Lars Hamberger: in memory of a Nordic pioneer in IVF

Professor Emeritus Lars Hamberger, former Chief Editor of Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica (AOGS), passed away at the age 82 years on 2 June 2021. Hamberger was an internationally renowned scientist in field assisted reproductive technology (ART) and initiator team leader behind first vitro fertilization (IVF) baby within Nordic countries. The birth, 1982 Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg, occurred only 4 after world’s IVF born. This accomplishment cemented Sweden’s reputation international scene as 5th country world to successfully develop revolutionary technique. continued his scientific clinical work ART throughout career, inspiring many young colleagues Sweden around pursue careers this rapidly evolving field. studied medicine Gothenburg worked for most career. His doctorate training physiology, specifically ovarian metabolism. innovative mind led development a micro-diver technique measure oxygen consumption cells. He became Associate Physiology 1968, some months receiving PhD. After completing residency Sahlgrenska, Obstetrics & Gynecology 1974. active conducting research physiology closely followed carried out that would fertilize human oocyte outside body. successful creation largely due efforts Robert Edwards Cambridge. In 1978, Cambridge group reported birth Louise Brown. Soon after, formed clinicians scientists set up close contact with team, proving their live Sahlgrenska. 2010, awarded Nobel prize physiology/medicine IVF. appointed Karolinska Institute 1983 but returned following year professor. soon established treatment created large adjoining laboratory, “Spec-lab”, translational ART. center attracted from all over developing even further. One major invention forming transvaginal ultrasound-guided retrieval 1987. With it possible avoid laparoscopy surgery when obtaining oocytes. Another intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), developed by Brussels 1992. quickly learned second ICSI. Several findings came center, including establishment elective single embryo transfer routine, long-term follow-up children, uterus transplantation. Alongside science also made space world-renowned photographer Lennart Nilsson, who book “A Child is Born”, co-author. has been translated into 18 languages. not clinician entrepreneur business co-founder private clinic Sweden, stem-cell company Cellartis, well Vitro Life, now global area Culture media products reproduction. supervised several PhD students Departments hosted great number visiting scientists. famous Spec-lab hub advanced ART, greatly aided Hamberger’s generosity hospitality. honorary member European Society Human Reproduction (ESHRE) 2011 AOGS 1999 2000. On personal level, had interests particularly passionate about arts. himself talented painter man dreamed future painter, despite disapproval father, Carl-Axel Hamberger. However, pursued painting parallel career art exhibitions retirement. will be remembered warmth gratitude being instrumental countries essential AOGS.