These proceedings of the 2018 XIII International Symposium on Spermatology focus on comparative biology, and encourages discussion and the exchange of ideas. The aim of this Symposium was to provide a unique opportunity and bring together scientists from a wide spectrum of research fields - human, domestic animals and other mammals, vertebrates, insects, and plants. The underlying focus is on the function of the spermatozoon - a common feature for sexual reproduction, but extremely varied. By exploring the variability, a better understanding of male reproductive functions can develop. These proceedings address the mechanisms of physiology and pathophysiology, rather than diagnosis and treatment. The symposium featured keynote lectures by invited speakers, followed by presentations on specific aspects of the general topic of the session. Experimental studies are given priority over clinical studies of patient populations. The proceedings comprise both keynote speakers' texts and selected free communications. Posters were considered for publication in the proceedings, and the volume includes exhibited materials on the work of prominent spermatologists, highlighting their important past achievements in the field.


At the time of the Symposium all editors were active at ANOVA (Andrology, Sexual Medicine, Trans Gender Medicine), Clinic of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Sweden. Ulrik Kvist, M.D. Ph.D. and Associate Professor, is well-known for a long term scientific contribution especially concerning sperm chromatin stabilization and documented activity in Spermatology. Lars Björndahl, M.D. Ph.D, Senior consultant physician and Head of ANOVA Andrology Laboratory, started as post graduate student with Ulrik Kvist as supervisor and has become leading in quality development in basic human semen examination within the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Special Interest Group in Andrology, WHO editorial committee for the manual on semen examination and project leader for an ISO standard on Basic Semen Examination. Rebecka Holmberg, BMS and Ph.D. is highly experienced in basic semen analysis and expert on quality management of andrology laboratories. John Flanagan, Ph.D. and Associate Professor in molecular endocrinology, is expert in molecular investigations of male reproductive organ functions.