ISSB 2027 SPONSORS
We thank all of the Sponsors who made the ISSB 2027 possible
Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED),
University of Aveiro
University of Aveiro (UA) is a leading Portuguese public university renowned for research excellence, interdisciplinarity, and strong community partnerships. Founded in 1973, UA hosts 19,000 students across 16 departments and 4 polytechnic schools, driving higher education innovation as a core member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).
The Department of Medical Sciences (DCM) stands as a strategic pillar of the university’s commitment to health. Operating in a complex and highly regulated field, the DCM is dedicated to asserting the University of Aveiro's role in health sciences through rigorous scientific research and specialized training. Through its specialized approach, the DCM bridges the gap between academic theory and the evolving demands of the health sector, contributing to both local and global medical knowledge.
Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED) is a multidisciplinary research unit at the University of Aveiro dedicated to advancing human health. Established in 2014, iBiMED integrates molecular biology, genomics, cellular models, and clinical research to bridge fundamental scientific discoveries with innovative healthcare solutions. iBiMED is funded through p
(UID/04501/2025; https://doi.org/10.54499/UID/04501/2025)
São Paulo State University (UNESP)
São Paulo State University (UNESP) is a preeminent Brazilian institution, recognized as one of the country's most significant and successful multicampus universities. Founded in 1976 through the unification of higher education institutes across the state of São Paulo, it maintains a vast, strategic footprint comprising 34 units across 24 cities. As a public university, it excels in providing high-quality education across diverse fields, including Engineering, Health, and the Humanities, while prioritizing impactful research and community service. Since securing financial autonomy in 1989, UNESP has successfully charted its own strategic future, further distinguishing itself as a leader in social equity by becoming the first public university in São Paulo to implement comprehensive social and racial quota policies, achieving a more diverse and inclusive student body by 2018.
FERTISCAN Project
FERTI$CAN addresses a critical clinical gap in male infertility by advancing beyond conventional semen analysis. Developed at Fardilha’s Lab (iBiMED, University of Aveiro) under the leadership of Dr. Joana Santiago, FERTI$CAN is establishing an innovative molecular diagnostic array to profile human sperm proteins and RNA. By validating distinct molecular signatures, the project creates an objective framework to diagnose idiopathic infertility, predict Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) outcomes, and enable personalized reproductive medicine.
Funding: Financed by FEDER funds through COMPETE2030 and by National Funds through FCT (Project 16652; COMPETE2030-FEDER-00783300; 2023.17577.ICDT).
SpermFit Project
SpermFiT explores how lifestyle interventions, structured physical exercise, and metabolic management can prevent or reverse male subfertility caused by early-life obesity and metabolic disorders. By integrating multi-omics approaches, including metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, SpermFiT tracks sperm function and bioenergetics to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which exercise protects sperm quality and prevents negative transgenerational inheritance.
Funding: Financed by FEDER funds through COMPETE2030 and by National Funds through FCT (Project 16488; COMPETE2030-FEDER-00765900).
SpermXYSort Project
SpermXYSort is developing the first cost-effective immunological sperm-sexing kit for livestock industries, targeting key economic and ethical challenges starting in rabbit farming. By leveraging magnetic bead-based separation against a sex-specific transmembrane protein in X-bearing spermatozoa, SpermXYSort delivers enriched semen samples prior to artificial insemination—offering a non-invasive alternative up to four times cheaper than flow cytometry while preserving sperm viability. The technology integrates CryoEM, proteomics, antibody engineering, and in vivo validation into a scalable biotechnology platform.
Funding: Financed by FEDER funds through COMPETE2030 (Project 17117; COMPETE2030-FEDER-00851600)
Ferticentro - Fertility Clinic
Ferticentro is a leading Portuguese fertility clinic renowned for combining clinical innovation with compassionate, patient-centered care. Operating from a state-of-the-art 1,000-square-meter facility, Ferticentro stands at the forefront of reproductive medicine, having pioneered the introduction of EmbryoScope time-lapse imaging, automated witnessing systems, and AI-driven embryo selection algorithms in Portugal. With an extensive international department and cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure, Ferticentro delivers personalized, high-complexity reproductive treatments to patients worldwide.
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI)
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in reproductive health by expanding non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptive options. By providing targeted research grants, fostering international collaborations, and supporting early-career investigators, MCI bridges the gap between basic reproductive biology and clinical innovation, empowering individuals and couples with shared responsibility in family planning.
Applied Biosciences (MDPI)
Applied Biosciences is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published quarterly by MDPI. As a companion journal to Applied Sciences, it maintains high visibility and is indexed in major databases, including ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, and Embase. With an Impact Factor of 4.3 (2025) and a JCR ranking of Q2 in Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, the journal combines scientific rigor with a rapid publication process, providing a first decision in approximately 25 days.
Cale do Oiro
Cale do Oiro celebrates the rich heritage and natural resources of the Ria de Aveiro through artisanal, high-quality regional products. Founded in 2014 and inspired by Aveiro’s historic maritime routes, Cale do Oiro combines tradition with innovation by crafting premium gourmet goods—including traditional sea salt and regional specialties—encased in uniquely designed packaging that tells the extraordinary stories and culture of the region.
Other Sponsors will announced soon!