Members of Embryolab Academy contributed to the scientific programme of the ESHRE Campus “Precision ART – Insights into ICSI and Embryo Biopsy”, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 1–3 October 2026.
The meeting brought together professionals in assisted reproduction to explore current developments in micromanipulation, embryo biopsy, training and quality assurance. Representing Embryolab Academy, Alexia Chatziparasidou, PhD, MSc, PMI-RMP, Consultant Clinical Embryologist, Co-Founder of Embryolab Fertility Clinic and Co-Founder & Director of Embryolab Academy, and Achilleas Papatheodorou, PhD, M.Med.Sc., Senior Clinical Embryologist, ESHRE-certified and Embryolab Lab Director, contributed two complementary perspectives on how embryo biopsy programmes can evolve safely and sustainably.
New developments in macromanipulation: Embryo Biopsy
In her presentation, “New Developments in Macromanipulation: Embryo Biopsy,” Alexia Chatziparasidou approached embryo biopsy not simply as an isolated laboratory technique, but as part of an increasingly complex IVF system.
As ART and PGT activity continue to expand, maintaining high performance requires laboratories to standardise, monitor and continuously optimise their processes. Her presentation explored the wider framework required to support an effective TE biopsy programme, including total quality management, risk management, clinical and laboratory processes, cryobank management, patient counselling, staffing and training, human factors and leadership. Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation…
A central theme was that optimised biopsy outcomes depend on the entire laboratory pathway — from egg retrieval, denudation and ICSI to culture conditions, vitrification, blastocyst grading and TE tubing — rather than on the biopsy procedure alone. Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation…
The presentation also highlighted the growing importance of the human factor. Creating an open, learning-oriented culture where near misses can be reported and analysed, supporting psychological safety and matching workload with staff experience are integral to maintaining quality in a modern IVF laboratory. Leadership, therefore, extends “beyond the microscope”, requiring vision, team building, emotional intelligence and the continuous development of talent. Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation… Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation…
Looking ahead, she addressed developments that are expected to shape ART laboratories further, including automation and digitalisation, artificial intelligence and non-invasive approaches to PGT. At the same time, increasing demand for ART creates an equally important need for professional recognition, structured education, accredited training centres, mentoring and continuous competency assessment for clinical embryologists. Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation… Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation…
Her concluding message captured this systems-based approach:
“The future of biopsy will not be decided only at the tip of the pipette — but by the systems we build around it.” Lisbon_Biopsy_Macromanipulation…
Biopsy Training and Quality Assurance
In his presentation, “Biopsy Training and Quality Assurance,” Achilleas Papatheodorou focused on how embryologists can be prepared for independent embryo biopsy practice while maintaining consistent performance over time.
Drawing on ESHRE recommendations, he presented a structured training pathway, beginning with trainee readiness and progressing through preclinical practice, supervised clinical procedures and documented authorisation.
A key point was that procedure numbers alone cannot establish competence. Competency assessment should also take into account technical proficiency, professional judgement and outcomes. Training should therefore cover the complete workflow, with emphasis on protecting the embryo, ensuring sample quality and maintaining traceability throughout biopsy, tubing and genetic reporting.
Achilleas also highlighted the importance of continuous performance monitoring, incorporating technical, genetic, embryological and clinical indicators. Periodic direct observation, feedback and targeted retraining where necessary are essential for maintaining standards beyond initial certification.
Particular emphasis was placed on close collaboration between embryology and genetics laboratories, especially as important feedback on sample quality or genetic outcomes may become available only after the biopsy procedure has been completed.
Looking to the future, he proposed the development of an ESHRE-led European embryo biopsy training pathway, in collaboration with suitable training centres, with shared assessment criteria and clearly defined expectations for trainers.
The key principle was clear: competence should be demonstrated before an embryologist progresses to independent practice — and subsequently maintained through continuous assessment, feedback and quality improvement.
From technical competence to sustainable excellence
Together, the two presentations reflected a shared principle at the heart of Embryolab Academy’s educational approach: excellence in clinical embryology depends on much more than mastering a technical procedure.
It requires structured training, measurable competence, robust quality systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible leadership and continuous professional development.
Participation in the ESHRE Campus in Lisbon offered another opportunity for Embryolab Academy to contribute to the international scientific dialogue around the future of clinical embryology, while supporting the development of the next generation of professionals in assisted reproduction.
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