Whilst significant elements of this research are undertaken using human volunteers or in-vitro, studies involving laboratory animals are unavoidable. However, there is a global shortage of researchers with the knowledge and skills to undertake these integrative whole-animal studies, and therefore many countries have invested significant sums in the education and training of the next generation of in-vivo researchers. However, this training is limited, restricted to early career researchers, and does not provide the broader education they require or for their continued professional development. To address this, ETRIS, a free open access repository of e-learning resources was developed. Collectively, the resources within ETRIS can be used to provide education, training, and the continued development of in-vivo researchers at all stages of their career and for the training of Ethical Review Committees.