Workshop Cryopreservation in lab and clinic 2015

Workshop
Cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues:
daily practice in your lab and clinic

Theoretical sessions: 17 & 18 September 2015

Hands-on session: 19 September 2015

Embryolab Academy, Thessaloniki, Greece

Embryolab Academy is pleased to announce a new and exciting Cryo Workshop with optional Hands-on Workshop on ‘Cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues: daily practice in your lab and clinic’ from 17 till 19 September 2015 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

This new Embryolab Academy Cryo Workshop is designed for reproductive scientists, embryologists, clinicians as well as ART Unit managers who desire to improve their knowledge and understanding of all the recent advances in cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues. The faculty consists of top experts in the field.

The two-day Cryo Theoretical Workshop (17 &18.09) of Embryolab Academy will give an overview of recent advances in cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues. In the break-out ‘Brains-on’ sessions’, delegates are invited to present a specific problem/trouble/issue they have encountered with cryopreservation in their clinic or laboratory. Collectively, the expert team and the participants will investigate the issue presented and will design a route for solving and preventing this (or other) in the future.

In the Cryo Hands-on Workshop (19.09) delegates can train in different cryopreservation techniques by live demonstration, hands-on exercise and video demonstration, this in cryopreservation of sperm, vitrification of oocytes and embryos and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue.

The number of participants in each Workshop is limited. Participation is guaranteed on a ‘first come first serve’ basis, based on the receipt of the registration fee.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Thessaloniki!!

Workshop Organisers

Martine Nijs | Alexia Chatziparasidou | Nikos Christoforidis

Course Objectives

Bring an up-to-date overview of the role of cryobiology in ART and fertility preservation.
Discuss outcomes and safety of cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissue
Discuss outcomes, benefits and restrictions of different cryobiology approaches
Learn to design strategies to prevent problems/issues in the laboratory or clinical practice in a cryopreservation program
Be trained in current laboratory techniques used in cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues

Target Audience

This two-day workshop with optional one-day ‘Hands-on’ Workshop in cryopreservation laboratory techniques is designed for professionals working in ART, fertility preservation and cryobiology. Reproductive scientists, laboratory technicians, embryologists, specialist in reproductive medicine, clinicians as well as ART Unit managers who want to improve their theoretical and practical knowledge on cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues.

Theoretical sessions are also designed for Bachelor and Master degree students as well as residents in training who are looking for an overview of cryobiology practices in ART.

Number of delegates to the main Workshop sessions is limited to 100.

The number of delegates in the Hands-on sessions is limited to 30.

Registration is based on a ‘first come first serve basis’.

Topics

Theoretical sessions

The ‘Theoretical sessions’ will give an overview of the recent advances in cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues.

Brains-on sessions

In the ‘Brains-on’ sessions’ delegates are invited to present a specific problem/trouble/issue they have or are encountering with cryopreservation in their clinic or laboratory. In this break-out session, the expert team and the participants will investigate the problem/trouble/issue presented and will design a route for solving and preventing this (or other) problems in the future.

Optional ‘Hands-on’ Workshop in cryopreservation laboratory techniques

In the ‘Hands-on’ session delegates will follow demonstrations and can train in different cryopreservation techniques:

cryopreservation of ejaculated and testicular spermatozoa
vitrification of oocytes and embryos and
cryopreservation of ovarian tissue.

Innovative aspects

The workshop presents a unique up-to-date overview of the role of cryobiology in ART and fertility preservation. Outcomes, benefits and restrictions of different cryobiology approaches will be discussed. The faculty consists of top experts in the field. The workshop is designed to enhance exchange of information, stimulate learning and discussion on the best options of cryopreservation for different cohorts of patients. Informal discussion based on evidence based science and applicable in daily practice is strongly encouraged during this workshop.

