Severe Male Infertility Workshop 2021

Covid 19 Measures

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, scheduled “Severe Male Infertility” workshop will not take place. We will keep you informed here or through our newsletter.

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Welcome message

Dear colleagues,

It is our great pleasure to invite you to Thessaloniki, Greece for the state of the art Hands-on Workshop “Severe Male Infertility: Management and Challenges in the ART lab” organized by Embryolab Academy on 18^th & 19^th September 2021.

The target audience consists of Clinical Embryologists, Andrologists, Geneticists and Lab technicians working in IVF, interested in improving their theoretical and hands-on skills in recent advances on the treatment of severe male infertility in the ART lab.

Lectures will be given by a panel of experts who are actively involved in the treatment of severe male infertility and will provide a clear insight of the up to date knowledge and efficiency of the available techniques and tools.

Special emphasis will be given in the hands on session where participants will have a hands on experience on the available treatment options and techniques for the processing, cryopreservation and sperm selection of samples with limited number of spermatozoa.

For maximum exposure to hands-on experience and interaction, a limited number of participants will be able to attend.

Looking forward to welcoming you at our 9th Hands-On Workshop.

On behalf of Embryolab Academy,

Alexia Chatziparasidou,
MSc, Sr. Clinical Embryologist,
Co-Founder and Director of
Embryolab Academy

Dr Nicholas K Christoforidis,
MD, MSc, FRCOG
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Embryolab Clinical & Scientific Director
Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy

Glykeria Samolada,
Genetic Counsellor
Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy

Workshop's Objectives

to present an overview of the current state of daily practices and challenges in the treatment of severe male infertility in ART lab.
to offer expert hands-on training in the available treatment options and techniques for the processing, cryopreservation and sperm selection of samples with limited number of spermatozoa.
to present new techniques and tools for the treatment of severe male infertility.
to offer an insight in good clinical practice by addressing daily practices and challenges in the treatment of sperm samples with limited number of spermatozoa through networking, interaction and discussion between experts and participants.

Why should i register

Update on all the latest developments on the treatment of severe male infertility.
Hands on training by experts with long experience in the treatment of severe male infertility.
Interaction with experts and international networking.
Certificate of attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs).
A free Embryolab Academy membership.

Target Audience

The target audience consists of Clinical Embryologist, Geneticists and Lab technicians working in IVF, interested in improving their theoretical and hands-on skills on recent advances in the treatment of severe male infertility in the ART lab.

Prominent Speakers

Alexia Chatziparasidou

Marianna Papadopoulou

Astrid Stecher

Achilleas Papatheodorou

Mary Karagianni

Aikaterini Moutou

Martha Moysidou

Hands-On Experts

Alexia Chatziparasidou

Achilleas Papatheodorou

Mehmet Enginsu

Martha Moysidou

Athina Hatzianastasiou

Marianna Papadopoulou

Eleni Taki

Glykeria Samolada

Mary Karagianni

The Workshop will take place at Makedonia Palace Hotel

2 M. Alexandrou Avenue
546 40, Thessaloniki, Greece
el: +30.2310.897197
www.makedoniapalace.gr

Saturday 18^th September 2021
Sunday 19^th September 2021

Important Dates:
Deadline for Early bird registration: Until 31^th July 2021

The official language of the Workshop is English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.

The Hands-on Workshop “Severe Male Infertility”, Thessaloniki, Greece, 18/09/2021-19/09/2021 has been accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs). Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.

According to the Panhellenic Medical Organization, certificates will be provided after the completion of attendance of 60% of the Scientific Program. Thus, a barcode system will be implemented during the Workshop in order to register all delegates’ attendance time.

Registration badges will be used during the Workshop. Participants will receive their badges upon check-in on arrivals day. For identification purposes and admission to session hall, as well as for accreditation purposes participants are requested to wear their badges at all times. Admission to Workshop areas will not be allowed without badge identification.

Registration includes:

Workshop Registration
Theoretical Sessions
Hands-on Sessions
Workshop Syllabus
Coffee Breaks
Lunch Break
Workshop Dinner
Certificate of Attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs)
Embryolab Academy Membership

Accomodation :
Makedonia Palace is a 5 star hotel situated right on the seafront and next to Thessaloniki City Centre and features two restaurants of high taste. All suites and rooms are lavishly decorated, including a satellite TV and free WiFi. The classically decorated units open to balconies with views of the city or the sea. Each features a well-stocked, bathroom with lavish amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Suites are individually designed. Interconnecting rooms are also available

Registration Fees

Early Bird: Until 31^th July 2021: 450 €

Regular Fee: From 1^st August 2021: 550 €

One Day Fee (Sunday 19^th September 2021): 200€

Currency

All fees are calculated in EUR (€). Participants from countries where currency restrictions prevent them from sending registration fees in advance are asked to inform the Organizing Secretariat, in order to avoid being charged late registration fees.

Insurance

Voyager Travel & Congress cannot accept any responsibility for any personal loss, accidents and/or damages to participants and/or accompanying persons. Participants are strongly advised to acquire personal insurance to cover any eventuality that may occur during the Workshop.

Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and has signed the Schengen Agreement. While traveling within the E.U., you only need your Identity card. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc.

Visas are not required by European citizens from countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Greece as a member of the Schengen Agreement has abolished controls on common internal lands, at air and sea borders and allows Member-State citizens to travel around without a visa for a short stay period of up to three (3) months. However, keep in mind that airlines and other carriers require a valid passport and/or identity card.

Citizens coming from countries that have not yet joined Schengen Area may require a visa to enter Greece. The E.U. visitors from these countries can acquire further information from the Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or from their travel agencies. Before visiting Greece, please consult the detailed information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and find out whether you require a Visa (www.mfa.gr)

Note: During your stay in Greece, if you require a Visa, you are advised to have suitable insurance coverage for emergency medical or other need.

Delegates that require an official Invitation Letter in order to attend the Workshop may address the Organizing Secretariat, specifying the necessary details. This service is provided only to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Workshop. It should not be considered as an official invitation covering fees or any other expenses. Please note that registration to the Workshop is a prerequisite for delegates to receive an official letter of invitation from the Organizing Secretariat.

Thessaloniki is the second largest city of Greece and is located on the Thermaic Gulf, in the northern part of the country. It is Greece’s second major economic, industrial, commercial and political center.

The main area of interest to visitors is between the ferry port and the city’s emblem, the White Tower. It is the gateway to some fascinating parts of northern Greece, such as renowned beaches, beautiful islands like Thassos, and refreshing mountains like Mount Olympus.

The city is considered to be Greece’s cultural capital since it is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general. The City’s trademark is its ability to blend the past with the future through its countless picturesque spots around the historical town and monuments that witness its glorious past. Offers the cosmopolitan culture and energy of a big city with the friendly ambience and charm of a smaller town. It’s a wonderful destination to experience the real Greece without the crowds and congestion of Athens.

