“Analysis and Assistance of Mammalian Fertilization: Ryuzo Yanagimachi’s 60-year Journey”
W. Steven Ward, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Biogenesis Research at the University of Hawai’i will present Prof. Yanagimachi’s life and work.
About Prof. Yanagimachi:
Prof. Ryuzo Yanagimachi was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan where he developed a love for nature. He became fascinated with the fertilization process of sea urchins and after studying the fertilization of fish and the life cycle of parasitic barnacles, he realized little was known about mammalian fertilization. He went on to train with Prof. M.C. Chang at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, the father of mammalian in vitro fertilization and then started his own lab at the University of Hawai'i. His basic studies contributed to understanding the hidden capacity of sperm and eggs and overcoming human fertility problems.
Dr. Steven Ward will be introduced by Prof. Ester Kwon, Associate Professor of Bioengineering, UC San Diego
Ryuzo Yanagimachi is the 2023 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Advanced Technology. He was professor emeritus at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa who made revolutionary contributions to both obstetric medicine and mammalian embryology through his research and development of assisted reproductive technologies. In particular, Prof. Yanagimachi’s work led to practical methods of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) at a time of declining birthrates in many nations — offering new possibilities to couples who would otherwise be unable to have children. A recipient of over two dozen awards, Prof. Yanagimachi received the Pioneer Award for Embryo Transfer and Reproduction Research (2000 & 2012), and was inducted to the National Academy of Sciences in 2001. He died at age 95 in September 2023 and was posthumously awarded the Kyoto Prize.