Workshop Directors

Alexia Chatziparasidou

M Clin Embryology, M Sc, Bac Sc, Sr Clinical Embryologist

Martine Nijs

PhD, M Sc, Bac Sc, Sr Clinical Embryologist

Nikos Christoforidis

MRCOG, DFFP, Gyn & Obstet, Fertility Specialist

Workshop Secretariat

Embryolab Academy
At Embryolab
173-175 Ethnikis Antistaseos, 551 34 Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece
info@embryolab-academy.org
www.embryolab-academy.org

Your Prominent Speakers

Embryolab Academy strives to provide evidence based scientific knowledge presented by an international panel of prominent lecturers. Our speakers have been carefully selected on the basis of the importance and weight of their scientific work in the specific domains of interest as well as their excellent educational skills.

The h-index is an index that attempts to measure both productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist. The index is based on the set of the scientist’s most cited papers and the number of citations that they have received in other publications.

Allan Pacey,
Professor of Andrology, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield; Head of Andrology for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK h: 29

Alexia Chatziparasidou ,
Laboratory Director and founder of Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece; Co-founder Embryolab-Academy, Greece h: 4

Dominic Stoop ,
Professor at the Free University of Brussels; Medical Director at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium h: 8

Ingrid Segers ,
Senior Clinical Embryologist at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Free University of Brussels; Member Oncofertility Team, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium h: 9

Juergen Liebermann,
Director of the Embryology, Andrology and Endocrinology Laboratories at the Fertility Centers of Illinois, Chicago, USA h: 13

Roberta Maggiulli ,
IVF Lab Supervisor, Senior Clinical Embryologist at GENERA Centres for Reproductive Medicine, Rom, Italy h: 3

Martine Nijs ,
Scientific Director, Nij Geertgen, Elsendorp, the Netherlands; ; Research and Development Consultant Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece ; Director and co-founder of Embryolab-Academy, Greece h: 21

Mikkel Rosendahl ,
OnkoGynaecologist, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet h: 13

Nikos Christoforidis ,
Clinical Director of Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece; Co-founder Embryolab-Academy,Greece

Jane Saxton,
Jessop Fertility, Sheffield, UK h: 3

Allan Pacey

PhD, BSc, FRCOG h-index: 29
Professor of Andrology, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield; Head of Andrology for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK

Allan is Professor of Andrology at the University of Sheffield School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, Department of Human Metabolism and the Head of Andrology for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. His research interests include understanding aspects of male infertility and this includes laboratory projects investigating the basic biology of human sperm to large epidemiological studies. He is currently the chairman of the Steering Group for the UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme for Andrology and the Editor in Chief of Human Fertility. He was until recently (until January 2015) the Chairman of the British Fertility Society and also served as BFS Secretary between 2005 – 2010. In addition to Science and Clinical Work, Allan is an accomplished broadcaster and regularly appears on the Today program and Woman’s Hour. Recent television programs include Britain’s Secret Code Breaker (2011), Donor Unknown (2011), The Great Sperm Race (2009), The Truth About Food (2007), Make me a Baby (2007) and Lab Rats (2004). You can follow his general musings about science, sperm, male fertility and the life of an academic at http://www.twitter.com/allanpacey. His University of Sheffield webpage is at http://www.shef.ac.uk/humanmetabolism/people/pacey.

Alexia Chatziparasidou

M Clin Embryology, M Sc, BSc, ESHRE certified Senior Clinical Embryologist h-index: 4
Laboratory Director and founder of Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece; Co-founder Embryolab-Academy, Greece

Mrs. Alexia Chatziparasidou is a senior clinical embryologist with long experience of more than 30,000 IVF cycles. Her scientific interests focus mainly on the application of modern fertility preservation techniques. In 2007, Mrs Chatziparasidou completed her M Sc in Clinical Embryology with distinction at the University of Leeds, UK. Since 2007 she is actively involved in preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening in couples at risk. In 2004, Mrs Chatziparasidou founded and has been the Director of Embryolab, a modern state of art assisted reproduction unit. Mrs Chatziparasidou is co-founder Embryolab-Academy.