Roman Rotunda (Saint George’s Church)
The White Tower
Church of Saint Demetrius
Arch of Galerius
Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
Ano Poli (Upper Town)
Byzantine Walls (Ancient Ramparts)
Church of Saint Sophia

Makedonia Palace is a 5 star hotel situated right on the seafront and next to Thessaloniki City Centre and features two restaurants of high taste. All suites and rooms are lavishly decorated, including a satellite TV and free WiFi. The classically decorated units open to balconies with views of the city or the sea. Each features a well-stocked, bathroom with lavish amenities, bathrobe and slippers. Suites are individually designed. Interconnecting rooms are also available

Airport: 15,1km, 15min (by car)
City Center (White Tower): 1,2km, 3min (by car)

Facilities

The Workshop will take place at Makedonia Palace Hotel

Internet

High-speed Internet is available at venue unit. Wireless Internet on site

Getting to the Workshop Venue

If you are arriving to the hotel from Makedonia International Airport (13 km):
By car: Take Georgikis Scholis Avenue to the west. Georgikis Scholis as you drive towards the city becomes Eth. Antistaseos Av, then Vas. Olgas Av. and finally Vas. Georgiou Str. Turn left at the traffic light in front of the City Hall onto Megalou Alexandrou Avenue and after approximately 400 meters you will find the hotel on your right, right at the seafront of Thessaloniki.
By bus: Take the Airport Bus (line 01Χ) and get off at “Faliro” bus stop. Makedonia Palace is located less than 150m away from the stop

If you are arriving to the hotel from the New Train Station:

By car: Take Monastitriou Str. to the east and after Dimokratias Square (Vardaris area) turn right at Dodekanisou Str. – this street then becomes Salaminos Str. – to arrive to the entrance of the Passenger Terminal of the city’s port. There, turn left and continue on Kountourioti Str – this street becomes Leoforos Nikis and having passed by the White Tower it becomes Meg. Alexandrou Avenue. The hotel is located approximately 400m away, on your right.
By bus: Take bus line 8 and get off at “Faliro” bus stop. Makedonia Palace is located less than 150m away from the bus stop.

Coffee and Lunch breaks

Traditional Greek delicacies, coffee and lunch breaks will be served during the sessions.

Why should I register

1. Update on all the latest developments in the treatment of male infertility.

2.Hands on training by experts with long experience in the treatment of severe male infertility

3. Interaction with experts and international networking

4. Certificate of attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs)

5. A free Embryolab Academy membership

WORKSHOP’S AGENDA

Saturday, 18 ^th September 2021

1^st Session: Severe Μale infertility where are we now ?

09:30-09:45

Severe Male Infertility: Definitions And Challenges.

Bryan Woodward
MBSc, MMedSci, PhD, FRCPath, Consultant Clinical Embryologist

“This lecture aims to introduce and define severe male infertility; present the prevalence of severe male infertility and address the achievements and current challenges for diagnosis and treatment of severe male infertility.”

09:45-10:00

Pre-Conception Optimization In IVF Treatment: Clinical Aspects In Severe Male Factor
N.Christoforidis
MD, FRCOG, DFFP, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy

“This lecture will focus on all the current options for pre-conceptional optimization of severe male infertility, present the available options as well as the expected benefits”

10:00-10:15

The Management Of 0% Normal Morphology OR 0% Motility: What Is Possible and what are the Limits?
Achilleas Papatheodorou
M.Med.Sci., PhD. Senior Clinical Embryologist, ESHRE certified

“0% motility or 0% morphology sperm samples bring the greatest challenges in the IVF lab! During this lecture all the available options, techniques and tools for the treatment of these samples as well as their expected efficiency on performance and prognosis will be presented”

10:15-10:45

Panel: Sperm Selection In Severe Male Infertility Panel Moderator: Alexia Chatziparasidou
Panelists: N.Christoforidis, B.Woodward, M.Feldman, M.Enginsu, A.Stecher, M.Belenky, A.Papatheodorou

“This panel will focus on all the available options for optimizing sperm selection, the tools we currently have and their efficiency on improving prognosis. Expert will openly discuss and share their knowledge and experience.”

10:45-11:15

Coffee And Networking Break

Meet and talk to our experts, greet colleagues, visit the booths and learn about their new innovative products, treatment tools and techniques of severe male infertility while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea served with traditional Greek pastries.

2^nd Session: All about Testicular Spermatozoa

11:15-11:30

Testicular Spermatozoa In OA And NOA Males: What Is To Be Expected?
Mag. Astrid Stecher
Bereichsleiterin, IVF-Labor, Senior Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“One in 10 men with male infertility suffer from azoospermia. This lecture aims to present the demographics, prevalence and types of azoospermia as well as to describe all current treatment options for azoospermia and their efficiency”

11:30-11:45

The Use Of Testicular Spermatozoa In Non-Azoospermic Male: Is There A Meaning?
Martha Moysidou
M. Moysidou, BSc, MSc, Biologist, Senior Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“There is an increasing body of data that favors the use of testicular spermatozoa in certain groups of non-azoospermic men to improve prognosis. This lecture aims to present the available data and knowledge as well as the pros and cons of this approach.”

11:45-12:00

Fresh Vs Frozen Testicular Spermatozoa: Who Is The Winner?
Chara Oraiopoulou
BSc, Mres, Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“It is not yet clear whether frozen testicular spermatozoa perform equally to fresh and whether it is time to move to frozen biopsies only strategies. This lecture aims to present the available data and experience and attempt to name who the winner is!”

12:00-12:30

Panel: Testicular Spermatozoa: Management & Challenges
Panel Moderator: Achilleas Papatheodorou
Panelists: A.Stecher, M.Belenky, M.Moysidou, C.Oraiopoulou

“This panel of Experts will focus on the best lab practices on testicular spermatozoa. Approaches on selection, time of testicular biopsy searching, morphology and motility of testicular spermatozoa are only some of the topics that will be addresses and openly discussed.”

12:30-13:30

Group Photo, Lunch Break And Networking

After the group photo the participants and experts will enjoy a lunch break with a variety of Greek delicacies and a breathtaking view to the sea and Mountain Olympus.

3^rd Session: The Genetic Basis of Severe Male Infertility is the biggest challenge of all!

13:30-13:45

The Genetic Basis Of Male Infertility
Aikaterini Moutou
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology
University of Thessaly

“Despite the progress in the treatment of severe male infertility our knowledge and understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility is still limited. This lecture aims to present what is known, what is emerging and what still remains to be discovered on the genetic basis of male infertility.”

