“Male Fertility Public Forum”

Dr John Schjenken (1, 2), Dr Elizabeth Torres-Arce (1,2),
Dr Nathan Burke (1), Dr Aleona Swegen (1, 2),
Professor John Aitken (1, 2), Dr Andrew Hedges (3),
Nick Allen-Ducat (4)
(1) University of Newcastle
(2) Hunter Medical Research Institute
(3) IVF Australia
(4) Hit 106.9 Newcastle

Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025, 5.30 pm for 6.00 – 7.00 pm (AEDT)
Venue: NEX, Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre, 309 King Street, Newcastle West, NSW
Registration:  Information to follow
Entry: Members, $15; Non-members, $25; Students: $5
Enquiries: by email to the Hunter Branch Chair
All are welcome

This event is presented jointly by the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the Royal Society of New South Wales.

Summary

We all know it takes one egg and one sperm to make a baby, so why has infertility so often been seen as only a women’s issue?

Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples worldwide, and in fact, male factors are responsible in about 50% of cases.

As science advances, we’re learning just how crucial the male role is, not only for conception, but also for the health of our future generations.

Join us for an event that shines a spotlight on male reproductive health.

Hear from local young researchers sharing the latest findings, and take part in a panel discussion with experts in reproductive science, IVF, men’s health, and a local personality who has recently faced fertility challenges.

Let’s break the silence and broaden the conversation about fertility—because it’s not just a women’s issue.

Presenters

Dr John Schjenken

John Schjenken is a senior lecturer and director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute Infertility and Reproduction Research Program who teaches in the discipline of biological sciences program. His research looks at how men contribute to fertility, especially by studying the makeup of semen and the important signals it carries. Understanding these signals can help us better understand how conception happens and how to support healthy pregnancies.

Dr Elizabeth Torres-Arce

Elizabeth Torres Arce is a third-year PhD student studying the intersection of male and female fertility. She has worked in the field of reproduction for the past 8 years as a clinician, a laboratory andrologist at an IVF clinic, and as a researcher.

Dr Nathan Burke

Nathan Burke is a postdoctoral research fellow investigating the relationship between male infertility and whole-body health. Nathan completed his undergraduate and PhD studies at the University of Newcastle and continues this work at the University of Melbourne, working with a combination of human clinical samples and animal models.

Dr Aleona Swegen

Aleona Swegen is an ARC DECRA Fellow within HMRI’s Infertility and Reproduction Research Program. A veterinarian by training, she completed her PhD in reproductive biology in 2017 and has since established herself as a leading researcher in reproductive biotechnology. Her translational research addresses critical challenges in both animal and human fertility, with a vision to apply cutting-edge reproductive solutions to transform livestock industries, human IVF practice and wildlife conservation. Dr Swegen is co-founder and CEO of Newcastle Fertility Solutions, a startup dedicated to commercialising new reproductive biotechnologies emerging from her team’s research.

Distinguished Emeritus Laureate Professor John Aitken

John Aitken’s research career began with a PhD in reproductive biology from the University of Cambridge. Following post-doctoral positions in Edinburgh, Bordeaux and the World Health Organisation in Geneva, he was appointed to the MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, University of Edinburgh, to establish a research group in andrology. In 1998, he moved to the University of Newcastle, NSW, as Chair of Biological Sciences and, subsequently, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Medicine. He is currently Distinguished Emeritus Laureate Professor of Biological Sciences and Scientific Advisor to a biotechnology company, Memphasys.

Dr Andrew Hedges

Andrew Hedges is the Clinical Director of Hunter IVF with over 20 years’ experience in infertility. He studied medicine at the University of Newcastle and completed a Master’s in Reproductive Medicine in Sydney. His expertise includes IVF, endometriosis, hormonal disorders, and pelvic surgery. He also fosters collaborative research in sperm quality, with the HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program based at the University of Newcastle.

Nick Allen-Ducat

Nick Allen-Ducat, known affectionately as “Ducko,” is a dynamic radio host on Newcastle’s Hit 106.9 Breakfast. With a strong background in media, Nick also appears on television—presenting the weather on Weekend Today and hosting a national kids’ sports show.

A versatile voice talent, Nick has lent his voice to major brands including Oz Lotto. His trademark energy, warmth, and authenticity have made him a favourite among listeners, who connect with his down-to-earth style and quick wit.

Beyond entertainment, Nick’s openness about male fertility has sparked a national conversation, breaking stigma and fostering real connections with audiences across Australia.

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