This autumn offered the TalTech reproductive biology research group an excellent opportunity to engage with the international scientific community. The group showcased their latest results at two distinguished conferences — von Baer Seminar on fertility and the MOVE conference focused on extracellular vesicle research. Both events brought leading experts in their fields to Estonia, providing a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering new collaborations.
(Below) Katariina Johanna Saretok presenting the group's research results.
On September 12–13th, Tartu hosted the 7th von Baer Seminar, held in honor of Karl Ernst von Baer, aiming to bring together scientists and clinical specialists in reproductive medicine. The seminar highlighted the latest developments in infertility treatment, shared new scientific discoveries, and created opportunities to strengthen the connection between research and clinical practice.
At the event, the TalTech reproductive biology research group presented their recent findings on the role of extracellular vesicles in the context of infertility treatment. Doctoral student Katariina Johanna Saretok introduced a study examining differences in extracellular vesicles — nanosized lipid-membrane particles used by cells for intercellular communication — in the ovaries of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. The study revealed that vesicles derived from patients with a weaker-than-expected response to ovarian stimulation affect ovarian cells differently compared to those from patients whose treatment progressed normally. These findings suggest that the composition and function of extracellular vesicles may reflect treatment outcomes, opening new possibilities for their use in predicting and personalizing infertility therapies.
The von Baer Seminar also featured several international experts who addressed topics such as the genetic aspects of fertility, in vitro and embryo model development, the role of microbes in reproductive health, and innovative approaches to early pregnancy screening and monitoring.
From 7–10th of October, the MOVE conference took place at the Vanemuine Concert Hall in Tartu, organized by the Baltic Society for Extracellular Vesicles (BSEV). MOVE (Mobility for Vesicles Research in Europe) brings together researchers from 20 European research societies dedicated to exploring extracellular vesicles across a wide range of biological and medical contexts — from fundamental studies to clinical applications.
The conference program included many internationally recognized scientists. Associate professor Agne Velthut-Meikas, the head of the TalTech reproductive biology research group, delivered a presentation highlighting the team’s ongoing work on extracellular vesicles and their potential to enhance the effectiveness of infertility treatments.
Presenting at international conferences is an integral part of scientific work. In addition to sharing knowledge, it offers opportunities to receive feedback and establish new collaborations. For research groups, active participation in the international scientific community is an important way to enhance the visibility of their work, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to the advancement of science both in Estonia and globally.