13:45-14:00

Is Severe Male Infertility Linked To Higher Sperm Aneuploidy? Should PGT Become An Integral Part Of The Treatment Of Severe Male Infertility?
A. Chatziparasidou
MSc, Sr. Clinical Embryologist, Co-Founder
and Director of Embryolab Academy

“Spermatozoa from men with severe male infertility are known for their increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities as a result of spermatogenesis deficiencies. This lecture will present what is known already and whether the available data and knowledge justify the use of PGT for all severe male infertility cases.”

14:00-14:15

The Reproductive Potential Of Spermatozoa From Men With Abnormal Karyotype, Y Microdeletions, Or Cystic Fibrosis Carriers. What Are The Challenges?
M.Papadopoulou
BSc, Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE certified

“This lecture aims to present the current data and knowledge on the reproductive potential of spermatozoa produced from men diagnosed with different genetic conditions and what the lab practitioners should know and expect for the treatment of these spermatozoa.”

14:15-14:45

Panel: The Genetic Challenges In Severe Male Infertility
Panel Moderator: M.Moysidou
Panelists: A.Moutou, A.Chatziparasidou, M.Papadopoulou

“This panel of Experts will focus on what lab practitioners should know about spermatozoa carrying an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality during sperm preparation and processing, what are the known best practices for each case and what is to be expected in terms of performance and prognosis.”

14:45-15:15

Coffee And Networking Break

Meet and talk to our experts, greet colleagues, visit the booths and learn about their new innovative products for the treatment of severe male infertility while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea served with traditional Greek pastries.

4^th Session: Severe Male infertility and more…

15:15-15:30

Cryopreservation Of Low And Very Low Number Of Ejaculated Or Testicular Spermatozoa
Miki Belenky
M.Sc, Male Fertility Center, Lab deputy director.

“This lecture dials with one of the main everyday challenges in the treatment of severe male infertility: the cryopreservation of low and very low numbers of spermatozoa and will present the current options, tools and the available data on the efficiency of these approaches.”

15:30-15:45

Artificial Activation For Severe Male Infertility

Mary Karagianni
B.Sc., M.Sc.,Biologist,Clinical embryologist

“Artificial activation is a method to overcome oocyte activation deficiencies. Is this strategy a valid option for improving fertilization rates in cases of severe male infertility? This lecture will present the method and the concept of artificial activation, as well as the available data and current experience from the implementation of artificial activation to overcome sperm related fertilization deficiencies.”

15:45-16:00

Seminal Microbiome In Severe Male Infertility Cases

Bryan Woodward
MBSc, MMedSci, PhD, FRCPath Consultant Clinical Embryologist

“Seminal microbiome is an emerging study field and may play a key role for the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. This lecture aims to shed light on what is known as normal and abnormal seminal microbiome, what is known about the seminal microbiome in cases of severe male infertility and what lab practitioners should know and expect when treating sperm samples with a positive seminal culture?”

16:00-16:15

The Management Of Sperm Samples With Increased Oxidative Stress And Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Mehmet Engin Enginsu
M.D, Ph.D.

“Is severe male infertility at higher risk for sperm DNA structural deficiencies? This lecture aims to present the available data and the best lab practices and tools for the processing of these spermatozoa to maximize in vitro performance and prognosis for these cases.”

16:15-16:30

A New Standard Of Care In Sperm
Matthew Feldman
MSc, MA

“In 5+ decades of ART, sperm preparation procedures have remained constant: centrifugation. Science shows us there is a better way to prepare sperm. We will look at history and the future and why outcomes matter.”

16:30-17:00

Panel: All There Is To Know And Do When It Comes To The Treatment of Severe Male Infertility
Panel Moderator: N.Christoforidis
Panelists: B.Woodward, M.Feldman, M.Enginsu, M.Karagianni

During this panel the experts will discuss about the emerging lab technologies and innovations on the treatment of severe male infertility and address what needs to be determined and developed in the future!”

17:00-19:30

Conclusion Remarks, Take Home Messages And Last Minute Comments

19:30

Sunset Cocktail Dinner

Sunday, 19^th September 2021

09:00-11:00

Hands-on Sessions

11:00 – 11:30

Coffee Break

11:30-13:00

Hands-on Sessions

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00-16:00

Hands-on Sessions

16:00 – 16:30

Coffee Break

16:30-18:00

Hands-on Sessions

18:00-20:00

Conclusion Remarks
Meet And Discuss With The Experts
Farewell Drink

Hands-on Stations

Hands-on Station 1 : Testicular Tissue processing
Experts: A.Papatheodorou, M.Moysidou, E.Taki
Dissection of testicular tissue is a very important treatment step and may determine the likelihood of finding testicular spermatozoa in azoospermic men. During this session the experts will demonstrate
and train the participants on the mechanical and enzymatic dissection methods.

Hands-on Station 2 : Sperm Slow Cryopreservation in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: C.Oraiopoulou, A.Chatzianastasiou, A.Vorniotaki
Efficient sperm cryopreservation in Severe Male Infertility is of critical importance for the management of these patients. Experts will present the Slow Freezing Method and thawing of samples with severe male infertility. Experts will also present and discuss methods for assessing cryosurvival and monitor the efficiency of a sperm Cryopreservation program.

Hands-on Station 3 : Sperm vitrification in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: Miki Belenky
Sperm vitrification is an upcoming method of storing of spermatozoa that minimizes cryodamage and provides higher survival rates. Sperm vitrification may become the method of choice when it comes to males suffering from severe male infertility. The Experts during this session will present the sperm vitrification method for limited number of spermatozoa and share tips and tricks with the participants.

Hands-on Station 4 : Sperm Selection in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: Mehmet Engin Enginsu
Sperm selection play a crucial role in optimizing paternal factor in ART cycles. During this session methods and tools for optimized sperm selection based on sperm’s maturity and DNA integrity will be presented. The Experts will train the participants on how to use the relevant devices in favor of their patients’ overall prognosis.

Hands-on Station 5: Microfluidics and Sperm Selection in Severe Male Infertility
Experts: Matthew Feldman, Jay Ray
Implementing sperm selection strategies in severe male infertility may increase embryo development performance and overall prognosis. Experts will present the microfluidics device and teach the participants the method of use an all the tips and tricks they need to know in order to improve their patients’ chances for a successful outcome.

Hands-on Station 6: Genetics and Sample preparation steps for the FISH technique
Experts: Glykeria Samolada, Marianna Papadopoulou
FISH technique is currently our only option to assess sperm aneuploidy. During this session the FISH protocol for sperm samples will be presented and all the steps, tricks and tips will be discussed

Hands-on Station 7: Signal interpretation in FISH technique Experts: Glykeria Samolada, Mary Karagianni
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to the FISH technique is the signal interpretation and final diagnosis. FISH technique is applicable in only a limited number of spermatozoa. Participants will be presented with different real life scenarios of FISH slides and discuss how FISH signals are interpreted and support clinical decisions.

