Have you really never wondered what kind of research goes into developing modern contraceptives?! How reliable are fertility apps? And are we any closer to a “male pill”? Join a team of researchers to discuss all things contraception. From pills, to coils, to apps, come and ask your burning questions in this adult-only conversation.
Neda Taghinejadi, Pedro Melo and Chloe Curtis will share their expertise during the "Unpacking Contraception" session at the Oxford Science + Ideas Festival next Tuesday.
Also joining them will be military doctor, Victoria Kinkaid, as well as Sharon Dixon and Kate Sheridan (from NDPHCS), and . Don’t miss it!
About Neda Taghinejadi
Neda Taghinejadi leads the Women's and Reproductive Health course for Year 3 and graduate entry Year 5 medical students at the University of Oxford. Her commitment to medical education helps shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Neda's research is interdisciplinary, focusing on sexual and reproductive health. Her key areas of interest include:
- Medical education
- FemTech
- Gynaecological examinations and procedures, including the insertion and removal of intrauterine contraception
As a consultant in Community Sexual and Reproductive Health at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), Neda also provides expert clinical care in areas such as Genitourinary Medicine (GUM), contraception, early pregnancy, and community gynaecology. She is also a member of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (MFSRH).
Pedro Melo
Pedro Melo studied Medicine in Lisbon and Paris before completing his postgraduate training in Oxford. He holds a master’s in Clinical Embryology with distinction from the University of Oxford and earned his PhD in Reproductive Medicine at the University of Birmingham under Arri Coomarasamy.
Pedro has returned to Oxford as a Subspecialty Fellow in Reproductive Medicine and NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, collaborating with the Granne and Becker groups at NDWRH. His research focuses on evidence synthesis and clinical studies in infertility and miscarriage, and he serves as the national clinical coordinator for the NIHR-funded LOCI trial, comparing treatments for anovulatory infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Additionally, Pedro is a teaching associate for Women’s and Reproductive Health at Green Templeton College. His current research explores luteal dysfunction's impact on placental maladaptation and preeclampsia. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Florence and William Blair Bell Fellowship by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2023.
Chloe Curtis
Chloe Curtis holds a BSc in Anthropology from University College London and an MPhil in Medical Anthropology from the University of Oxford, following a year abroad at UC Berkeley.
Currently, as a DPhil student, she conducts interdisciplinary research between the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography and the Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Cousins and Prof. Katy Vincent.
Her research focuses on hormonal contraceptive use in the UK, investigating the often-overlooked side effects that lead to discontinuation. With an estimated 100 million users globally, understanding these impacts is crucial. Chloe's work aims to redefine what constitutes a “side effect” by gathering insights from users, prescribers, and health policies. By employing qualitative methods, she seeks to generate user-driven data that can inform and innovate contraceptive research.