Dominic Stoop

PhD, MD, MRCOG, ESHRE board certified subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery h-index: 8
Professor at the Free University of Brussels; Medical Director at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

Dominic Stoop took his medical degree in 2001 and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Ghent University in Belgium. He then joined the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium. where he currently works as a Medical Director. He is an ESHRE board certified subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery. His main clinical and research interests are vitrification of human oocytes and embryos. Dr. Stoop is in charge with the clinical management and research projects related to the oocyte donation program through egg banking. He also participated in research projects related to female fertility preservation, ovarian reserve testing and social freezing.

Ingrid Segers

PhD, M Sc, Bac Sc, Senior Clinical Embryologist h-index: 9
Senior Clinical Embryologist at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Free University of Brussels; Member Oncofertility Team, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

Ingrid Segers started her career in reproductive biology in 2002 as a PhD student in the Follicle Biology Laboratory at the Free University of Brussels (Belgium). Research interests were the antral follicle phase, follicle culture, in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization, cumulus-oocyte interactions, in the mouse animal model and in the human. In 2011, she made the transition to the fertility clinic and started as a clinical embryologist in the IVF laboratory of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine UZ Brussel Belgium. In her current position as embryologist, she is responsible for the laboratory activities of in vitro maturation and ovarian cortex cryopreservation. She is member of the multidisciplinary oncofertility team at UZ Brussel.

Juergen Liebermann

PhD, MSc, High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (ABB) h-index: 13
Director of the Embryology, Andrology and Endocrinology Laboratories at the Fertility Centers of Illinois, Chicago, USA

Juergen Liebermann is certified as a High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director through the American Board of Bioanalysis, and Clinical Consultant (CC) in the disciplines of Embryology and Andrology. Juergen has been working in the field of IVF since 1995. He is the Director of the Embryology, Andrology and Endocrinology Laboratories at the Fertility Centers of Illinois in Chicago. Juergen obtained his graduate degree in Agricultural Biology in 1990 from the University of Hohenheim, Germany and received his doctoral degree in Agricultural Science in 1995 from the Technical University of Munich-Weihenstephan, Germany. His postdoctoral thesis in 2004 qualified him as a university lecturer in Experimental Reproductive Medicine at the Bavarian University of Wuerzburg, Germany. Juergen has authored numerous scientific papers and book chapters. He serves also as an ad hoc reviewer for various scientific publications, and presented on more than 130 lectures as an invited speaker nation- and worldwide. He is sitting on the Scientific Advisory Board of Sage/Origio and Vivere and on the Speaker Bureau of Irvine Scientific. Juergen serves as an inspector for the College of American Pathologists’ Reproductive Laboratory Accreditation Program, and as consultant at Ingenes in Mexico City, the largest IVF clinic in Mexico.

Roberta Maggiulli

PhD, MSc, Bac Sc, ESHRE certified Senior Clinical Embryologist h-index: 3
IVF Lab Supervisor, Senior Clinical Embryologist at GENERA Centres for Reproductive Medicine, Rom, Italy

Roberta Maggiulli has been working in the field of reproductive biology for over 10 years. She obtained her academic degrees in Biotechnology and her PhD in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Parma, Italy. She has been a Research Associate at Weill Medica College of Cornell University, New York. Currently she is IVF Lab Supervisor at the Genera Center for Reproductive Medicine in Rome. She is co-author of several articles, reviews and chapters in books. Roberta is an ESHRE certified Senior Clinical Embryologist. Her current areas of interest include human embryo culture, study of the gamete, zygotes and embryos as well as their cryopreservation.

