Trends in Global Assisted Reproductive Technologies Research: a Scientometrics study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biomedical Research
• Global Health

Background:

• Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) research has seen significant global contributions.
• Understanding the geographical distribution and focus areas of ART research is crucial for future development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the global contribution to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) research.
• To identify the leading countries and research domains in ART from 1998 to 2014.

Main Methods:

• MEDLINE database search for publications (1998-2014) indexed under 'reproductive techniques, assisted'.
• Included MeSH terms: in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injections, cryopreservation, ovulation induction.
• Analyzed publication counts by country and research area, focusing on G7, BRIC, and selected other nations.

Main Results:

• The US led in ART publications (16,453), followed by the UK (5,427), Japan (4,805), China (4,660), and France (3,795).
• ART (20,277), cryopreservation (11,623), and IVF (11,209) were the most researched topics.
• Research output varied significantly, with publication numbers ranging from 75 to 16,453.

Conclusions:

• Global ART research is geographically concentrated in high-income countries.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) and cryopreservation represent the most productive research domains within ARTs.