Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we continue with two engaging lectures that explore how assisted reproduction is evolving through both technological innovation and critical scientific reflection.

First up, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Achilleas Papatheodorou, Laboratory Director of the IVF Unit at Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Board Member of EmbryoLab Academy, and General Secretariat of the Greek Association of Clinical Embryologists. In his lecture, “Digital Transformation of the IVF Unit” Dr. Papatheodorou will explore how digital technologies are reshaping IVF laboratories, enhancing efficiency, quality management and decision-making, while opening new possibilities for the future of reproductive medicine.

We are honoured to also welcome Professor David Albertini, Professor and Chair of the Department of Reproductive Cell Biology at the Bedford Research Foundation, Visiting Research Scientist at Rockefeller University, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, and President & CEO of Ovistagen LLC. In his lecture, “Concerns and Considerations in IVF Practices”, Professor Albertini will offer a thoughtful perspective on the challenges facing contemporary IVF, encouraging us to critically assess current practices and emerging trends.

Together, these lectures remind us that the future of IVF depends not only on technological advancement and innovation, but maintaining a critical, evidence-based, and patient-centred approach to clinical and laboratory practice serves as our compass in this ever-evolving field.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we continue with three thought-provoking lectures that highlight how progress in medically assisted reproduction depends on the careful transfer and alignment of ideas and equilibrium between innovation and evidence, opportunity and responsibility, scientific progress and patient care.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Heidi Mertes, Associate Professor of Medical Ethics at Ghent University, Belgium, and Immediate Past Chair of the ESHRE Ethics Committee. In her lecture, “The Bioethicist’s Perspective on Novel Approaches and Add-ons Offered in MAR”, Professor Mertes will examine the ethical challenges surrounding emerging reproductive technologies and add-ons.

We are also pleased to host Professor Martha Luna, Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology at Hospital Angeles del Pedregal, Mexico, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Centro Médico ABC, Medical Director of RMA of New York-Mexico, and Vice President of the Mexican Association of Reproductive Medicine. In her lecture, “Advanced Maternal Age: Challenges and Solutions”, Professor Luna will discuss the growing clinical significance of advanced maternal age and review current approaches.

Finally, we are honoured to welcome Professor Mina Popovic, Professor in the Department of Reproductive Medicine at Ghent University, Belgium, Global Scientific Director of the Eugin Group, Immediate Past Coordinator of the ESHRE SIG Stem Cells, and member of the ESHRE Ethics Committee. In her lecture, “Novel Approaches for Studying the Early Embryomaternal Interface”, Professor Popovic will present innovative research that aims to elevate our understanding of the earliest interactions between the embryo and the maternal environment.

Together, these lectures encourages us to continuously seek equilibrium between discovery, clinical application, and ethical reflection.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we continue Module 9 with two thought-provoking lectures that explore both the promise of innovation and the importance of critical evaluation in assisted reproduction.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Nuno Costa-Borges, Co-Founder and Scientific Director of Embryotools, for his lecture, “Novel Experimental Approaches: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy”. Professor Costa-Borges will discuss one of the most innovative and debated developments in reproductive medicine, exploring the scientific principles, potential applications, and future prospects of mitochondrial replacement technologies.

We are also pleased to host Professor Mariana Veloso Martins, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal. In her lecture, “The Clinical Psychologist’s Perspective on Novel Approaches and Add-ons Offered in MAR”, Professor Veloso Martins will examine the psychological, ethical, and evidence-based considerations that should accompany innovation in medically assisted reproduction.

Together, these lectures will offer complementary perspectives on innovation and progress in reproductive medicine. Stay tuned!

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we begin Module 9 with a series of inspiring lectures focused on innovation, scientific leadership, and emerging research directions that are shaping the future of reproductive medicine.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Jared Robins, Chief Executive Officer of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. In his lecture, “The Strategic Role of the Clinical Embryologist as a Scientist and Innovator”, he will explore how clinical embryologists can drive progress through scientific thinking and strategic leadership, while contributing to the advancement of assisted reproduction.

Next, we are pleased to host Professor Ioannis Sfontouris, Associate Professor at the Medical School of the University of Nicosia, Laboratory Director at HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis and Past Coordinator ESHRE SIG Embryology. In his lecture, “Novel Promising Concepts in Clinical Embryology Research”, he will present emerging concepts and innovative research avenues that have the potential to transform laboratory practice and expand our understanding of the preimplantation embryo.

