Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology

04/09/2026

🎓 Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology Open Day 2026

Interested in advancing your knowledge and expertise in Clinical Embryology?
In this video, our Academic and Scientific Director Professor Mara Simopoulou introduces the upcoming ACE Course Open Day and shares what you can expect from this online session.

🔬 Explore the academic structure and educational approach of the ACE Course�🌍 Learn more about our international learning community�💬 Ask questions and hear about the ACE experience

📅 10 September 2026 | 17:00–18:00 EEST
💻 Online | Zoom

Join us and discover the academic journey that the ACE Course has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming you!

01/09/2026

🎓 The ACE Course Open Day is back!

Are you considering advancing your knowledge and expertise in Clinical Embryology?

Join us for the ACE Course Open Day and discover what the Advanced Clinical Embryology Course has to offer.
During this online session, you will have the opportunity to:
🔬 Learn about the ACE Course structure, curriculum and educational approach
🎓 Discover how ACE can support your academic and professional development
💬 Meet members of the ACE Course Team and ask your questions directly
🌍 Connect with fellow professionals, and hear from ACE Alumni about their experience of the Course and their professional journey

Join us for an engaging session of learning, connection and discovery, and take the next step in your journey in Clinical Embryology.
We look forward to welcoming you!

📅 Thursday, 10 September 2026 | 17:00–18:00 (Athens, Greece – EEST)
📍 Online | Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81957866330?pwd=0z6E6SGDz3qtQjKMxWUM65IwrbZewB.1

01/09/2026

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we return with Teaching Module 11: “Problem Based Learning Sessions: Passing on Experience”, a module designed to bring practical experience, problem-solving, and real-world laboratory challenges to the forefront.

First up, we welcome Dr. Keshav Malhotra, Director of Rainbow IVF, India, Chairman of the SIG Embryology at ASPIRE & ISAR and Treasurer ALPHA Scientists. In his lecture, “10 Secrets of Running an Efficient IVF Lab” Dr. Malhotra will share practical insights and experience on the principles that contribute to efficient and high-performing IVF laboratory practice.

We are also pleased to welcome Professor Liesl Nel-Themaat, Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Laboratory Director of the IVF Unit at Stanford Medicine. Her lecture, “Andrology: The Challenge of Handling Different Specimens”, will address the practical challenges associated with the management of diverse andrology specimens and their implications for laboratory practice.

We are delighted to conclude the session with Dr. Steve Davies, Deputy Laboratory Director of the IVF Unit at HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis, Greece, who will present “Abnormal Fertilization.” In his lecture, he will explore the interpretation and clinical significance of abnormal fertilization events in the IVF laboratory.

Through Module 11, we strive to connect step-by-step knowledge with the practical challenges encountered in everyday clinical embryology and set the basis to approach complex laboratory situations with critical thinking and confidence.

30/08/2026

🌍 ACE Voices #3 | Reflections on the Learning Journey | 2025–2026

When learning brings knowledge, exchange, and new perspectives together, the experience becomes truly rewarding.

In the third edition of ACE Voices, Ms Petroula Tsioulou, Clinical Embryologist from Greece and member of the ACE Course 2025–2026 cohort, reflects on her experience throughout the Course and the value of engaging with international scientists and leading experts in the field.

She highlights the opportunity to attend lectures delivered by experts from around the world and to interact with them directly, gaining valuable perspectives while deepening her knowledge and developing evidence-based insights into new developments in Clinical Embryology.

Among the many highlights of her ACE journey, Module 6 and especially the emphasis given to the Preimplantation Embryo’s Physiology holds a special place for her.

For Petroula, the ACE experience has been an opportunity not only to expand knowledge, but also to connect, exchange ideas, and continue growing within an international scientific community.

✨ For those passionate about Clinical Embryology, her reflections highlight the value of remaining curious, engaged, and open to continuous learning.

Hear Petroula’s reflections and discover her ACE journey in her own words. Thank you, Ms Petroula Tsioulou, for sharing your journey with us

19/08/2026

🎙️ ACE Course Voices #2 | Reflections on the Learning Journey | 2025–2026

In a field that continues to evolve, learning never stops.

In the second edition of ACE Voices, Dr. Mahmoud Dakhloul, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Consultant from Lebanon and member of the ACE Course 2025–2026 cohort, reflects on his ACE journey and on the importance of continuous learning and advancing knowledge in Clinical Embryology.

He shares how the Course has provided an opportunity to learn from leading experts from around the world, gaining access to diverse perspectives, expertise, and insights from across the international field.

Yet, as Dr. Dakhloul reflects, the ACE Course journey extends beyond knowledge alone. It is also about becoming part of an international community united by a shared commitment to learning, professional growth, and the continuous improvement of patient care.

Because when knowledge is shared across borders, learning becomes a collective journey — and progress becomes something we build together.

✨ Hear Dr. Dakhloul’s reflections and discover his ACE journey in his own words. Thank you, Dr Dakhloul, for sharing your journey with us.

16/08/2026

🌍ACE Course Voices #1| Reflections on the Learning Journey | 2025–2026

What drives us to keep learning in a field that never stops evolving?

In this first edition of ACE Voices, Ms. Dragica Nestoroska Tushevska and Ms.Tanja Nikoloska, Clinical Embryologists from North Macedonia and members of Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology 2025–2026 cohort, reflect on what motivated them to join the ACE Course and on the value of engaging with new developments, emerging insights, and evolving approaches in Clinical Embryology.

