Harvard Professor Receives KY Cha Reproductive Award

David Pepin earns the 13th annual honor for his research on ovarian aging and hormone production.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Life Sciences

Harvard Professor Receives KY Cha Reproductive Award

Harvard Medical School associate professor David Pepin has been awarded the 13th KY Cha Award in Reproductive Medicine. The honor was presented in Baltimore during the 82nd Scientific Congress of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Why it matters

The award recognizes significant contributions to the field of infertility and reproductive health. It specifically highlights Pepin's work on understanding the role of ovarian stromal cells in the aging process.

The study, titled Extrafollicular Ovarian Steroidogenesis, utilizes advanced analysis to map how non-follicular stromal cells produce hormones. This marks the 13th instance of the award, which is the only honor from the society named after an Asian individual.

The players

David Pepin

He is an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and an affiliated researcher.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine

This professional organization is dedicated to the advancement of reproductive science and infertility treatment.

Kwang-Yul Cha

The award is named in honor of this physician, marking the only society prize named for an Asian individual.

The details

Pepin's research identifies how stromal cells located outside of follicles contribute to hormone production and potential declines in ovarian function. The findings suggest these cells could serve as a novel therapeutic target for addressing issues related to ovarian aging.

The KY Cha Award was first established in 2011.
The 82nd Scientific Congress took place in Baltimore from October 24-28, 2026.

The Big Picture

This award aligns with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's research recognition program, which catalogs ongoing advancements in infertility science. It marks a continuation of the organization's effort to highlight breakthroughs in reproductive longevity and hormone studies.

The study offers a foundational shift in how clinicians might eventually approach treatments for age-related fertility declines. Future therapeutic applications could lead to new medical interventions aimed at preserving ovarian health and hormone function.

The takeaway

Pepin's work underscores the importance of identifying specific cellular pathways to combat reproductive aging. Understanding the role of non-follicular hormone production provides a new framework for future reproductive health research.