Finally, we are honored to welcome Dr. Sonia Herraiz, Established Researcher R3, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria la Fe (IIS La Fe), Research Group Leader, IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global, Senior Deputy, ESHRE SIG Stem Cells and Vocal of the Scientific committee Spanish Society of Fertility (SEF). In her lecture, “Novel Experimental Approaches in Addressing Ovarian Insufficiency”, she will discuss cutting-edge experimental strategies aimed at restoring ovarian function.

Together, these lectures highlight the critical role of innovation in advancing reproductive science and clinical embryology, encouraging us to envision new possibilities and the future of assisted reproduction.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology Clinical Embryology, we conclude Module 8 with a final series of lectures exploring some of the most complex and evolving questions in reproductive genetics and embryo assessment.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Aikaterini Chatzimeletiou, Professor of Embryology and Genetics in Assisted Reproduction and Laboratory Director of the IVF/PGT Unit, at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. In her lecture, “Physiology of the preimplantation embryo post biopsy and vitrification”, she will examine the biological responses and developmental considerations of the preimplantation embryos following biopsy and cryopreservation procedures.

Next, we are privileged to host Dr Christian Ottolini, Laboratory Director at Juno Genetics, Honorary Research Fellow at University College London (UCL) and Scientific Coordinator at SIERR. In his lecture, “Chromosomal mosaicism: Origins and clinical implications”, he will explore the mechanisms underlying embryonic mosaicism and discuss its implications for embryo selection and clinical practice.

Finally, we are honored to welcome Professor Gary Harton, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Bryant University, Honorary Lecturer at the University of Kent, UK, Adjunct Faculty at Old Dominion University/Eastern Virginia Medical School, USA, Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer at NOVA Genomics, USA, and Chair of the PGT Special Interest Group of ASRM. In his lecture, “Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing”, he will discuss emerging non-invasive approaches to embryo assessment and their potential role in the future of reproductive genetics.

Together, these lectures challenge us to critically reflect on how evolving scientific knowledge can continue to guide responsible and patient-centered reproductive care.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology we continue our journey through Module 8 where clinical embryology, genetics, and clinical decision-making converge.

First up, we are privileged to welcome Professor Eric Forman, Medical & Laboratory Director, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, USA. In his lecture “Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): Benefits, risks, and it's true place in MAR”, he will guide us through the current evidence surrounding PGT-A, critically examining its clinical utility, limitations, and evolving role in modern assisted reproduction.

Next, we are honored to welcome Professor Alan Handyside, Honorary Professor in Reproductive Genetics, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, UK and Director, ExOvo Genomics. In his lecture “Aneuploidy and Developmental Arrest of the Human Preimplantation Embryo” he will explore how chromosomal abnormalities may influence early embryonic development and contribute to developmental arrest.

Finally, we are delighted to host Professor Dagan Wells, Professor of Reproductive Genetics, Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford and
Director, Juno Genetics Ltd. In his lecture “Genetic profile, analysis of the preimplantation embryo and novel approaches” he will present emerging methodologies in embryo genetic analysis, discussing novel technologies and interpretative frameworks.

This week, the discussion goes beyond detection. It addresses the intricate balance between genetic information, interpretation and clinical relevance - challenging us to consider not only what we detect, but how we understand and apply it.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we are set to delve deeper into the principles and applications of preimplantation genetic testing—where genetics, interpretation, and clinical decision-making converge to refine how we understand the preimplantation embryo.

First up, we are delighted to welcome Professor Darren Griffin, Honorary Professor of Genetics and Advisory Board Member of several companies. In his lecture on “Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR)”, Professor Griffin will explore how chromosomal structural abnormalities are detected and interpreted.

Next, we are privileged to host Professor Joanne Traeger-Synodinos, Emeritus Professor of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and Past Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Medical Geneticists. In her lecture on “Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M)”, Professor Traeger-Synodinos will examine the molecular diagnostic strategies that allow the identification of single-gene disorders at the preimplantation stage.

Finally, we are honored to welcome Professor Danilo Cimadomo, Associate Professor at the University of Pavia; Scientific Coordinator, IVIRMA Italia; Global Scientific Coordinator, Genera and Coordinator, SIG Clinical Embryology (SIERR); and Coordinator, SIG Implantation & Early Pregnancy (ESHRE). In his lecture, “Embryo Ploidy Status and Implantation: A Conundrum”, Professor Cimadomo will address the complex relationship between chromosomal constitution and implantation potential, challenging us to rethink how genetic information is interpreted in clinical embryology.

Let the journey continue—towards deeper understanding and sharper insight!