CryoStore diary - Batuhan Kaplan
20th International Congress on Animal Reproduction (ICAR) in Obihiro, Japan, and the CryoStore Training School in Wageningen, The Netherlands | June and July 2026One of the aspects I enjoy most about being part of the CryoStore Doctoral Network is that every few months there is a new adventure waiting around the corner. This summer was certainly one of those moments.
Obihiro Civic Cultural Hall
Between 22 and 26 June 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in the 20th International Congress on Animal Reproduction (ICAR) in Obihiro, Japan, where I also presented my very first scientific poster “Breed-associated differences in boar sperm liquid storage”. Presenting my work at such a well-established international congress was both exciting and intimidating (like every new academic milestone!).
Japan had been on my travel bucket list for many years, so combining the opportunity to visit this fascinating country with an important step in my PhD journey made the experience even more memorable.
Beyond presenting our own research, the congress was an excellent opportunity to discover the latest developments in animal reproduction across numerous species and specialized research fields. Listening to researchers working on topics closely related to our perspectives, while the discussions around posters and presentations created valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, compare approaches, and learn from one another.
One of the highlights of the congress was reconnecting with former colleagues while also meeting many new researchers from around the world. Science is not only about experiments and publications; it is also about the people behind them. Every conversation had the potential to spark a new idea, a future collaboration, or simply a new friendship.
CryoStore DCs Mahsa Abdi and Batuhan Kaplan at ICAR’s Welcome Cocktail
Of course, no trip to Japan would be complete without exploring the local culture. During our stay, we enjoyed plenty of delicious Japanese food (I can confidently say I had enough sushi to last quite a while!) and discovered the welcoming atmosphere of Obihiro. After the congress, I spent a few extra days in Tokyo, where the city's incredible energy, constant movement, and vibrant atmosphere, walking through its busy streets was fascinating!
After saying goodbye to Japan, another exciting destination was already waiting. I travelled directly to the Netherlands to attend the CryoStore Summer School from 4 to 10 July 2026 at Wageningen University & Research. Returning to Wageningen felt a little like coming back home, as I had completed my secondment there earlier this year.
The Summer School was packed with scientific, professional, and social activities. Alongside lectures and discussions, we participated in practical laboratory sessions focused on assisted reproductive technologies, discovered the art of traditional cheese making, visited companies to compare academic and industrial career paths, and took part in interactive workshops dedicated to career development and scientific communication. These activities offered a broader perspective on the many opportunities available beyond the laboratory while helping us develop valuable transferable skills.
Dutch White Goats at De Korenmaat
CryoStore DCs Batuhan Kaplan, Sheyda Shapouri and Oleksandra Hubenia
Perhaps the best part of the week was reuniting with my fellow CryoStore doctoral candidates. Although we are spread across different countries and institutions, every meeting feels as though no time has passed. Sharing experiences, discussing our research progress, learning together, and simply spending time as a group reminded me how fortunate I am to be part of such an international and supportive network.
After two intense weeks filled with science, travel, new experiences, and countless kilometers, I finally returned to INRAE to continue my PhD research. Looking back, I realized how much these experiences extend beyond conferences or training events. They broaden our scientific perspectives, strengthen collaborations, and create friendships that cross borders.
Finally, a special thank you to the CryoStore Doctoral Network for turning us into scientific globetrotters. Every new destination brings not only another stamp in the passport, but also new knowledge, new collaborations, and unforgettable memories. I am already looking forward to the next CryoStore adventure.
Viability and morphology assessment of stallion semen (during practicals at the University of Utrecht)