The “Women’s and Couples’ Health” France 2030 Research Program is organizing its second fall school. The 2026 edition will focus on infertility and will take place from October 26 to 30, 2026, in Nantes (France).
This European fall school is an intensive, immersive one-week training program. It is designed to enable young researchers to develop cutting-edge knowledge on infertility from experts, renowned researchers, and professionals from a wide range of disciplines.
This fall school aims to enable participants to:
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- Deepen their knowledge of infertility, its biological mechanisms, and its clinical and societal implications
- Interact with experts and other young researchers to expand their scientific network
- Strengthen their academic and professional profile by acquiring essential skills for research and innovation in reproductive health
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- Laurent David, Inserm
- Edouard Lecarpentier, Cochin Institute
- Patricia Fauque, Cochin Institute
- Gabriel Livera, CEA
- Lucie Barbier, Collège de France
- Elise de la Rochebrochard, Ined
During the week, infertility will be addressed step by step: from oocyte and sperm gametogenesis, including the impact of the environment and genetics, to embryo development and implantation, through assisted reproductive technology and the societal and ethical issues associated with infertility.
French and international experts, clinicians, and scientists from various fields (genetics, cellular and molecular biology, humanities, and social sciences), as well as representatives from patient associations, will be present, and informal discussions will be possible during social gatherings.
Small-group work will also be carried out to promote interaction between participants and encourage multidisciplinary reflection.
The fall school is aimed at young researchers working on infertility: doctoral or postdoctoral researchers in science, medicine, public health, or the humanities and social sciences; medical doctors*.
Candidates from France and all over Europe are invited to apply.
All applications must be nominated by the director of the candidate’s accredited research team. Only one candidate per accredited research team will be permitted to submit an application.
All training and related activities are conducted in English, thus candidates must have a very good level of English.
Selected candidates commit to attending the entire training program.
*Candidates who have not started their PhD at the time of application must be enrolled in a PhD program by October 1, 2026, at the latest, and may be contacted at a later date to provide proof of PhD funding.
Candidates must submit:
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- A CV using the template provided
- A letter of motivation and commitment using the template provided: this letter must express an interest in infertility and this training program, and explain how this fall school fits into the candidate’s academic or professional plans. It certifies the candidate’s commitment to attend the entire training program and attests to the nomination of this application by the director of the research team.
Participation in the fall school is free for selected candidates and includes:
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- Access to the entire educational program
- Coverage of travel and accommodation expenses for the entire duration of the training, as well as all meals
Opening of applications: March 9, 2026
Closure of applications: May 29, 2026
Announcement of selected candidates: June 15, 2026