Martine Nijs

PhD, MSc, Bac Sc, ESHRE certified Senior Clinical Embryologist h-index: 21
Scientific Director, Nij Geertgen, Elsendorp, the Netherlands; ; Research and Development Consultant Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece ; Director and co-founder of Embryolab-Academy, Greece

Martine Nijs has been working in the field of reproductive biology for over 20 years; first as a senior clinical embryologist and later as IVF lab director. She obtained her PhD in Medical Sciences at the Free University of Brussels in Belgium. Martine is an ESHRE certified Senior Clinical Embryologist. Research as well as delivering high quality laboratory work has always been one of her passions. Martine authored and co-authored over 71 peer reviewed publications, five chapters in books and co-author. Martine has presented over a hundred lectures as an invited speaker at national and international meetings. She has been actively involved in organising international Meetings, Workshops and Hands-on workshops. Martine Nijs is member of the Editorial Board Faculty 1000 Research and ad hoc Board member of 9 international Journals in reproductive biology and fertility treatments. Martine is co-founder and Director of the Embryolab-Academy, Research and Development Consultant at Embryolab in Greece and currently Scientific Director at Nij Geertgen, a fertility Centre in the Netherlands.

Mikkel Rosendahl

PhD, MD h-index: 13
OnkoGynaecologist, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet

Mikkel Rosendahl lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark. He graduated from medical school in 2002; his main focus was on oncology and gynecological endocrinology. In 2009 Mikkel obtained his PhD with his work on fertility preservation in young female cancer patients, with a main focus on mechanisms of follicular depletion during chemotherapy, the auto transplantations of frozen/thawed ovarian tissue and techniques for cryopreservation. After finishing his training in obstetrics and gynecology, Mikkel has undertaken the ESGO-expert training program in Onko Gynaecology focusing on gynecological cancer and is among other things responsible for the surgical procedure during transplantation of frozen/thawed ovarian tissue.

Nikos Christoforidis

MRCOG, DFFP, Gyn & Obstet, Fertility Specialist
Clinical Director of Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece; Co-founder Embryolab-Academy,Greece

Dr Nikos Christoforidis is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a subspesialisation in human reproduction and assisted reproduction techniques. He is member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, since 2002. He has a special interest in polycystic ovarian syndrome and also in fertility preservation. He is the Clinical Director of Embryolab since 2004. Over the past few years he has supervised the implementation of evidence based guidelines in everyday medical practice and had a main contribution to quality assurance activities since the foundation of the unit. He has collaborated successfully with fellow physicians to produce patient friendly and highly effective ovarian stimulation protocols, with main emphasis on mild stimulation regimes. Dr. Nicholas Christoforidis is co-founder of Embryolab-Academy.

Jane Saxton

h-index: 3
Jessop Fertility, Sheffield, UK

Jane Saxton is Senior Embryologist at Jessop Fertility in Sheffield, UK and in 2006 practiced as a locum working in Sydney, Australia. She completed her PhD in Developmental Biology at the University of Warwick in 1999 and has published several papers including work on quality control and sperm DNA fragmentation. Jane has had an active role at Jessop Fertility for 14 years, during which time she was part of the team that designed and validated the UK’s first EUTCD compliant IVF laboratory. Her current interests include sperm/embryo cryopreservation and time lapse culture. Jane has presented work at conferences worldwide and lectures students on the MSc in Reproductive and Developmental Medicine in Sheffield. Jane is a member of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology International Journal editorial board and runs the independent website Embryonews.

Workshop Program – Theoretical Sessions

17 & 18 September 2015

Program 17th of September 2015 – Morning Session
Chair: Martine Nijs and Nikos Christoforidis
8:00 – 8:30	Registration with coffee and tea
8:30 – 8:40	Welcome, by the Director of Embryolab Academy Martine Nijs, the Netherlands
8:40 – 9:20	Understanding the fundamentals of cryobiology Juergen Liebermann, USA
9:20 – 10:00	Oocyte cryopreservation: consistent and predictable laboratory and clinical outcomes are now achievable. Roberta Maggiulli, Italy
10:00 – 10:40	Indications for Oocyte cryostorage: donation, banking and social freezing: does it work? Dominic Stoop, Belgium
10:40 – 11:00	Coffee break
11:00 – 11:40	Indications for sperm cryopreservation: donation, banking, social freezing, fertility preservation: does it work? Allan Pacey & Jane Saxton, UK
11:40 – 12:20	Sperm cryopreservation: a new or a forgotten laboratory craft? ? Martine Nijs, the Netherlands
12:20 – 13:15	Lunch