A Workshop’s brochure will be soon available..

Why should I register

1. Update on all the latest developments in the treatment of male infertility.

2.Hands on training by experts with long experience in the treatment of severe male infertility

3. Interaction with experts and international networking

4. Certificate of attendance with 13 European CME credits (ECMECs)

5. A free Embryolab Academy membership

Gold Sponsors

Workshop Sponsors

Workshop Supporters

Alexia Chatziparasidou, MSc, PMI-RMP

Co-Founder and Director of Embryolab Academy

Consultant Clinical Embryologist, Co-Founder of Embryolab Fertility Clinic.

Mrs. Alexia Chatziparasidou is a Consultant Clinical Embryologist with an experience of more than 45.000 cycles in assisted reproduction (ART). Her scientific interests focus mainly on the application of modern oocyte and embryo freezing methods and treating male sub-fertility and azoospermia. Since 2007 she has developed a special interest in efficient Total Quality Management (TQM) and Risk Management (RM) in ART units in the context of process optimization and standardization and the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.

In 2004, Mrs Chatziparasidou co-founded Embryolab, a well-known and modern state of the art fertility clinic, located in Thessaloniki Greece.

In 2007 she was awarded with her Master degree (MSc) on Clinical Embryology (Leeds University) and in 2008 she was certified by ESHRE as senior Clinical Embryologist.

In 2013 she co-founded Embryolab Academy and co-organized a series of international workshops on TQM and RM for ART units, cryopreservation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT).

In 2020 she was certified with the PMI Risk Management Professional diploma.

Alexia Chatziparasidou travels the world as invited speaker in conferences and hands on workshops, is actively involved in research projects and training for all the modern ART lab techniques and is the author of a number of scientific articles, posters and chapters.

Her latest project is her thesis under the title: “The genetic basis of Azoospermia- The mystery that needs to be unraveled” in collaboration with the University of Thessaly. The aim of this project is to shed light in the genetic basis of azoospermia and set the basis for the development of personalized therapeutic options for men suffering from azoospermia.

Alexia Chatziparasidou enjoys to spend time with family and friends. She regards herself as very fortunate for being able to live her passion for science and be a part of all the latest scientific developments in the field of assisted reproduction but above all she feels extremely blessed for being able to serve and support men and women in their most wonderful journey. The journey to parenthood!

Matthew Feldman MSc, MA

Marketing Director at ZyMōt Fertility

Speaker

Matthew Feldman began his career as a biochemist, studying the molecular mechanisms of colon cancer progression in mouse models and human disease. He continued studying therapeutic strategies to mitigate RNA decay in classes of genetic disease.
Leaving research to become an advocate for vaccine-preventable diseases, he began a career at the intersection of scientific innovation and digital communications. Speaking these two different languages, he became an effective champion of improving health through new solutions to critical challenges: first in the fight against childhood pneumonia and then in combating the global tuberculosis epidemic through the development of new, effective vaccines.Through cross-functional and international collaborations across therapeutic areas and industries, his work educated new audiences and sparked meaningful actions.
In his current role as Marketing Director at ZyMōt Fertility (DxNow, Inc.), Matt thinks about the challenges facing reproductive medicine and the need for transformative innovations to reach people, to improve and create lives.
Through his experiences as a scientist, communicator and as a patient, Matt is focused on how focusing on sperm health can help clinics, healthcare providers and patients in their fertility journey.

Nicholas Christoforidis, MD, MSc, FRCOG

Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Embryolab's Clinical and Scientific Director.

Dr Nicholas Christoforidis is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with a sub-specialization in Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Techniques.

He graduated the School of Medicine of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 1995 and trained thereafter in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom from 1995 until 2003. In 2001 he was appointed as a Fellow in the Imperial College, London, in the IVF Unit of Hammersmith Hospital, where he trained extensively in the investigation and management of infertility and assisted reproduction techniques.

He is the Clinical and Scientific Director of Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece, since 2004 with a considerable and long experience in all aspects of investigation and treatment of fertility disorders, focusing on evidence-based practices and highlighting critical aspects of risk management. He is co-founder of the Embryolab Academy, a nonprofit organization, which aims to guide Fertility specialists and IVF units to grow in a systematic, effective and safe way, through continuous training and sharing of sound practices.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK, and a member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Mehmet Engin Enginsu, MD, PhD

IVF Consultant

Speaker

Enginsu was born in Turkey in 1962. After finishing his studies in University of Ankara Faculty of Medicine and became a Medical Doctor in1988, he moved to The Netherlands and started to work as research assistant in University of Limburg Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics department, Maastricht, He started to work in the IVF unit due to his research on “Male Infertility” and his Ph.D. thesis titled “Morphology and function of human spermatozoa” was accepted on April 1988. He was invited to work on “Micromanipulation with laser” project to Brussels, Catholic University of Leuven, St Luc Hospital in Belgium in May 1994.
In March 1995 he was invited to Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department as IVF laboratory director for the set up of micromanipulation unit and worked as an instructor. In January 1996 he moved to Istanbul to set up an IVF laboratory in American Hospital and worked there as the laboratory director. He then worked in International Hospital, Metropolitan Florence Nightingale Hospital, Şİşli Memorial Hospital as laboratory director between 1997 and 2004.
Dr. Enginsu have also worked in setting up the IVF unit for Kalamış Tıp Merkezi Istanbul.
Between March 2005 to January 2017 he worked as the director of the IVF unit in KadıköyŞifa Hospital Istanbul.
Between March 2018 to March 2019 he worked as the Laboratory Director in LIV Hospital Ulus in Istanbul.

He is currently working with Femina Women’s Health Clinic for IVF patients. Dr Enginsu has his own consultanting firm and working as a consultant for medical companies and IVF clinics both in national and international terms.

Chara Oraiopoulou, BSc, MRes

Speaker

Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE Certified.

Chara Oraiopoulou is a clinical embryologist with long experience in the field of assisted reproduction. She is specialized in the kinetic analysis of embryonic development using a time-lapse system and in preparing embryos for PGT.
Chara graduated in 2006 from the Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her postgraduate studies in “Reproductive Biology” at the Medical College of the University of Glasgow, Great Britain.
Between 2009 and 2010, she worked at a company specializing in the isolation and cryopreservation of human stem cells in Thessaloniki.
Since 2010, she has been a member of the laboratory team of clinical embryologists at Embryolab. In 2013 she obtained certification as a clinical embryologist from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
She is a member of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE) as well as the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

Chara participates actively as a trainer in all of Embryolab Academy’s activities.

