Dr Meurig Thomas Gallagher FHEA

Meurig integrates mathematical modelling and software with experimental methods to create new diagnostics and treatments for infertility, and also tackle wider healthcare applications using his comprehensive interdisciplinary approach.

Based in the Medical School, Meurig holds a joint post across Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS), Mathematics and Computer Science, and is the University of Birmingham’s Person Responsible for their HFEA Research Licence (Centre 0209). He holds a national leadership role, having been elected to the Executive of the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS, January 2023), the professional body and learned society for the field.

A key focus of Meurig's research revolves around understanding more about the sperm flagellum via the creation and development of the package FAST (Flagellar Analysis and Sperm Tracking), a tool that enables rapid, affordable analysis of the moving flagellum of the sperm. FAST is deployed with international clinical collaborators to understand key questions surrounding the role sperm factors play in the outcomes of fertility treatment, as well as to understand more general aspects of sperm function across species. It was noted as an emerging technology by the World Health Organisation in their 2021 semen analysis manual.

Meurig is currently Mechanistic lead for the NIHR UNexplained InfertiliTY Trial, where he is looking at the role of sperm in fertility treatment. As part of the Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Meurig and his collaborators are immersed in day-to-day interaction with the care teams across reproduction and their patients. These direct links to the diverse communities our care team treat across the Midlands and UK are vital in the co-design and evolution of our work.

Meurig is an Assistant Professor in the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, where he is Theme Lead for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Reproduction. In this role he provides mentorship for theme members, and acts as a bridge between the Centre’s quantitative expertise and the wider MSS.

Alongside other ChRS team members, Meurig has a passion for making the medical science and clinical trials we undertake accessible and relevant, not only though patient co-design with underserved communities, but also through harnessing opportunities to provide public engagement with our work. This has included a permanent museum exhibition, and an ongoing partnership to try and create a global training tool for IFFS (International Federation of Fertility Societies), the non-state actor for the World Health Organisation.