ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award
Each nomination must include:
- A letter of nomination
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae
- Summary of research and educational accomplishments in the field of reproductive medicine and biology
- Letters of support from at least two (2) additional members of the Society
The recipient will be selected by the Executive Committee. Previous nominees will be considered.
The recipient will be recognized as the ASRM Distinguished Researcher Awardee by presentation of a plaque at the Scientific Congress & Expo. In addition, the recipient will receive complimentary registration for the ASRM Scientific Congress.
The recipient will be expected to present the ASRM Exchange Lecture at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
Congratulations to the 2025 ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award Recipient
Denny Sakkas, PhD
Denny Sakkas, PhD, has been involved in the field of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) since the early 1980s, having gained his Ph under the supervision of Prof. Alan Trounson at Monash University, in one of the leading Reproductive Research Units in the world. During this period, he was responsible for disseminating a number of innovations to laboratories around the world, which are used in routine IVF today. Included in this was training many groups to perform micromanipulation and the initiation of blastocyst culture. He has subsequently headed his own Research Laboratories and been the Scientific/Laboratory Director of IVF units throughout Europe, the UK, and the USA.
Dr. Sakkas has extensive experience in clinical IVF and reproductive research, publishing in the fields of sperm DNA damage, fertilization, early embryo development, and male infertility. His research has more recently led the way in live imaging of human embryos, increasing our understanding of embryo metabolism and cell lineage.
Dr. Sakkas has been extensively funded in his research career and continues to work on innovations in human and animal reproduction. These innovations span the spectrum of basic to translational research and commercial applications. He currently serves as the chief scientific officer at Boston IVF / IVIRMA North America and as an Associate Professor at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Previous recipients of the ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award:
2024 Hugh S. Taylor, MD
2023 Shoukhrat Mitalipov, PhD
2022 Kyle E. Orwig, PhD
2021 James Segars, MD
2020 Nanette Santoro, MD
2019 Lawrence C. Layman, MD
2018 Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD
2017 David K. Gardner, PhD
2016 Carlos Simón Vallés, MD, PhD
2015 Frank Z. Stanczyk, PhD
2014 Gautam Chaudhuri, MD, PhD
2013 Robert J. Norman, MD
2012 Serdar E. Bulun, MD
2011 Joe Leigh Simpson, MD
2010 Richard L. Stouffer, PhD
2009 Bruce R. Carr, MD
2008 Linda C. Giudice, MD, PhD
2007 Robert N. Taylor, MD, PhD
2006 John A. Collins, MD
2005 Dolores J. Lamb, PhD
Endowed Awards
ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award
This award honors an ASRM member with major reproductive science research contributions over the past decade and who has had a lasting impact on future scholars.
ASRM Lifetime Achievement Award
This award honors an ASRM member who has made exemplary contributions to the field of reproduction during their career by demonstrating innovation, leadership, and other scholarly accomplishments.
Carlos Simón Excellence in Translational Research Award
The Carlos Simón Excellence in Translational Research Award honors an ASRM member who has demonstrated originality and creativity through discovery and made a substantial contribution to the field of reproductive medicine resulting in changes or improved clinical practice.
Ira And Ester Rosenwaks New Investigator Award
This award recognizes a member of ASRM who has made outstanding contributions to clinical or basic research in reproductive sciences published within 10 years after receiving the doctoral degree or completing residency training.
Kavoussi Family Outstanding Teacher Award
The Kavoussi Family Outstanding Teacher Award honors an ASRM member who is recognized as an outstanding educator in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, professional, or patient education in basic and/or clinical reproductive biology and medicine.
Suheil J. Muasher, MD, Distinguished Service Award
Congress Awards
ASRM Scientific Congress Endowed Awards
The ASRM Scientific Congress Endowed Awards are specially funded and awardees are chosen via an organization-wide nomination process and awarded at the ASRM Scientific Congress.
ASRM Scientific Congress Abstract Awards
Abstract Awards are granted in recognition of outstanding research and are chosen by ASRM Affiliated Societies, Professional Groups, Special Interest Groups and ASRM.
ASRM Scientific Congress Member Recognition
The ASRM Service Milestone Award and Star Awards recognize milestones for service and presenting at the ASRM Scientific Congress respectively.
ASRM Congress
Featured Event
October 24-28, 2026
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