From learning directly from pioneers and leading experts in their fields to exploring perspectives that can be translated into everyday professional practice, they share how the Course has expanded their knowledge, strengthened their confidence, and empowered them to pursue better care for their patients.
They also revisit some of the lectures that stood out to them, with special shout-outs to Professor Mina Alikani, Professor Zaninovic, and Professor Parmegiani.

✨Every learning journey has its highlights, its discoveries, and the moments that stay with us - Now, it’s time to hear theirs.

Thank you, Ms. Dragica Nestoroska Tushevska and Ms.Tanja Nikoloska for sharing your journey with us.

11/08/2026

🌍 Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology - Connecting Clinical Embryology Across Borders

Over 5 years, the Advanced Clinical Embryology (ACE) Course at the University of Athens has grown into a truly international community of clinical embryologists and reproductive medicine professionals. From Europe and Asia to Africa, North America and the Middle East, the ACE Course brings together diverse experiences, perspectives and aspirations — fostering learning, connection and scientific exchange.

✨ 5 years of ACE
🌎 Participants from 32 countries
👩‍🔬 160+ participant records
🤝 One growing global community

🎙️ ACE Voices | Reflections on the Learning Journey

Our upcoming campaign gives ACE participants the opportunity to share their experiences, insights and personal learning journeys. Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing reflections from members of our international ACE community — highlighting the people and experiences that make the ACE journey truly meaningful. 🌍🧬

📣 Ready to become part of the ACE journey?
📝 Registrations are now open via the Cybele platform.
🔗 Explore the ACE Course & register:
https://clinicalembryology.cce.uoa.gr/

01/08/2026

📍We are especially honoured to receive the endorsement of the Πανελλήνια Ένωση Βιοεπιστημόνων - Panhellenic Union of Bioscientists (PEV) for the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology!

The PEV’s commitment to advancing the professional standing of bioscientists and promoting education, research, collaboration, and the development of the Biosciences in Greece is invaluable to our scientific community, both nationally and internationally.

As the ACE Course enters its sixth consecutive academic year, its continued growth, strong international faculty, and diverse community of participants reflect our commitment to delivering high-level, specialised postgraduate education in Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Biology.

In this context, PEV’s continued endorsement of ACE is particularly meaningful to us. It represents valuable recognition of the quality, academic purpose, and contribution of the Course to specialised education in Clinical Embryology.

We sincerely thank PEV for its longstanding support of ACE and its educational mission! 💫

📣 Το “Advanced Clinical Embryology (ACE)” επιστρέφει για 6η συνεχή χρονιά!
Με εξαιρετικές αξιολογήσεις από τους συμμετέχοντες προηγούμενων ετών και ένα ισχυρό διεθνές ακαδημαϊκό δίκτυο, το Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology αποτελεί μία μοναδική ευκαιρία εξειδίκευσης στον δυναμικά αναπτυσσόμενο τομέα της Κλινικής Εμβρυολογίας.

Ποια είναι τα χαρακτηριστικά του ACE Course;

✅ Διεθνές Online Μετεκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα Εξειδικευμένης Επιμόρφωσης στην Κλινική Εμβρυολογία, που προσφέρεται από την Ιατρική Σχολή και το ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.
✅ 11 εξειδικευμένες θεματικές ενότητες, σχεδιασμένες να καλύπτουν τις πλέον σύγχρονες εξελίξεις στην Κλινική Εμβρυολογία και τη Βιολογία της Αναπαραγωγής.
✅ Διδασκαλία από διακεκριμένους Καθηγητές, Ερευνητές και Κλινικούς Επιστήμονες διεθνούς κύρους από κορυφαία πανεπιστήμια και κέντρα υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής παγκοσμίως.
✅ Ευέλικτη διαδικτυακή παρακολούθηση (σύγχρονη και ασύγχρονη) στην αγγλική γλώσσα, ιδανική για επαγγελματίες και φοιτητές από όλο τον κόσμο.
✅ Απονομή Certificate of Specialized Training in Advanced Clinical Embryology και 15 πιστωτικών μονάδων ECTS.

📅 Διάρκεια προγράμματος: 12 μήνες
🎓 Έναρξη ακαδημαϊκού έτους 2026–2027: 30 Σεπτεμβρίου 2026
Περισσότερες πληροφορίες 👉 https://pev.gr/to-advanced-clinical-embryology-ace-epistrefei-gia-6i-synechi-chronia/

28/07/2026

This week at the Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology, we come close to the finish line with two thought-provoking lectures that are set broaden our understanding of the evolving landscape of clinical embryology and expand our perspectives on the future of IVF.

First up, we are honored to welcome Professor Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Sciences at University College London (UCL), Founder of Global Women Connected, Co-Founder of the UK Fertility Education and International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC), and a Founding Member of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society.

In her lecture, "Introducing New Technology into the IVF Lab: Past and Future" Professor Harper will reflect on the evolution of technological innovation in IVF, while examining how new developments are introduced into clinical practice and the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of assisted reproduction.

We are also privileged to welcome Dr Christian Ottolini, Laboratory Director of the IVF Unit at Juno Genetics and Honorary Research Fellow at the Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, UCL.
In his lecture, "Chromosomal Mosaicism: Origins and Clinical Implications", Dr Ottolini will explore the biological origins of chromosomal mosaicismand the latest evidence surrounding its clinical significance.

As we reach the finish line, we are reminded that meaningful innovation in clinical embryology is driven by understanding both the promise and the limitations of emerging technologies ultimately leading to advancing safe, effective, and evidence-based reproductive care.