About CRU
In the autumn of 1999 the Rectors of Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Uppsala University established the Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU) as a joint body between the two universities.
CRU consists of a network of scientist working in the field of reproductive biology and CRU’s main function is to increase the knowledge about reproduction in animals and humans by applying a more comprehensive view on reproductive biology. To arrange conferences, seminars, workshops and postgraduate training activities are key components in this work as seen below.
CRU works towards:
- increasing the knowledge about reproduction among animals and humans by applying a more comprehensive view on reproductive biology,
- developing the network within reproductive biology at the two universities, so that cooperation is continuously stimulated,
- a co-ordination of ongoing activities with the aim to strengthening the disciplines’ position in international research,
- that research within reproductive biology at the two universities is performed in international collaboration
- development and implementation of postgraduate courses, seminars and symposia,
- formulation and implementation of larger interdisciplinary research projects,
- an efficient use of analytic equipment and other physical resources at the two universities,
- an increased mobility of teachers and other human resources between the universities.
CRU has hosted the ReproSafe (Reproduction and Chemical Safety) programme, a research programme supported by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) with 32.5 million SEK during a five-year period (2001-2006).
The ReproSafe programme addressed the issue of a growing scientific and public concern that chemicals in the environment may impair human and wildlife reproduction. The programme was built on a comparative approach aiming to increase the knowledge about mechanisms of action for chemically induced reproductive impairment and to develop new and sensitive methods for recording such impairment. In total, ReproSafe resulted in 9 PhD theses.
CRU has three major fields of focus, with many and important connections with each other. Reproductive toxicology is still an important part of the CRU network, and activities are often related to Reproduction in wild vertebrates, one of the focus areas. The other two focus areas are: Reproduction and epigenetics, and The mammary gland in health and disease. Within these areas, workshops, symposia, seminars and PhD-courses are arranged, and research programmes are developed. Activities are detailed in the CRU Calendar.
Membership in CRU is open for scientists at SLU or Uppsala University working in the field of reproductive biology.