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Reproductive health plays a crucial role in individual well-being and societal progress. As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to advance its healthcare infrastructure and improve public health, addressing reproductive health comprehensively has become vital.

Stefan Du Plessis, dean of research and graduate studies and professor of physiology at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai, UAE, is leading a crucial effort to transform the landscape of male reproductive health through scientific discovery, clinical collaboration and human capacity development.

Male infertility contributes to . It is a prevalent condition in the UAE, especially among men with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, Du Plessis says. “The UAE has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. And yet the connection between diabetes and male reproductive dysfunction is still under-recognised, both clinically and in public health strategies.” 

A research group at MBRU, led by Du Plessis, is working to close this gap by investigating the molecular, cellular and genomic signatures of diabetes-related infertility in men. The research harnesses the power of genetics and single-cell genomics to investigate male infertility phenotypes in unprecedented detail. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies to explore sperm cell heterogeneity, gene expression profiles and epigenetic patterns, Du Plessis is uncovering novel biomarkers and pathways that could revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

“In a region where fertility is deeply tied to identity and social structures, we have a responsibility to bring male reproductive health into focus, not just as a clinical issue but as a public health priority,” Du Plessis says. As the UAE continues to invest in precision medicine, genomics and reproductive care, researchers at MBRU ensure that no part of the health spectrum is overlooked.

Through a long-standing collaboration with clinicians at Dubai Fertility Center – which is part of the Dubai Health network alongside MBRU – Du Plessis has fostered a translational research model, taking patients’ concerns to the lab. This collaboration not only provides access to clinical insights and patient samples but also creates opportunities to inform clinical practice and potentially explore more personalised approaches to diagnosing and managing infertility in men with chronic conditions. 

A hallmark of Du Plessis’s leadership is mentoring young scientists. He has expanded his lab at MBRU to host medical students, PhD researchers and postdoctoral research fellows, creating an interdisciplinary environment that enables clinicians and researchers to work side by side. “Our lab is a space where curiosity meets clinical relevance,” he says. “We want to develop scientists who are not only skilled but also driven to solve real-world health challenges.”

In addition to his commitment to regional impact, Du Plessis is an active contributor to international scientific collaborations. He has worked with experts to co-author influential publications and high-impact studies that have shaped the global standards for assessing and diagnosing male infertility. His work embodies MBRU’s broader commitment to translational research and ensures that the university remains embedded in the global dialogue on reproductive health research.

about Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.