Bryan Woodward, FRCPath, PhD

Director of X & Y Fertility, Leicester, UK

Speaker

Dr Bryan Woodward is a free-lance reproductive scientist who specializes in trouble-shooting fertility clinics to improve andrology and embryology services. He has worked as a consultant for over 50 IVF clinics in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. He offers hands-on andrology and embryology training as required and also advises on Quality Management.

In 2008, he was awarded a PhD (University of Nottingham, UK) entitled ‘Trans-species study of factors affecting ICSI’. In the same year he was certified by ESHRE as a Senior Clinical Embryologist and by the Royal College of Pathology (UK) as a Fellow.
In 2016, he established X&Y Fertility in Leicester, UK, as a clinic to help treat male fertility. He is also the HFEA Person Responsible at the London branch of the European Sperm Bank.
In the UK, Bryan has served on the Executive Committees of the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) and the Association of Biomedical Andrologists (ABA). He is currently the Coordinator of the ESHRE Steering Committee for Embryologist Certification.
He has co-edited books in the field of ART including “Troubleshooting and Problem Solving in the IVF laboratory”; “Male Infertility Sperm Diagnosis, Management and Delivery”; and “Female Infertility: Core Principles and Clinical Management”.
Bryan Woodward is also a keen mountaineer, having climbed two of the world’s highest peaks: Mt Aconcagua (Argentina) and Mt Elbrus (Russia).

Miki Belenky MSc

Male Fertility Center, Lab deputy director.

Speaker

Miki Belenky is a Clinical biologist and embryologist specializing in male infertility. After graduating from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and more than 12 years of medical laboratory experience, completed his M.Sc. degree in Bar-Ilan University with a thesis on sperm function. Since 2015 has been working at Male Fertility Center, a highly specialized andrology laboratory dealing with severe cases of male infertility. Currently, holds the position of deputy director of the lab. Also, works as an embryologist at the IVF department of Shamir Medical Center. Participated in several research projects focusing on sperm morphology, function and cryopreservation, including a development of a novel technique for cryopreservation of individual spermatozoa. Member of the Israeli Fertility Association (IFA) and ESHRE.

Marianna Papadopoulou, BSc

Speaker

Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE Certified

Marianna Papadopoulou is a clinical biologist. She graduated in 2012 from the Department of Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In 2011, she started her internship at Embryolab.
In 2012, she conducted her research project on male infertility at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences of the University of Oxford in Great Britain.
Upon completing her studies she became a member of the Embryolab laboratory team, where she was trained in all up-to-date laboratory techniques of IVF and cryopreservation.
Marianna attends scientific conferences and is briefed on all the latest developments in assisted reproduction. She actively participates and supports all the actions and conferences organized by the Embryolab Academy.
Since 2016 she has been certified by ESHRE as a Clinical Embryologist.

Astrid Stecher, MSC, ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologist

Lab Director of NextClinic IVF Centers Prof. H. Zech Bregenz

Speaker

Mrs Astrid Stecher is an ESHRE-certified Senior Clinical Embryologist and has a long experience in ART, both in practical work and organizational issues and topics.
She has been working in IVF Center Prof. H. Zech since 1995, which has been steadily expanding through all the years.
She is member of a team that has already established several laboratories.
A main focus is the cooperation with other laboratories for optimization and standardization, trouble shooting and comparison of KPIs, but also scientific cooperation.
Since 2008 she is certified as ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist.
Her main interest is the optimization of embryo culture, severe male factor infertility and quality management in the ART laboratory.
She has co-organized several national and international workshops on various ART topics.
She is a board member of the Austrian Society for Reproduction and Endocrinology and of the "EmbryologenForum Austria".
She is a member of the Swiss Society for Reproductive Medicine (SGRM, SWICE), the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE) and inspector for the ESHRE ART Center Certification for Good Clinical Practices.
Astrid has been invited to speak at national and international conferences and is the author and co-author of many scientific articles, conference papers and book contributions.
She is still fascinated of ART and enjoys the progress in this field.
It is one of the best tasks in the world to help people become parents.

Achilleas Papatheodorou, PhD., M.Med.Sc.

Embryolab Lab Director, Senior Clinical Embryologist, ESHRE certified,

Speaker

Mr. Achilleas Papatheodorou is a senior clinical embryologist with an experience of more than 20.000 cycles in assisted reproduction (ART), among which a great number of cases with severe male infertility and application of embryo biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Testing.

His scientific interests focus mainly on the aspects of vitrification technique on human oocytes, embryos and the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa.
In 2004, Mr. Achilleas Papatheodorou graduated from school of Biology, in Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
In 2005 he received his Master of Medical Sciences (M.Med.Sci.) degree in Assisted Reproduction Technology (University of Nottingham, UK).
In 2016 he was awarded with a PhD Degree from the Medical School of University of Ioannina. His PhD research project was the Clinical application of vitrification technique for cryopreserving human oocytes.
In 2017 he was certified by ESHRE as senior Clinical Embryologist.
Achilleas Papatheodorou has worked as a clinical embryologist in Thessaloniki, Athens, Albania and Italy. Additionally, he has worked as a scientific consultant of the IVF laboratory of San Carlo Hospital in Potenza, Italy. He has visited plenty of IVF clinics in Italy sharing his knowledge and technology with their embryology and andrology stuff.
Achilleas has done numerous oral presentations in conferences and hands on workshops and at he same time is involved in research projects and training for all the modern ART lab techniques and is the author of a number of scientific articles, posters and chapters.
He is a member of the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE), the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Greek Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE) in which currently he serves as a vice-president.
From 2019 he is working in Embryolab, Fertility Clinic as Senior Clinical Embryologist.

Mary Karagianni, BSc, MSc

Speaker

Biologist, Clinical Embryologist

Mary Karagianni graduated from the Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her Master degree in ‘Reproductive-Regenerative Medicine’ in the Department of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Her theses in each degree are related with a) DNA fragmentation of human spermatozoa and b) in vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM) and vitrification of oocytes.
She has been working in medically assisted reproduction Clinics since 2010 in Thessaloniki and Athens and was Lab director of the embryology and andrology laboratory for 6 years. In 2017 she became a member of the Embryolab team.
She is a member of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE) as well as European Society of Human for Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) from 2013.

Aikaterini Moutou, BSc, PHD

Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Biotechnology UoT

Speaker

Katerina Moutou holds a Bachelor of Biology from Aristotle University of Technology (1991) and a PhD in Fish Physiology from Aberdeen University, Great Britain (1996).
Dr Moutou has been an EU Research Fellow at the University of Algarve, Portugal (1997-1998) and subsequently a lecturer in Teaching Science 4040/80 at the University of Thessaly (1998-2003) where he has served as a faculty member of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology from 2003 until today.
Dr Mutu has participated in 12 COST Research Programs and Actions and has contributed to 37 publications in peer-reviewed journals with more than 500 cross-references and h-index 11.
She is a reviewer of a number of international scientific journals and research funding bodies such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK and the European Research Framework Programs (FP7, H2020).
She has been a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Commission on the Evaluation and Evaluation of the Impact of FP7-funded Research Programs on the EU-funded KBBE Projects' Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology in the area of “Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology” (FAFB) and is currently a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Commission on the evaluation and evaluation of the impact of research programs that are funded within the program of Societal Challenge 2 “Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy”.