Program 17th of September 2015 – Afternoon Session
Chair: Dominic Stoop and Mikkel Rosendahl
13:15 – 13:55	Embryo cryopreservation – is there room for both slow and vitrification methods in your cryopreservation program? Juergen Liebermann, USA
13:55 – 14:35	Oocyte and Embryo selection for freezing. Is it necessary? Roberta Maggiulli, Italy
14:35 – 15:15	Cryopreservation, a useful tool in a PGD program? Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
15:15 – 15:45	Coffee break
15:45 – 16:15	Cryopreservation-of-all strategies for oocytes and/or embryos: are cycle segmentation approaches feasible? Nikos Christoforidis, Greece
16:15 – 16:45	Cryopreservation as a specialised service in your unit: set up and management Martine Nijs, the Netherlands
16:45 – 17:15	Risk and risk management in your cryopreservation program Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
17:15 – 17:45	TQM in your cryopreservation program: validation, KPI’s, IQA and EQA Jane Saxton, UK
19:30	Workshop Reception and Dinner

Program 18th of September 2015 – Morning Session
Chair: Alexia Chatziparasidou and Juergen Liebermann
8:45 – 9:15	Fertility preservation in patients with malignant diseases: how to implement a safe and successful clinical program in your practice Mikkel Rosendahl, Denmark
9:15 – 9:55	Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: all the ins and outs for the lab. Ingrid Segers, Belgium
9:55 – 10:35	The continuous dialogue between patient, clinic and laboratory for replacement of cryopreserved gametes/embryos: a practical approach. Nikos Christoforidis, Greece
10:35 – 11:00	Coffee break
11:00 – 11:40	Is cryopreservation of oocytes, sperm and embryos efficient and safe? How to measure? Dominic Stoop, Belgium
11:40 – 12:30	Successes and pitfalls in cryopreservation. Martine Nijs, the Netherlands
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch

Program 18th of September 2015 – Afternoon Brains-on session ‘Bring your troubles to us and we will ’shoot’ them!’
Chair: All invited speakers will take part of the expert panels
13:30 – 16:30 Including coffee break	In the ‘Brains-on’ sessions’ delegates are invited to present a specific problem/trouble/issue they have or are encountering with cryopreservation in their clinic or laboratory as a Mini Poster. In this break-out session, the expert team and the participants will investigate the problem/trouble/issue presented and will design a route for solving and preventing this (or other) problems in the future.
16:30 – 17:00	Summary of ‘Brains-on’ session
17:00	Closure of workshop and Farewell drink

Possible Topics are

Since the last two days I am observing high rates of degeneration after thawing. How to find the cause?
I want to start using a new type of carrier for vitrification. How do I validate them?
We are moving to a clean room setting with our IVF laboratories. What about the cryopreservation lab? How do I validate this? What do I need to test?
I am a gynecologist and how do I counsel my patient on different freezing strategies?
I think that one my embryologists is performing poorly in the cryolab? How do I test in an objective way?
We tranported frozen semen of a HepC positive patient in our dryshipper. Can I use the dry shipper for transport of other samples or do I need to clean it first? Is this a non conformity?

Optional ‘Hands-on Workshop’ in

cryopreservation laboratory techniques

During this one day Hands-on Workshop, special emphasis will be given on Hands-on practice and demonstration of

Cryopreservation of ejaculate and testicular sperm
Vitrification of oocytes, embryos and blastocysts
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue

under supervision of the expert teachers.

