Kevin Coward

Kevin Coward is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health (NDWRH), where he serves as Director of Taught Programmes and Lead for Testicular Cryopreservation Research. With expertise in reproductive physiology and endocrinology, he has directed the MSc in Clinical Embryology for 16 years and supervises numerous DPhil students in the fields of male infertility, fertilization mechanisms, and fertility preservation.

Dr. Coward earned his BSc and PhD from the University of Stirling before holding post-doctoral positions at several prestigious London institutions. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education from Oxford, where he is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.

His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of oocyte activation at fertilization, particularly the role of sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLCζ) in male infertility. His team investigates how PLCζ relates to conditions such as oocyte activation deficiency and total fertilization failure, while also developing nanoparticle- and exosome-mediated delivery systems for gametes and embryos. A significant aspect of his work involves fertility preservation strategies for prepubertal boys undergoing cancer treatment.

Dr. Coward's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on male infertility research methodology, testicular tissue cryopreservation techniques, and the application of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine. His work shows increasing emphasis on developing standardized outcome measures for male infertility research and refining techniques for preserving fertility in young cancer patients.

• 2019 - Masters Teacher of the Year (FindAMasters and FindAPhD)
• 2018 & 2017 - Bronze Employer Award for STEM outreach
• 2018, 2014, 2013 - OxTALENT Awards for teaching innovation
• 2016 - Finalist, Royal Society of Biology Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year
• 2015 - University Teaching Excellence Award and Nanoscience Research Leadership Award
• 2012 - University of Oxford Major Educator Teaching Excellence Award

Dr. Coward has supervised 19 DPhil students to completion, 72 MSc students in laboratory settings, and numerous undergraduate and outreach students. His research group has secured funding from diverse sources including The Royal Society, Wellcome Trust, and European Commission. The group collaborates with clinical partners at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on fertility preservation for young cancer patients.

The Coward Research Group, based in the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, maintains active collaborations with The Fertility Partnership (Oxford), University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, and industry partners like U-Ploid. The group regularly hosts school outreach activities and has won multiple awards for their STEM engagement efforts.