Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology

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!

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we turn the page to Module 8: “Preimplantation Genetic Testing: From Embryo Biopsy and Genetic and Molecular Diagnosis to Novel Approaches and Considerations’’.

Getting a head start, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Debbie Venier CEO and Co-Founder WEST- World Embryology Skills and Training, who will deliver the lecture “Tips and tricks for optimizing micromanipulations during biopsy for PGT”. Dr. Venier will share her insights on the subtle technical refinements that optimize embryo biopsy as a precise micromanipulation procedure.

Stay tuned!

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we turn our attention to how knowledge, observation, and innovation guide decision-making in contemporary medically assisted reproduction practice.

First up, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Victoria Jiang, Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fertility Center. In her lecture, “Artificial Intelligence in MAR: The Clinician’s Perspective” Dr. Jiang will explore how clinicians can meaningfully integrate AI tools into everyday decision-making.

Next up, we are privileged to host Dr. Eros Nikitos, Founding Member & Laboratory Director, Institute of Life-IASO. Dr. Nikitos will presents “Morphokinetic Evaluation of the Preimplantation Embryo: What Is There to Gain?”, and examine how time-lapse technology and morphokinetic data can offer new layers of insight beyond traditional morphology.

Finally, we are honored to welcome Dr. Giovanni Coticchio, Science & Research Manager, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA ITALIA and Member of the Executive Committee of the ESHRE. In his lecture, “The Making of the Blastocyst” Dr. Coticchio will take us back to the fundamentals of embryo development, deepening our understanding of the biological processes that underpin everything we observe in the lab.

This week, the light we follow is not only technological advancement, but the deeper understanding that empowers embryologists to see beyond what is visible — and to lead the future of reproductive science with confidence.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, as we move through Module 7, we focus on a fundamental question in modern IVF practice: how do we identify and select embryos through purposeful observation.

First, we are delighted to welcome Professor Irene Dimitriadis, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology in Harvard Medical School and Medical Director, Third Party Reproduction Program, in Massachusetts General Hospital. In her lecture, “Embryo Identification”, Professor Dimitriadis will address accurate embryo identification, essential for maintaining traceability, safety, and confidence throughout the IVF process.

Next up, we are honored to welcome Professor Denny Sakkas, Chief Scientific Officer at Boston IVF and IVIRMA North America. In his lecture, “Non-invasive Selection of Embryo Viability: The Value of the Embryo’s Metabolic Blueprint”, Professor Sakkas will explore how embryo viability can be assessed based on the preimplantation embryo’s metabolic blueprint.

This week, we are set to advance our understanding on how careful observation can guide meaningful insight in embryology practice.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we have the exceptional honor of welcoming Professor David Gardner, Scientific Director, Melbourne IVF & Distinguished Professor at the University of Melbourne and one of the true architects of modern IVF practice.

As we conclude Module 6 - “Understanding the Embryo and Culture Systems: Mapping of State-of-the-Art Equipment and Protocols” and open Module 7 - “Embryo Quality and Evaluation: From Morphology to Artificial Intelligence”, we enjoy the provilegge of being guided by the a global leader whose work fundamentally transformed preimplantation embryo culture and embryo selection.

In his lectures, “Embryo Culture: Past, Present and Future” and “Embryo Selection”, Professor Gardner will take us on a journey through the evolution of IVF laboratory practice, from the earliest culture conditions to the selection strategies that underpin today’s IVF laboratories worldwide.

A week where science, history, and future innovation meet - through the voice of one of IVF’s greatest pioneers.

PS: Colleagues who wish to join this masterclass are warmly invited to reach out to provide them with the respective link

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we step further into the future of IVF as Module 6 continues to explore the technologies and biological insights shaping the future of preimplantation embryo culture and assessment.

First, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Lorena Bori Arnal, Postdoctoral Researcher at Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe and member of the Ethics Committee at IVI Valencia, Spain. Dr. Bori Arnal is part of the research team led by Professor Marcos Meseguer one of the most influential figures in the development of time-lapse technologies in IVF. In her lecture, “Time-lapse Imaging Technology in the IVF Laboratory”, Dr. Bori Arnal will guide us through how continuous embryo monitoring through time-lapse technology is transforming clinical embryology practice.

Next, we are honored to welcome Professor Masoud Zamani Esteki, Associate Professor of Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine at Maastricht University, Netherlands. In his lecture, “The Epigenetics of Blastocyst Culture”, Professor Zamani Esteki whose work revolutionizes the field contributing state of the art research, will explore how the embryo culture environment can shape preimplantation embryo development through epigenetic mechanisms.

This week reminds us that deeper biological insight, through precision technologies, continuously redefine how we observe, understand, and support the preimplantation embryo.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we continue our journey through Module 6 by moving our focus toward the environment that nurtures the preimplantation embryo - from culture media and incubators to the subtle variables that determine implantation success.

First up, we are excited to welcome Professor Dean Morbeck, Adjunct Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia and Executive Committee Member, ALPHA Scientists in Reproductive Medicine and Chief Scientific Officer, Genea Fertility. Professor Morbeck will guide us through “Culture Media in IVF”. Professor Morbeck will highlight how every component of culture media is meticulously estimated to support embryo development.

Next, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Jason Swain MS, PhD, HCLD, Chief Laboratory Officer, President of Lab Operations, CCRM Management Company, LLC. Dr. Swain will lead the lecture “Embryo Culture Incubators” and delve into how incubator’ culture conditions create the stability and essential conditions the preimplantation embryo needs to thrive.

Finally, we are privileged to welcome Professor Laura Rienzi, Professor at the University of Urbino Carlo Bo and Scientific Director of the GENERA Centres for Reproductive Medicine. In this module’s lecture, “The pyramid of successful implantation”, Professor Rienzi will help us explore the intricate factors that underpin implantation success.

This week we are reminded that in IVF culture, every variable is measured, every condition carefully estimated, and every decision contributes to creating the optimal environment for new life to begin.

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we unfold Module 6: “Understanding the Embryo and Culture Systems: Mapping of State-of-the-Art Equipment and Protocols”, moving our focus toward the preimplantation embryo— from its physiology, development and implantation to the culture systems and the technology that supports it.

First up, we are excited to welcome our very own Academic & Scientific Director, Professor Mara Simopoulou, Professor of Physiology–Clinical Embryology at the Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Member of the Steering Committee of the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction of Greece. In her lecture, “Physiology and development of the preimplantation embryo” Professor Simopoulou will guide us through the intricate physiological events that define the preimplantation embryo.

Next up, we are privileged to welcome Professor Laura Rienzi, Professor at the University of Urbino Carlo Bo and Scientific Director of the GENERA Centres for Reproductive Medicine. In this module’s lecture, “The pyramid of successful implantation”, Professor Rienzi will help us explore the intricate factors that underpin implantation success.

Finally, we are honored to host Professor Roger Sturmey, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity, Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School. In his lecture, “Metabolism of the preimplantation embryo”, Professor Sturmey will share his insights on the metabolic profile of the preimplantation embryo and highlight its significance.

As Module 6 begins, we are reminded that clinical embryology resides at the intersection of science, technology, and creation. A delicate discipline that requires both rigor and refinement, precision in every parameter and intention.