Cryopreservation of ejaculate and testicular sperm

Jane Saxton, UK
Martine Nijs, the Netherlands

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue

Ingrid Segers, Belgium
Mikkel Rosendahl, Denmark

Vitrification of oocytes, embryos and blastocyst

Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
Roberta Maggiulli, Italy

Demonstration and training of different methods will be available: closed carriers, single straw closed carriers, straw-in straw closed carriers.
In order to have maximum benefit of the Hands-on workshop, we have limited the number of delegates in the Hands-on Workshop to 30.
Three groups of 10 participants each will follow a rota of workshops.

‘Hands-on’ Workshop Schedule 19.09.2015
Session A	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
9:00 – 11:30	Cryopreservation of ejaculate and testicular sperm	Cryopreseration of ovarian tissue	Vitrification of oocytes, embryos and blastocyst
11:30 – 12:30	Lunch & Group picture
Session B	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
12:30 – 15:00	Cryopreservation of ejaculate and testicular sperm	Cryopreseration of ovarian tissue	Vitrification of oocytes, embryos and blastocyst
15:00 – 15:30	Coffee Break
Session C	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
15:30 – 17:00	Cryopreservation of ejaculate and testicular sperm	Cryopreseration of ovarian tissue	Vitrification of oocytes, embryos and blastocyst
18:00 – 18:15	Summary of Hands-on Workshop Fare well drink

Accreditation

Accreditation was obtained from the The European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME). The EACCME is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The Embryolab Academy CRYO Workshop was granted 18 European CME credits (ECMEC).

The Embryolab Academy Workshop is under the auspices of ASEBIR

Ethical Med Tech assessment concluded that the Embryolab Academy Cryo Workshop is: COMPLIANT
To visit the Ethical Med Tech website, please click here

Certificate of attendance

A Certificate of attendance will be awarded to the delegates after attending the full workshop program. After completing the on-line evaluation form of the workshop, all certificates can be downloaded.

Cryo Workshop Venue

Makedonia Palace Hotel
2, Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, 546 40, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: (+30) 2310 897197
Fax: (+30) 2310 897211
www.makedoniapalace.com

‘Hands-on’ Workshop Venue

Embryolab Academy
At Embryolab
173-175 Ethnikis Antistaseos, 551 34 Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: (+30) 2310 897197
Fax: (+30) 2310 897211
www.embryolab-academy.org
info@embryolab-academy.org

Accommodation

Makedonia Palace Hotel
2, Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, 546 40, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: (+30) 2310 897197
Fax: (+30) 2310 897211
www.makedoniapalace.com

‘Brains-on’ session with Mini posters

In the ‘Brains-on’ sessions’ delegates are invited to present a specific problem/trouble/issue they have or are encountering with cryopreservation in their clinic or laboratory as a Mini Poster.

After registration, participants will receive an invitation with instructions for the preparation of their Mini Poster.

Deadline for Mini-Poster submission is 25th of August 2015.

Workshop Secretariat

Embryolab Academy
At Embryolab
173-175 Ethnikis Antistaseos, 551 34 Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece
www.embryolab-academy.org
info@embryolab-academy.org

Workshop Venue

Makedonia Palace Hotel
2, Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, 546 40, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: (+30) 2310 897197
Fax: (+30) 2310 897211
www.makedoniapalace.com

‘Hands-on’ Workshop Venue

Embryolab Academy
At Embryolab
173-175 Ethnikis Antistaseos, 551 34 Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: (+30) 2310 897197
Fax: (+30) 2310 897211
www.embryolab-academy.org
info@embryolab-academy.org

Workshop language

The official language of the Workshop is English.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia. Greece’s second major economic, industrial, commercial and political centre, and a major transportation hub for the rest of southeastern Europe. The city is renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general, and is considered to be Greece’s cultural capital

Climate

Even though it may be autumn, temperatures rarely go below 16 degrees Celsius and the daily average floats around a comfortable 21 degrees Celsius (16° – 27°C).

