“Forever Chemicals, Future Generations: What Environmental Pollution Means for Reproductive Health”
Dr Jacinta Martin
Reproductive Biologist and Lecturer
University of Newcastle and
Hunter Medical Research Institute
Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026, 5.30 pm for 6.00 – 7.00 pm AEST
Venue: NEX, Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre, 309 King Street, Newcastle West, NSW
Registration: Registration is required by 5.00 pm AEST, Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Entry: Members, $15; Non-members, $25; Students: $5
Enquiries: by email to the Hunter Branch Chair
All are welcome
Summary: PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals’, are now found in our water, food, homes, and even our bodies — but what does this mean for human health? This talk explores how environmental exposures can influence fertility, pregnancy, and early development, and why reproductive health may act as an early warning system for environmental harm. Drawing on new research from the University of Newcastle and HMRI, Dr Jacinta Martin will share how her team studies environmentally relevant exposures in the laboratory, investigates how pollutants move across generations, and explores potential strategies to reduce their impacts. Attendees will also hear some of the newest findings emerging from this research program.
Dr Jacinta Martin is a reproductive biologist at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute whose research investigates how environmental exposures influence fertility, pregnancy, and long-term health. Her work focuses particularly on environmental toxicants, including PFAS and plastics-associated chemicals, and how these exposures impact reproductive and developmental outcomes across generations.
Jacinta leads an NHMRC Ideas Grant investigating strategies to reduce the impacts of environmental toxicant exposure during pregnancy and early development, alongside broader research spanning laboratory models, translational science, and public health. Her goal is to generate evidence that informs clinical practice and environmental policy.
She has published more than 38 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has secured over $4.4 million in research funding. She is passionate about science communication, mentoring, and improving health outcomes for future generations.
| Royal Society of NSW Hunter Branch | |
| Date: | Thursday, 25 June 2026, 06:00 PM |
| Venue: | NEX, Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre, 309 King Street, Newcastle West, NSW |
| Entry: | Members, $15; Non-members, $25; Students, $5 |
In Person Event
All are Welcome
31 December 2026
Various face-to-face and online venues 
