Teresa Almeida Santos, Portugal
Teresa Almeida Santos, MD., Ph.D.
Professor- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Director of the Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatalogy Department of the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Portugal
General Secretary of the Portuguese Federation of OB/GYN societies
Luis Alonso Pacheco
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2002-NOW DIRECTOR GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY UNIT – CENTRO GUTENBERG
MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2010-NOW REPRODUCTIVE SURGERY CONSULTANT – QUIRÓN SALUD HOSPITAL MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2010-NOW REPRODUCTIVE SURGERY CONSULTANT – CLÍNICA VICTORIA MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2006-2009 GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY CONSULTANT – HOSPITAL XANIT INTERNACIONAL
BENALMÁDENA
Surgery in the field of minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
EDUCATION
2012 The European Academy. Modern Hysteroscopy Course.
2008 EGES Valencia. Advanced Hysteroscopic surgery.
1998-2002 Hospital Regional Carlos Haya Málaga. Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
1988-1994 Universidad de Valladolid. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
– Executive Board Member European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE)
– Immediate past Chair AAGL Hysteroscopy SIG
– Spanish Delegate of the SIAEGI (Iberoamerican Society of Gynecological Endoscopy)
– Founder and Main Editor of “Hysteroscopy Newsletter”
– Chairman of the Global Congress on Hysteroscopy
– Director of University Masters degree in Hysteroscopy
– Secretary Endoscopy Section of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO)
– Director of the Course “Hysteroscopy and 3D ultrasound in infertility”
– Presentations, Lectures and Talks for Domestic and International Congresses and Meetings
– Editor of four recent published books: “Mastering the techniques in Hysteroscopy”, “Hysteroscopy”, “Atlas of Hysteroscopy” and “Tratado de Histeroscopia”
– Associated professor of Andalusian School of Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery 2006 to 2009
– Associated professor of Endoscopic Gynecological Master University of Bolonia (Italy)
– Professor of Hysteroscopy Course – Campus Dexeus
– Editorial board member of the journal: “Progresos en Obstetricia y Ginecología”
– Editorial board Member of the journal ‘Facts, Views and Vision in Obgyn’.
– Languages: Spanish, English and Italian.
Eran Ashwal, Canada
Anne Goriely
After an undergraduate degree in Engineering (Agronomy) at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium), Anne Goriely obtained a PhD studying the development of the nervous system of the Drosophila embryo. She spent 4 years in New York at Cornell Medical School and Rockefeller University, before moving to the UK to work on the nervous system development of the chick embryo. In 2000 she joined the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (University of Oxford) to study the origin of rare human developmental disorders associated with paternal age effects.
She is currently Professor of Human Genetics based at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford. Using a human genetics approach, her group’s main interests lie in elucidating the mechanisms by which we acquire new germline mutations and the implications of such processes in health and disease.
MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine,
Radcliffe Department of Medicine
University of Oxford,
Oxford, UK
She is an Editor for the Ultrasound on obstetrics and Gynecology Journal. She is an International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) Trustee and is an Ambassador to North Africa and the Middle East. She works closely with the Twins trust Charity and together has set up the world-first Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence at St George’s Hospital.
Andrea Tinelli
Dr. Andrea Tinelli completed his medical degree magna “cum laude” in 1996, at School of Medicine “Federico II” of Naples, Italy, and specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology “cum laude” in 2000 at University of Trieste, Italy. He carried out surgical fellowship in University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), in Abteilung für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, LKH Villach (Austria), in European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy) and in National Oncological Institute of Aviano (Italy).
Dr Tinelli currently is Chief of Obstetric & Gynecology Department at “Veris delli Ponti” Hospital, Scorrano, Italy and he’s Head of Division of Experimental Research on Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Minimally Invasive Technology and Therapy, at “Vito Fazzi” Hospital, Lecce, Italy.
He’s a PhD in Morphological Molecular Sciences, at Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Dr. Tinelli has National Authorization as Full Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Italy.