Liability

The Workshop secretariat and organiser cannot assume liability for personal accidents, loss of or damage to private property of participants, either during, or directly arising from the Workshop. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance. Embryolab academy cannot be held accountable for cancellation of participation because of air strikes or serious adverse events.

Time zone

The time zone in Greece is Eastern Europe Time Zone : UTC/GMT +2 hours.

Dress Code

Dress code for the Cryo Workshop and ‘Hands-on’ Workshop is business casual.

Visas

International participants to the Workshop may require visas in order to Greece. Participants are requested to check with their consulate or diplomatic mission in their home country or with their travel agency for visa requirements. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.

Letter of Invitation

Upon request, the Secretariat of the Workshop will send a personal invitation to participants. This invitation is meant only to help visitors to raise travel funds or to obtain a visa, and is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support. The letter of invitation can only be send when payment of registration fee is completed.

Travel to Thessaloniki, to the Makedonia Palace Hotel

Direct flights are available to the Makedonia airport of Thessaloniki in Greece from Vienna, Rome, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich, Stuttgart, Belgrade, Bucharest, London and Moscow.

Makedonia Airport 13 km

Taxis can be easily found outside the airport arrival hall. It will take about 20 minutes to arrive from the airport to the Makedonia Palace hotel. The price for a single taxi journey is around 20-30 Euro.

You can find information for pre-booking your taxi here: TAXIWAY.

By car: Follow Georgikis Scholis Avenue towards west. At some point, its name changes to Ethnikis Antistaseos, Vas. Olgas Avenue and then Vas. Georgiou Avenue. At the stop lights of City Hall of Thessaloniki, the left turn will lead you to Meg. Alexandrou Ave, after approx. 400 m the hotel is on your right.

By bus: Faliro bus stop of line 78 (Airport – Bus Station) is less than 150 m away from the hotel.

Train Station 4 km

By car: follow Monastiriou street towards east, and right after Dimokratias square take a right to Dodekanisou street (Salaminos street at a later point) to reach the entrance of the Port’s Passenger Terminal entrance. Take a left to Kountouriotou street (Nikis Ave at a later point) until you reach the White Tower. Follow Meg. Alexandrou Ave, and after approx. 400 m the hotel is on your right.

By bus: Faliro bus stop of line 8 (New Train Station – IKEA East Terminal Station) is less than 150 m away from the hotel.

Port Passenger Terminal 4 km

By car: follow Kountouriotou street (Nikis Ave at a later point) towards west, until reaching the White Tower. Follow Meg. Alexandrou Ave, and after approx. 400 m the hotel is on your right.

By bus: Faliro bus stop of line 8 (New Train Station – IKEA East Terminal Station) is less than 150 m away from the hotel.

Car parking

Car parking with limited number of parking places next to the hotel is free of charge.

Workshop language

The official language of the Workshop is English.

Thessaloniki

Registration and Fees

Online registration can only be done through the Embryolab Academy Website

Fees are to be paid by credit card. A credit card authorisation form will be emailed to you automatically after your registration. Please fill in the credit card authorisation form and mail it to info@embryolab-academy.org . Please notify your bank that your Credit Card will be charged by Embryolab Academy in Greece.

Please not that only after receipt of your payment, your participation can be guaranteed in the Cryo Workshop and/or Hands-on Workshop. Registration is based on a ‘first come first serve basis’. Number of delegates in the two day Cryo Workshop sessions is limited to 100. The number of delegates in the Hands-on Workshop is limited to 30.

	CRYO Workshop 17-18.09 2015	Optional ‘Hands-on’ Workshop 19.09.2015
	Maximum of 100 participants	Maximum of 30 participants
Early Bird registration before 5th of August 2015	500 Euro	450 Euro
Normal registration rate as of 6th of August 2015	550 Euro	500 Euro
Accompanying person	50 Euro	–
	Combi -registration Cryo Workshop and Hands-on Workshop
Combi Early Bird registration before 5th of August 2015	900 Euro
Combi Normal registration rate as of 6th of August 2015	1000 Euro
Registration includes	Theoretical morning sessions ‘Brains-on’ afternoon sessions Refreshments Lunches Workshop reception and dinner on Thursday evening Farewell drink Workshop Manual Certificate of attendance	3 ‘Hands-on’ sessions Demonstrations Refreshments Lunches Farewell drink Workshop Manual Certificate of attendance
Returning Embryolab Academy participants are offered a 30 Euro discount on the total registration fee.

