Francesca Duncan Receives the R. V. Short Medal Honor

On January 29, Dr. Francesca Duncan was presented with the Roger V. Short Medal from the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB, Australasia), the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF, UK) and the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR, North America), for her innovative research and discovery within the reproductive sciences during her first 10 years establishing independence in the reproductive biology field. This award annually recognizes an young researcher who has made outstanding discoveries in the field of reproductive science. The intent of the award is to “recognize those who possess the spirit of discovery, creativity, and imagination, epitomized by the career of Roger V. Short." 

To commemorate this achievement, Duncan shared, with an audience of over 350 in person and virtual attendees at Northwestern, CRS, SSR, SRB, and SRF, a comprehensive overview of her lab’s discoveries focusing on a driving theme: the necessity of a healthy nest. Duncan’s primary work has focused on ovarian biology, and the impacts of changes in the ovarian microenvironment with advanced reproductive age. Motivated by both fundamental biology and translational impact, her lab’s work investigating the ovary has shifted perspectives in thinking beyond the gamete to the impacts of the ovarian microenvironment on reproductive function – how the nest impacts the egg. In her first 10 years as an independent researcher, Duncan discovered that with advanced reproductive age, the ovary becomes inflammatory and fibrotic with advanced reproductive age, impacting normal or healthy ovarian and reproductive potential. Her research and discoveries have guided downstream understanding and knowledge of the importance of a healthy nest for the success of the female reproductive system. 

Duncan’s success is a testament to her curiosity, discipline, and passion for reproductive biology and she took time to offer her appreciation of her mentors, colleagues, mentees, friends, and family who have all contributed to a thriving “nest” that has supported her journey to succeed. Her perspective offers an exciting platform for reproductive biologists of all levels to recognize the importance and intricacies by which a healthy nest may drive success.