Martha Moysidou, BSc, MSc

Speaker

Biologist, Senior Clinical Embryologist ESHRE Certified, Deputy Laboratory Manager

Martha Moysidou is a biologist - clinical embryologist with both clinical and research experience. Her clinical work counts up to 15,000 cycles so far.
Martha has completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Essex, Colchester, UK in 1998. She completed her master’s degree in Human reproductive Biology at Imperial College, London, UK and graduated with Distinction in 1999.
She has received her basic embryology training at the Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK until the summer of 2002. During that time she was also actively involved in the chromosomal screening of pre-implantation embryos for patients undergoing PGD/PGT-A using the FISH method.
In 2002 Martha returned to Greece and has worked as a clinical embryologist in both Athens and Thessaloniki expanded her knowledge and expertise on the field of assisted reproduction. Her main field of interest has been the clinical application of PGD/PGT-A and severe male infertility (TESE, FNA and OAT).
In 2008 she became a member of the Embryolab team and in 2015 she has become the Deputy Laboratory manager. During that time she haw also actively participated in the Embryolab Academy workshops (both in the organizing committee and as an instructor) and in numerous publications and oral presentations.
Martha is an active member of ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) since 2002, PEKE (Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists) since 2005 and ACE (Association of Clinical Embryologists, UK) since 2018.

Hatzianastasiou Athina, BSC

Biologist,

Hands-On Expert

Athina Chatzianastasiou is a biologist specialized in research methods in male infertility. She graduated from the Department of Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2010.
From 2011 she worked in private companies in Thessaloniki with a specialization in Biology.
In 2014, she completed her internship at Embryolab and since than she has officially joined the laboratory group of the Clinic.

Aimilia Vorniotaki, BSC,

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Hands-On Expert

Aimilia Vorniotaki is a Technologist in the Medical Laboratory with many years of experience in the IVF laboratory.
She graduated in 2009 from the Department of Medical Laboratory Technologists of the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa where she gained a distinction in her diploma thesis on ‘Estrogen-Prolactin'
From 2009 to 2011, she worked in microbiology laboratories in both state hospitals and private diagnostic centers in Thessaloniki.

Since 2011, she has been a member of the laboratory team at Embryolab, while in 2017 obtained the certificate in specialized education in the branch of Human Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Eleni Taki, BSC, M.Res.

Biologist,

Hands-On Expert

Eleni Takis is a biologist. She graduated from the Aristotle University School of Biology in 2009, pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Newcastle (MRes in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine), and in 2017 completed his Master's Degree Program in Human Behavioral Therapy. .
She has worked at a Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Cryopreservation Bank, as well as a research fellow at the National Research Foundation.

She has been a member of Embryolab's laboratory team since October 2017.

Glykeria Samolada, BSc, MSc

Co-Founder

Biologist, ErGenetic counselor, Molecular Cytogenetics

Glykeria Samolada is a Biologist specialized in molecular cytogenetics, genetic counselling with experience in the field of assisted reproduction and low fertility.

Glykeria’s scientific interests focus mainly on male infertility, special chromosomal rearrangements which may affect fertility as well as counselling on preimplantation genetic diagnosis and prenatal checks. Also, the management of genetic examinations and information concerning hereditary abnormalities and diseases and counselling of similar cases and families represents an important area of activity.

She is a member of EBMG (European Board of Medical Genetics/EuroGenetic Counsellor).

She is Head of the Cytogenetic Laboratory at Embryolab and is an accredited Genetic Counselor.

Glykeria is married with 2 children. Her interests include genetics, poetry and philosophy. She enjoys travelling and nature. She is always on the move, being a creative and enquiring person; this is the reason why she passionately seeks out answers to fundamental questions of human existence, using with precision the tools and potential of the science of genetics. She supports the science that supports people!

Michalis Kyriakidis MD, M.Sc.

Gynecologist in Assisted Reproduction

Speaker

Michalis Kyriakidis is a gynecologist specializing in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction.

His scientific interests include gynecological endocrinology and assisted reproduction.

The particular clinical interests of Michalis lie in the improvement and application of modern assistance protocols for women who are expected poor responders and those of advanced reproductive age. His research includes investigations into reproductive ageing and the impact of environmental factors on women’s reproductive profile.

Michalis is an active member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

As a doctor in Embryolab’s International department, he recognizes the sincere wish of couples across the globe to have their own children, and he supports their efforts with all that Embryolab offers so that they may fulfil their dream!

Marina Dimitraki M.D., MSc., M.H.A., PhD, EFOG-EBCOG

Gynecologist in Assisted Reproduction, European Fellow of Reproductive Medicine ESHRE/EBCOG

Speaker

Marina Dimitraki is gynecologist specializing in infertility research and assisted reproduction

΄She has research work in the field of gynecological endocrinology and assisted reproduction and her scientific work is published in Greek and international journals.

She participates in the works of congresses in Greece and abroad, with interest in gynecological endocrinology, reproductive medicine, endometriosis / adenomyosis, child and adolescent gynecology.

Marina is married and has a son. She is interested in the organization and performance of medical research protocols and supports the necessity of ongoing study, being also a graduate of the Philosophy school of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is an ambassador for person-centered medicine, and for that reason the phrase which encapsulates her is taken from Hippocrates: Ουκ ένι ιατρικήν είδέναι, όστις μη οίδεν ό τι εστίν άνθρωπος. “It is impossible for someone to know medicine when he does not know what man is’.

Marina is a member of ΕSHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology), EBCOG (European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), of the ISGE (International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology), HSCCP (Hellenic Society for Cervical Pathology, HSGE (Hellenic Society of Gynaecological Endocrinology) and ΕΛ.Ε.Ι.Υ.Α (Hellenic Society of Assisted Reproduction Physicians).

Sotirios Saravelos

Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine Honorary Clinical Lecturer Imperial College, London

Speaker

Prof Benedictus (Dick) Schoot MD, phD

Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands Lab. of Biomedical Diagnostics, Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium Department of Public Health – School of Medicine, University Federico II, Naples, Italy Embryolab Fertility Center, Thessaloniki, Greece

Speaker

Prof Panagiotis Drakopoulos, MD, pHD

Embryolab IVF Unit, Thessaloniki, Greece Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

Speaker

Prof. Dr. Panagiotis Drakopoulos is an assisted reproduction gynecologist specializing in infertility and assisted reproduction investigation and treatment.

