Dr. Ed Squires and Paul Loomis, MS will be heading to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil for the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction (ISER) meeting to be held on July 10th – 14th, 2023. The ISER organization was formed to provide a format for equine scientists, veterinarians and educators to present the latest research findings on both mare and stallion reproduction.
ISER has been held essentially every 4 years since 1974. These meetings are by invitation only as a means of keeping them small to allow for a good exchange of research findings and future research projects. This format has fostered a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of time for social events as well as the sharing of science. Each meeting opens with a reception, then 5 days of meetings minus a break for a local outing on Wednesday afternoon and a banquet on Friday night. Workshops on Tuesday and Thursday evenings allow for topics to be discussed in greater detail.
The first ISER meeting was held in Cambridge, England in 1974. After that, different groups from around the world have put forth bids to host the next meeting. This resulted in the meetings being held in the following countries: Davis, California (1978); Sydney, Australia (1982); Calgary, Canada (1986); Deauville, France (1990); Caxambu, Brazil (1994); Onderstepoort, South Africa (1998); Ft. Collins, Colorado (2002); Kerkrade, Netherlands (2006); Lexington, Kentucky, (2010); Hamilton, New Zealand (2014); Cambridge, England (2018) and now in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil (2023).
At each meeting an Honorary Chair is selected by the committee. This is to acknowledge the persons contribution to equine reproduction and service to ISER. This year’s Honorary Chair is our very own Dr. Ed Squires. Dr. Squires joined SBS as a consultant in 2000. He is internationally recognized for his research in equine reproduction at both Colorado State University and the Gluck Center at the University of Kentucky. He leads the research and development efforts within the SBS network and is a vital link between SBS and the academic research community. He has received numerous awards and recognition over many decades for his dedication to the field of equine reproduction. Dr. Squires said,
“I am honored to have been selected as the chair for ISER XIII and to be one of only a few that have attended all ISER meetings. This is particularly gratifying since ISER XIII is in Brazil, a country I have visited more than any and one full of many good friends and colleagues.”
Paul Loomis has also played an integral role for this year’s meeting. He will serve as a Chair for one of the stallion sessions and was a reviewer of submitted abstracts on stallion reproduction topics. Reviewers score the abstracts and provide feedback that is used to determine which abstracts are accepted for presentation during the meeting.
ISER has recognized a lack of first-class continuing education resources in the field of equine reproduction throughout the world. Therefore, they have begun a library of “How to…” webinars (https://iser.vetpd.com/). On their website they state,
“Our goal is to provide a comprehensive catalogue of “How to…” webinars aimed at enhancing core knowledge and clinical skill development on all aspects of Equine Reproduction. All webinars are easily accessible on multiple platforms, including mobile devices, at prices based on a tiered cost of living index. The speakers are world-renowned experts in their respective fields of equine reproduction, encompassing the Mare, Stallion, Foal and Assisted Reproductive Techniques. All webinars have been reviewed by Professors Angus O. McKinnon, Rana Bozorgmanesh, Pat McCue, Ed L. Squires and Tom A.E. Stout.”
Numerous members of our SBS Affiliate Network have contributed webinars to the series. Upon completion, the library will contain nearly 300 webinars ranging in length from 15 to 60 minutes on topics related to equine reproduction.
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