Dr Tinelli was Former Adjunct Professor at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Moscow, Russia and is Honorary Professor at Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China.
He is scientific manager of CERICSAL (Centro Ricerche Cliniche del Salento), Ospedale Veris delli Ponti, Italy and permanent Board Member of D.R.e.A.M. Committee, at University of Salento, Italy. Dr. Tinelli is author and co-author of 10 Books, more than 420 papers, on peer-reviewed medical journals and 70 textbook chapters; he collaborates with many Hospitals and Universities, as Editorial Board Member of Scientific Journals. The h-Index is 32, with more than 4600 citations.
His clinical specialties include minimally invasive surgery and gynecological endoscopy, obstetric surgery and complications management, gynecological surgical oncology, molecular biology in gynecology, endometriosis and pelvic floor repair
Prof. Dr. Arne Vanhie is a gynecologist at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, with a special interest in endometriosis and infertility. He obtained his medical degree at Leuven University, Belgium. During his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology he worked at the University Hospital Leuven and University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a thesis on microRNA as biomarkers for endometriosis. As part of his PhD he worked on a two year project in the baboon model for endometriosis at the Institute of Primate Research in Nairobi, Kenya. After a research fellowship at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, USA he started working in the Leuven University Fertility Center. The greater part of his clinical practice are couples who need pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-M) and women with endometriosis-related pain or infertility. Along with his clinical work Prof. Dr. Arne Vanhie is researcher at Leuven University in the Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine (LEERM). His research is focused on reproductive genetics and non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.
Andrea Weghofer, MD PhD MSc MBA works as a senior consultant at the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology & Reproductive Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria and serves as the head of the department’s outpatient unit for fertility treatment.
Dr. Weghofer was born and raised in Vienna and graduated from the Medical University of Vienna. She obtained her PhD as the first graduate of the University’s Reproductive Endocrinology program. Dr. Weghofer completed her residency training at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Medical University in Vienna and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. She is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology (including reproductive endocrinology & infertility) and in Human Genetics. In the course of international research collaborations Dr. Weghofer concentrates her research efforts on in vitro fertilization, ovarian senescence and reproductive genetics. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has won a number of national and international awards for her scientific work. Currently Dr. Weghofer serves as section editor for Reproductive Biomedicine Online and was appointed Vice president of Austria’s Society of Reproductive Medicine.
Pierluigi Benedetti Panici, Italy
His scientific career has long been devoted to the field of female reproductive ageing. Special focus has been on the normal ovarian ageing pattern, assessment of actual and future fertility status, genetic backgrounds of the variation in the ovarian ageing process, and the link between vascular and ovarian ageing. At present, he is supervising 3 PhD students.
Recent focus has moved towards the role of the endometrium in reproductive success. The banking of endometrium tissue from several patient groups has allowed to develop a research line where endometrium organoids are utilised to unravel many functional aspects that could lead to understanding and prevention of several reproductive failure conditions.
Within these fields of scientific interest he obtained several grants from the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (ZonMW) and the Dutch College for Health Care Insurance.
He has held an Associate Editorship for Human Reproduction between 2005 and 2009, he is the former chairman of the Dutch Flemish Society for Studies on Fertility, he participates in several Advisory boards, is reviewer for Gynaecological Obstetrical Investigation, Fertility Sterility, Human Reproduction, and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, he was a member of the Institutional Review Board UMC Utrecht between 2012 and 2014, he was chairman of the department Board on Ethical issues in Reproductive Medicine between 2012 and 2015, he was the coordinator of the Board of the Special Interest Group Reproductive Endocrinology of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology between 2015-2017, he was chairman of the pillar Reproductive Medicine of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology between 2015-2018 and has published over 302 peer-reviewed scientific papers, contributed 38 book chapters and presented over 161 invited lectures at international meetings.