Specialized for a number of years at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of the University of Brussels (CRG, UZ Brussel), since 2019 he is also a visiting Professor at the University.

He is acknowledged as a specialist in reproductive medicine both by ESHRE (European society of Human Reproduction) and EBCOG (European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynecology).

Mr. Drakopoulos has authored more than 80 articles in international journals and is a guest speaker at many international IVF conferences on an annual basis. He also contributes as a reviewer to the most important journals in the field of infertility (Human Reproduction update, Human reproduction, Fertility and Sterility, etc.).

His scientific interest focuses mainly on reproductive endocrinology and strategies for improving the outcome of patients with poor prognosis.

What characterizes him profoundly is his emphasis on the "human being", the individualized approach to the problem (individualized medicine) and the application of only evidence based medicine (evidence based medicine). His medical approach is perfectly expressed in the saying of Patch Adams: "You Treat A Disease, You Win, You Lose – You Treat A Person, I Guarantee You, You'll Win, No Matter What The Outcome is".

Inmaculda Moreno, pHD

Igenomix Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain

Speaker

Alexis Adler, USA

Panelist

Alexis Adler has worked for over 30 years in human reproduction, becoming an early embryologist at the start of the Cornell University program with Dr. Michael Bedford, helping to establish the laboratory that was joined by Drs. Jacques Cohen, Santiago Munne and Gianpiero Palermo among others. The protocols devised at Cornell are still the foundation of human embryology and are still in use today, worldwide in part to our regular seminars and consulting. Adler left Cornell, with Dr. Jamie Grifo, establishing the NYU laboratory that she ran for almost 20 years before diverging into the art world while continuing to consult in embryology. During her time at NYU she had the opportunity to work with Dr. John Zhang on his grounbreaking work on GV transfer and help establish a laboratory in his home town of Hang Zhou which she visited in 2019 to celebrate the 20 year anniversary celebration. Adler helped to initiate blastocyst culture along with developing the TE biopsy/vitrfication program at NYU that has become the backbone of that clinic, improving the pregnancy potential of all patients but especially the older patients whose embryos are plagued by aneuploidy and treating patients with genetic disease and those who have failed IVF previously. Since leaving NYU, Adler has worked at New Hope Fertility, CCRM, and Extend Fertility.

Adler has authored or co-authored more than 40 publications, presenting papers nationally and internationally. Adler has also consulted at clinics in the U.S. and around the world as well as served as the chairperson of the NY Embryologist Society and as the chairperson of the embryologist society within ASRM. Adler has reviewed papers for various journals and has been actively involved in establishing guidelines and developing programs in embryology.

MARÍA JOSÉ DE LOS SANTOS, PhD

Panelist, Director of the Clinical Embryology Laboratory at IVI Valencia

Panelist

Dr. Maria J. de los Santos started her career in 1991 in the IVF laboratory of IVI Valencia.
She received her PhD in Biology from University of Valencia in 1996, and from 1996-1999 she carried out her postdoctoral fellowship in Reproductive Immunology at Fearing Research Laboratory at Harvard Medical School, under the supervision of Dr. Deborah Anderson and Dr. Joseph Hill.
She also worked as clinical embryologist at the Brigham and Women´s Hospital under the direction of Dr. Catherine Racowsky.

Education and Training:

B.Sc.	Biology. University of Valencia, Spain (1990)
Master Degree	Biology of Reproduction. University of Valencia, Spain (1991)
Ph.D (Biology)	Valencia School of Medicine. University of Valencia, Spain (1996)
Fellowship	Postdoctoral fellowship on Immunology of Reproduction at Fearing Research Laboratory. Harvard Medical School, MA, USA (1996-1999)

Roberta Maggiulli, PhD, MSc

GENERA Lab Supervisor, Senior Clinical Embryologist (ESHRE certified)

Panelist

Roberta Maggiulli is an ESHRE-certified senior clinical embryologist.

She obtained her MSc in Biotechnology and post-graduate school of specialization in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Parma, then she worked as Research Staff Associate at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility of Weill Cornell Medical College of New York.

Since 2009 she is the lab supervisor of the GENERA center in Rome. At present she is a member of the scientific board of the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR).

Her interests encompass the validation and standardization of laboratory practices in IVF.

Alessandra Alteri, PhD, MSc

Embryologist at San Raffaele Hospital, Senior Deputy of the SIG SQART - ESHRE

Panelist

ALESSANDRA ALTERI

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

January 2021: Review Editor of Frontiers Reproductive Health Journal.
June 2019- at present: Senior Deputy of the Special Interest Group on Safety and Quality in ART (SIG SQART) of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
January 2019- at present: Member of the Editorial Board of the Notify Library
June 2018: Principal Investigator of the study: Does partial zona pellucida removal from vitrified-warmed human blastocysts improve delivery rate in in vitro fertilization? A multicentric RCT on Laser Assisted Hatching. IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
July 2017-June 2019: Junior Deputy of the Special Interest Group on Safety and Quality in ART (SIG SQART) of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
September 2015-present: Embryologist at San Raffaele Hospital, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
November 2011- 2015: Embryologist at Ferticlinic-Villa Margherita, Rome, Italy.
January 2011-September 2011: Postdoctoral fellowship at Development and Therapy of the Muscle Lab, Division of Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

EDUCATION

January 2021- at present: School of Specialization in Microbiology and Virology, University of Pavia, Italy
July 2018: ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist Certification
June 2015: ESHRE Clinical Embryologist Certification
February 2014 - June 2014: “Course of Biology and news technologies in Assisted Reproductive Technology” at Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
November 2007 - February 2011: PhD in Cellular Biology and Development at Department of Cellular Biology and Development, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Thesis title: “Role of differentiation associated-microRNAs in the regulation of myogenesis and the control of cell transformation”.
February 2005 - May 2007: Master degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology at Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Thesis title: "MicroRNAs in muscle differentiation control” (110/100 cum laude).
September 2001 - February 2005: Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences at Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Thesis title: "Interaction between early adenoviral products and cell functions" (110/100 cum laude).

Keshav Malhotra, MBBS MCE

Rainbow IVF Director

Panelist

Dr. Keshav Malhotra holds a masters degree in Clinical Embryology and is one of the few ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologists in INDIA. He is the Lab Director of Rainbow IVF and now the Director of Malhotra Embryology training Academy. Dr. Malhotra is on the board of ISAR and ISPAT and has worked on Key projects pertaining to Embryology in the country like the Occupational Standard for Embryologists and the Embryology Consensus.

