By Alexia Chatziparasidou
MSc, PMI-RMP, Consultant Sr.Clinical Embryologist, Co-Founder of
Embryolab, Embryolab Academy, Co-Founder and Director
Embryolab Academy was founded in 2013 with a vision to promote education, training, and awareness in the field of assisted reproduction. Almost thirteen years later, its innovative initiatives have expanded worldwide, offering opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange to professionals in reproductive medicine across the globe.
Through our annual Newsletter, we aim to convey to our readers the pulse of the developments and challenges that shape our science. This year’s issue focuses on the environment and fertility.
Dr. Nikos Christoforidis, founder and passionate advocate of the campaign for environmental and reproductive health, presents the main principles of Planet Be, while K. Mitta highlights the dangers of microplastics. Ch. Oraïopoulou and D. Michalakis discuss how environmental factors affect fertility and laboratory procedures.
In the “Freeze All” section on fertility preservation, K. Ravanos explains the science behind oocyte cryopreservation, A. Papatheodorou emphasizes the importance of proper thawing for IVF success, and M. Papadopoulou evaluates the effectiveness of donor frozen oocytes.
The “Assisted Reproduction Clinic” section features N. Christoforidis offering valuable advice for IVF success, while A. Antonopoulou and Z. Tarsinou underline the crucial role of the IVF coordinator in the holistic support of patients. N. Anesidis and A. Agiomamitou answer couples’ most frequent questions, and M. Kyriakidis presents the EmbryoNet network of collaborating clinics, showcasing how it ensures access to assisted reproduction services throughout Greece.
The issue concludes with a series of laboratory-focused articles, addressing the daily challenges of a modern embryology laboratory. Specifically, A. Papatheodorou presents new insights on the management of mosaic embryos in preimplantation genetic testing, M. Karagianni reports on her study results on artificial oocyte activation, while L. Thivaïou and M. Basiakou analyze advanced methods of sperm selection and preparation, focusing on sperm DNA integrity. The section closes with M. Moisidou responding to patients’ everyday questions and A. Sfakianaki outlining the latest legal framework changes regarding preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
Download the english version of the 2025 Fertility Newsletter here: https://embryolab-academy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EA_Newsletter-EN25_WEB.pdf