Mariano Buffone, Spain/Argentina
Mariano G Buffone Ph.D. earned his Bachelors and master’s degree in Biochemistry from University of Buenos Aires, Argentina where he also obtained his PhD. He then moved to the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA) as a postdoctoral fellow under the direction of professors George L. Gerton and Richard M. Schultz.
In 2010, Dr Buffone moved to Buenos Aires and became Assistant Professor at the Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he leads his research team
Since 2015, he assumed his present position as Professor at the same institution. He was recently appointed as Vice Director of the Institute.
His laboratory seeks to understand the complex process of mammalian sperm capacitation with particular emphasis in the process of acrosomal exocytosis. To this end, his lab uses a wide range of approaches that include the analysis of signaling pathways, single cell imaging experiments, super resolution microscopy and in vivo studies. Dr Buffone has also been very active collaborating with several groups in the United States, Japan, Mexico and Argentina.
pain
Bart Fauser, MD, PhD, FRCOG, is a Professor Em. of Reproductive Medicine, former Head of the Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology and former Chair of the Division of Woman & Baby at the University of Utrecht and the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
He is a Fellow ad Eundum of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG), Honorary member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), executive Board member and scientific director of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), international member of the (US) National Academy of Medicine, Editor in Chief of Reproductive Biomedicine Online (RBMO), Night in the order of the Netherlands Lion, past member of the board of the Dutch Medical Research Counsel (ZonMW), past Editor in Chief of Human reproduction Update, and past Professor and Division Chief at the Erasmus Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
He previously held posts as a Fulbright scholar at the University of California, San Diego; visiting professorships at Stanford University School of Medicine (California, USA), Free University (Brussels, Belgium), University of Siena (Italy), University of Southampton (UK), and the University of Adelaide (Australia). He was a past chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) steering committee for infertility guidelines.
His major research interests include the pathophysiology of human ovarian function (including PCOS, and POI), ovarian stimulation, IVF and women’s health (including contraception, menopause and healthy aging). He has published close to 500 peer-reviewed articles (Hirsch factor > 100), is one of the most cited authors in reproductive medicine and his work has been widely covered in the national and international lay press
Shai Carmi is an associate professor at the Hebrew University School of Public Health. His training is in statistical physics and population genetics, and his current research focuses on statistical methods in genetics. Specific areas of study include theoretical population genetics, ancient DNA, genetic genealogy, genome-wide association studies, polygenic risk scores, pre-conception genetic testing, and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). His work on PGT includes the development of embryo genotyping methods and the evaluation of PGT for polygenic (complex) diseases and traits.
Prof Justin Clark is a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital and is an Honorary Professor of Gynaecology at the University of Birmingham. He is a recent Past President of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy. His clinical and research interests are in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and endoscopic surgery. He has helped pioneer ambulatory gynaecological intervention. He has published widely, holds over £9 million research grants including a grant to run the LAVA Trial: An RCT comparing laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy. He is an Editorial Board member of the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and an Associated Editor on the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy Journal; Facts, Views and Vision in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Giovanni Coticchio holds a MMedSci degree in Assisted Reproduction Technologies, a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology and a qualification of full professor. He is Scientific Director of 9.baby, GeneraLife IVF, Bologna, Italy. He has published over one hundred peer-reviewed papers, several book chapters and two books. Since June 2021, he has served as member of the Executive Committee of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Dr Cesar Diaz-Garcia completed his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine at the Autonomous University of Madrid and Pitié-Salpêtrière University in Paris. He specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at La Fe University Hospital of Valencia (University of Valencia), where he was awarded with the Best Resident Award in 2009. He obtained the European PhD at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Valencia under the supervision of Prof Mats Brannstrom.
His scientific career has been devoted to the field of fertility preservation, with special interest on ovarian cortex transplantation, uterus transplantation, follicular activation and poor response in IVF. Dr Diaz-Garcia was part of the first team achieving a live birth after uterus transplantation in humans and was the lead of the Valencian Program for Fertility Preservation, one of the largest fertility preservation programs worldwide.