Dean Morbeck, PhD, HCLD (ABB)

Scientific Director at Fertility Associates New Zealand

Speaker

Dr. Morbeck is the Scientific Director at Fertility Associates New Zealand, Sunfert International Fertility Centre, and an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Auckland. He oversees science in IVF clinics throughout New Zealand and Malaysia that annually perform >4000 fresh cycles. Prior to moving to NZ, Dean was an Associate Professor at the Mayo Clinic. He has a keen interest in quality of care, as evidenced by his publications on media composition and laboratory KPIs. He has also completed an MBA, which he is putting to use to improve both the science and patient experience at Fertility Associates and Sunfert.

Kelly Tilleman, PHD, MSc

Director IVF lab and Quality Management Team member– Post-doctoral fellow in the G-FAST research team at UGhent

Speaker

My research experience started in the field of proteomics where I obtained a PhD in biomarker research in inflammatory arthritides at the University of Ghent in 2007. At that time, I combined my scientific enthusiasm with the responsibility of quality manager for an accredited DNA fingerprinting laboratory. As a post-doctoral fellow, I got in touch with the group op Petra De Sutter, as we joined forces in several research projects. Because of my experience as a quality manager and my interest in the wonderful world of reproductive medicine, I started a new career at the department of Petra de Sutter in November 2009. I combined the task of quality manager of the fertility centre with scientific research in the area of fertility preservation. During the years, I combined quality management with project and laboratory process management.

Currently, I am the director of the Ghent University Hospital IVF lab, where I have the privilege to work with a very dynamic and enthusiastic team.

I am coordinator of the special interest group SQART at ESHRE, Belgian representative for EDQM at the Council of Europe and board member of international organization ICCBBA (ISBT-128).

Alpesh Doshi, BSc (Hons), MSc, DipRCPath, UK

Co-Founder/ Director/ Consultant Embryologist IVF London

Panelist

Alpesh is a consultant Clinical Embryologist and a co-founder of IVF London. He is also a co-founder and director of the Embryology and PGD Academy. Alpesh previously worked at the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health in the leading capacity as a Director of Embryology for 19 years and was pivotal in optimising the success rates. He was also an honorary consultant at the Reproductive Medicine Unit at UCLH NHS Trust. He holds a postgraduate degree in Human Reproductive Medicine and has qualified from the prestigious Imperial College School of Medicine.

Alpesh is a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists and also a ESHRE certified Senior Embryologist. He has been an executive committee member of several international embryology societies and holds a very active interest in promoting education platforms through these professional bodies. He was among the first scientists to bring the egg and embryo freezing technology of ‘vitrification’ to the UK in 2007. He is a world renowned expert in the biopsy of human embryos for genetic testing.

Alpesh has authored several papers in high impact journals and written several book chapters in addition to being an honorary lecturer at University College London where he teaches embryology on two of the Masters courses. He has been an invited speaker in many international conferences and workshops as well as several Health chat shows on television including Zee TV and ITV’s This morning. Alpesh has a special interest in fertility preservation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and genome editing of embryos.

Stella Sgoura, BSc

Laboratory Technologist

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Sgoura Stella is a Medical Laboratory Technologist, who specialises in vitro fertilisation techniques.

Stella has graduated from the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences of the University of Thessaly, in 2005. During her final year she completed her practice in the Heamatology Department of the Hippocratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, where she continued to work voluntarily until 2006.

In 2006 she became a member of the laboratory team of Embryolob where she was gradually trained in all aspects of the laboratory techniques.

Stella is an active member of the Embryolab Academy and has participated in all workshops held in Greece by the Academy (“Fluorescent in Situ Hybridisation on human Sperm”, “Cryopreservation of gamete, embryos and reproductive tissue: daily practice in your lab and clinic”, “Quality and Risk management in your IVF laboratories: from theory to practice”, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis”).

During the academic year 2014/2015 Stella attended and received qualification for the supplementary program of specialized education of the National and Kapodistraiko University of Athens, titled “Human Reproduction”.

Ioannis Papoulidis, BSc, MSc, ErCLG

Speaker

Clinical Laboratory Geneticist

Mr. Ioannis Papoulidis hold a Biotechnology degree from the University of Abertay Dundee in Great Britain, an MSc degree in applied genetics and biotechnology and a Clinical Laboratory Geneticist specialty title recognised by the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG).
His scientific and research interests focus on molecular diagnostics which is the subject of his doctoral thesis and has been retrained in numerous domestic and abroad laboratories in implementing methods for the diagnosis of genetic diseases.
He has participated in several national and international conferences related to genetics as a guest speaker as well as with written and oral presentations, and has been a member of relevant committees.
His scientific work has been published in numerous articles of internationally recognized scientific journals.
In April 2006 has been the founder and chairman of the board of the company Eurogenetica S.A. and director of molecular genetics laboratories, cytogenetic and biochemical genetics of the same company, until December 2014.
From December 2012 until December 2014 was vice president of the board and chief executive of the scientific services company NEOLAB S.A.
Today he is the director of laboratories in Thessaloniki and legal representative of the genetic center “ATG – Access To Genome“.

Workshop's Objectives

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Target Audience

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Hands-on Stations

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Alexia Chatziparasidou, MSc, PMI-RMP

Matthew Feldman MSc, MA

Nicholas Christoforidis, MD, MSc, FRCOG

Mehmet Engin Enginsu, MD, PhD

Chara Oraiopoulou, BSc, MRes

Bryan Woodward, FRCPath, PhD

Miki Belenky MSc

Marianna Papadopoulou, BSc

Astrid Stecher, MSC, ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologist

Achilleas Papatheodorou, PhD., M.Med.Sc.

Mary Karagianni, BSc, MSc

Aikaterini Moutou, BSc, PHD

Martha Moysidou, BSc, MSc

Hatzianastasiou Athina, BSC

Aimilia Vorniotaki, BSC,

Eleni Taki, BSC, M.Res.

Glykeria Samolada, BSc, MSc

Biologist, ErGenetic counselor, Molecular Cytogenetics

Michalis Kyriakidis MD, M.Sc.

Polyzos

F. Malamas

Marina Dimitraki M.D., MSc., M.H.A., PhD, EFOG-EBCOG

Sotirios Saravelos

Prof Benedictus (Dick) Schoot MD, phD

Prof Panagiotis Drakopoulos, MD, pHD

Inmaculda Moreno, pHD

Alexis Adler, USA

MARÍA JOSÉ DE LOS SANTOS, PhD

Education and Training:

Roberta Maggiulli, PhD, MSc

Alessandra Alteri, PhD, MSc

Keshav Malhotra, MBBS MCE

Dean Morbeck, PhD, HCLD (ABB)

Kelly Tilleman, PHD, MSc

Alpesh Doshi, BSc (Hons), MSc, DipRCPath, UK

Stella Sgoura, BSc

Ioannis Papoulidis, BSc, MSc, ErCLG

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