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“The aim is to excite, inform and educate others about reproduction, impacts of a changing world and our environment, and latest findings” 

A St John’s academic has launched a free e-book about reproduction and fertility to better educate young people about their body and the impact of lifestyle and the environment on it. 

Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri, Professor in Fetal and Placental Physiology and Fellow of St John’s, felt there was a need for information based on the latest scientific evidence after seeing the uninteresting material on puberty supplied to her school-age daughter. 

With the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF), for which she is Co-Chair of the Education and Public Engagement Committee, Professor Sferruzzi-Perri has launched Reproduction in a Changing World, which has been written with leading researchers and clinical doctors across Britain. 

She said: “The information my daughter came home with related to puberty and reproductive health was dull and boring. There were simple images and text of facts related to how the body changes in puberty, it did not reflect recent developments in the field or excite or engage my daughter. It also didn’t reflect how our environment can impact our fertility and reproduction, which is a shame given increasing awareness of climate change and COP29.” 

The fully-illustrated A4 e-book is the first of a new series to be published by the SRF, which supports research and teaching in reproductive biology, and is suitable for those aged 11 and older, with the goal to provide them with knowledge about their own bodies so they can make informed decisions on how to improve their lives and the lives of others. 

“It is aimed at both sexes, as well as interested members of the public including parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to know more about their body and impacts of the environment on it,” said Professor Sferruzzi-Perri. 

“The aim is to excite, inform and educate others about reproduction, impacts of a changing world and our environment, and latest findings in these research fields. We are planning further e-books and educational resources.” 

Alongside Professor Sferruzzi-Perri, the writers and editors include other researchers from the University of Cambridge, Edinburgh University and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, as well as members of the SRF Council from institutions including St George’s London, University of Dundee, University of Leeds, and King’s College London. 

The e-book was launched during the international Fertility Conference in Liverpool on Wednesday 8 January. 

^{Banner image: Jo Panuwat D/Shutterstock.}

Published: 13/1/2025

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