His academic career goes back to 2011 as an Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Valencia and from 2020 at the EGA Institute of Women’s Health at University College London.
At the present, he is the Medical Director of IVI London, where he combines his medical duties in the field of infertility with his surgical activities and academic tasks
2002–2008 Studies in Medicine (N 202), Medical University of Vienna
24. 7. 2008 Awarded the academic degree “Doctor of Medicine” (M.D.)
2007–2009 Research fellow, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna
2009–2011 Resident physician, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna
Since 2011 Physician and lecturer, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Vienna
2008–2011 Doctoral studies “Doctor of Philosophy” (N094), Medical University of Vienna
22. 11. 2011 Awarded the academic degree “Doctor of Philosophy” (Ph.D.)
2010–2013 Master Studies in Medical Biometry/Biostatistics, Universität Heidelberg
24. 6. 2013 Awarded the academic degree “Master of Science” (M.Sc.) in Medical Biometry/Biostatistics
14. 10. 2014 Awarded the “Venia docendi” in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Since 2014 Head of the scientific research group “Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Pregnancy”
Since 2015 Coordinator for the clinical management of women with metabolic disorders at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Since 24.1.2017 Clinical specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Main areas of research
Metabolic disorders in pregnancy (gestational and preexisting diabetes, obesity, history of bariatric surgery); In vivo examinations of glucose disposal (HEC, FSIGT, OGTT, etc.); Modelling of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in prediabetic conditions; Continuous glucose monitoring; Medical biometry and clinical prediction models;
Michel De Vos, MD, PhD, is a senior medical director at Brussels IVF, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium and an associate professor in reproductive medicine at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
He studied medicine in Ghent, Belgium (MD 1997), has been a gynaecologist since 2006 and holds a PhD in medicine from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom (2007). In 2011, he was recognised as a subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery by ESHRE and the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG). His main research focus is on fertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and on fertility preservation. He is the current Chair of the In Vitro Maturation Special Interest Group of the ASRM.
He is a member of the Female Oncofertility Scientific Committee of The Oncofertility Consortium of Michigan State University
Training
Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology: UCLA
Diplomate of The Am Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sub-specialty in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: UCLA
Diplomate of the Am Board of Ob-Gyn, Reprod Endocr. and Infertility.
By endorsement of US diplomas:
Specialist in OB-GYN and subspecialist in Reprod Endocr and Infert in France and Switzerland
Editorship
* Editorial Board of Fertility and Sterility:
* Editorial Editor 2021 –
* Former Associate Editor Human Reproduction
* Ad hoc Reviewer: Journal Clin Endocr and Metab, Lancet
Past positions
* Professor and Head Division Reprod Endocr and Infert.
2004-2008: University Hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne; Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland
* Professor and Head Division Reprod Endocr and Infert
2008-2017: Hopital Cochin Medical Center; Paris France
Dr Cesar Diaz-Garcia completed his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine at the Autonomous University of Madrid and Pitié-Salpêtrière University in Paris. He specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at La Fe University Hospital of Valencia (University of Valencia), where he was awarded with the Best Resident Award in 2009. He obtained the European PhD at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Valencia under the supervision of Prof Mats Brannstrom.
His scientific career has been devoted to the field of fertility preservation, with special interest on ovarian cortex transplantation, uterus transplantation, follicular activation and poor response in IVF. Dr Diaz-Garcia was part of the first team achieving a live birth after uterus transplantation in humans and was the lead of the Valencian Program for Fertility Preservation, one of the largest fertility preservation programs worldwide.
His academic career goes back to 2011 as an Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Valencia and from 2020 at the EGA Institute of Women’s Health at University College London.
At the present, he is the Medical Director of IVI London, where he combines his medical duties in the field of infertility with his surgical activities and academic tasks
Marie-Madeleine Dolmans,
Belgium
J.J. (Hans) Duvekot, Netherlands
Priv.-Doz. Dana A. Muin, MD MMSc MRes, is a Consultant subspecialist in feto-maternal and perinatal medicine at the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Comprehensive Centre for Paediatrics in Vienna, Austria.