Accompanying person

An accompanying person can be registered for 50 Euro fee. The accompanying person is entitled to attend the Workshop reception and dinner and the Farewell drink. The accompanying person is not entitled to attend the CRYO Workshop lecture sessions.

Cancellation fees

All cancellations must be e-mailed. Refund of registration fees will be the as follows:

Until 1st of August: 100% refund (minus 50 Euro administration cost)
After 1st of August: no refund on cancellations

Accommodation

Registration fee does not include accommodation.

Because September is still a busy season for Thessaloniki, we have pre-reserved several rooms at the Cryo Workshop Venue Makedonia Palace Hotel, a 5 star hotel well on the sea side promenade.

Makedonia Palace Hotel, 2, Megalou Alexandrou Avenue, 546 40, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: (+30) 2310 897197 Fax: (+30) 2310 897211, www.makedoniapalace.com

City View room for single use 100 € per room, per night
City View room for double use 110 € per room, per night
Sea View room for single use 110 € per room, per night
Sea View room for double use 120 € per room, per night

Please book your accommodation at the Makedonia palace Hotel directly using this link

We have pre-reserved several rooms at the City Hotel as well, a 4 star hotel well located in the city center, near the sea side promenade (Komninon 11, Thessaloniki 54624). The City hotel is within 20 minutes walking distance from the Makedonia Palace hotel.

Rooms for single use – inner view – 70 € / room/ night
Rooms for double use – inner view – 80 € / room/ night
Rooms for single use – city view – 80 € / room/ night
Rooms for double use – city view – 90 € / room/ night

Please book your accommodation at the City Hotel using this registration form: City Hotel booking

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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“.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

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!

Workshop Cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues: daily practice in your lab and clinic

Theoretical sessions: 17 & 18 September 2015

Hands-on session: 19 September 2015

Embryolab Academy, Thessaloniki, Greece

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Topics

Theoretical sessions

Brains-on sessions

Optional ‘Hands-on’ Workshop in cryopreservation laboratory techniques

Innovative aspects

Workshop Directors

Alexia Chatziparasidou

Martine Nijs

Nikos Christoforidis

Workshop Secretariat

Your Prominent Speakers

Allan Pacey

Alexia Chatziparasidou

Dominic Stoop

Ingrid Segers

Juergen Liebermann

Roberta Maggiulli

Martine Nijs

Mikkel Rosendahl

Nikos Christoforidis

Jane Saxton

Workshop Program – Theoretical Sessions

17 & 18 September 2015

Optional ‘Hands-on Workshop’ in

cryopreservation laboratory techniques

Accreditation

Certificate of attendance

Cryo Workshop Venue

‘Hands-on’ Workshop Venue

Accommodation

‘Brains-on’ session with Mini posters

Workshop Secretariat

Workshop Venue

‘Hands-on’ Workshop Venue

Workshop language

Thessaloniki

Climate

Liability

Time zone

Dress Code

Visas

Letter of Invitation

Travel to Thessaloniki, to the Makedonia Palace Hotel

Makedonia Airport 13 km

Train Station 4 km

Port Passenger Terminal 4 km

Car parking

Workshop language

Thessaloniki

Registration and Fees

Accompanying person

Cancellation fees

Accommodation

Sponsors

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

Miki Belenky MSc

Matthew Feldman MSc, MA

Aimilia Vorniotaki, BSC,

Eleni Taki, BSC, M.Res.

Workshop
Cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, blastocysts and reproductive tissues:
daily practice in your lab and clinic