Following medical graduation from Vienna, she completed a 2-year foundation training within the East of England Deanery and obtained her specialist training in the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Beside her medical degree, Dr Muin received a Master of Science in Gender Medicine, a Master of Science in Medical Genetics and a Master of Research in Pregnancy and Reproduction.
Dr Muin’s research focuses on intrauterine fetal death and placental dysfunction leading to intrauterine growth restriction and eventually stillbirth. In 2018, she worked one year at the Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre in Manchester, UK. Currently, she is the head of the Stillbirth Research Group “Austrian Stillbirth Alliance” at the Medical University of Vienna, collaborating with national and international researchers on epidemiological data and conducting laboratory investigations in the field of placental dysfunction. Her goal is to contribute to early detection of fetal compromise and establish prevention strategies to help reduce antepartum stillbirth worldwide.
Eran Ashwal, Canada
His scientific career has long been devoted to the field of female reproductive ageing. Special focus has been on the normal ovarian ageing pattern, assessment of actual and future fertility status, genetic backgrounds of the variation in the ovarian ageing process, and the link between vascular and ovarian ageing. At present, he is supervising 3 PhD students.
Recent focus has moved towards the role of the endometrium in reproductive success. The banking of endometrium tissue from several patient groups has allowed to develop a research line where endometrium organoids are utilised to unravel many functional aspects that could lead to understanding and prevention of several reproductive failure conditions.
Within these fields of scientific interest he obtained several grants from the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (ZonMW) and the Dutch College for Health Care Insurance.
He has held an Associate Editorship for Human Reproduction between 2005 and 2009, he is the former chairman of the Dutch Flemish Society for Studies on Fertility, he participates in several Advisory boards, is reviewer for Gynaecological Obstetrical Investigation, Fertility Sterility, Human Reproduction, and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, he was a member of the Institutional Review Board UMC Utrecht between 2012 and 2014, he was chairman of the department Board on Ethical issues in Reproductive Medicine between 2012 and 2015, he was the coordinator of the Board of the Special Interest Group Reproductive Endocrinology of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology between 2015-2017, he was chairman of the pillar Reproductive Medicine of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology between 2015-2018 and has published over 302 peer-reviewed scientific papers, contributed 38 book chapters and presented over 161 invited lectures at international meetings.
Bart Fauser, MD, PhD, FRCOG, is a Professor Em. of Reproductive Medicine, former Head of the Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology and former Chair of the Division of Woman & Baby at the University of Utrecht and the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
He is a Fellow ad Eundum of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG), Honorary member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), executive Board member and scientific director of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), international member of the (US) National Academy of Medicine, Editor in Chief of Reproductive Biomedicine Online (RBMO), Night in the order of the Netherlands Lion, past member of the board of the Dutch Medical Research Counsel (ZonMW), past Editor in Chief of Human reproduction Update, and past Professor and Division Chief at the Erasmus Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
He previously held posts as a Fulbright scholar at the University of California, San Diego; visiting professorships at Stanford University School of Medicine (California, USA), Free University (Brussels, Belgium), University of Siena (Italy), University of Southampton (UK), and the University of Adelaide (Australia). He was a past chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) steering committee for infertility guidelines.
His major research interests include the pathophysiology of human ovarian function (including PCOS, and POI), ovarian stimulation, IVF and women’s health (including contraception, menopause and healthy aging). He has published close to 500 peer-reviewed articles (Hirsch factor > 100), is one of the most cited authors in reproductive medicine and his work has been widely covered in the national and international lay press
Professor Thomas Freour, PharmD, PhD, is a clinical embryologist, head of the infertility department of the University Hospital of Nantes, France. He is also director of research and innovation of the IVF lab of the clinica Dexeus in Barcelona, Spain. He authored more than 100 publications, and is currently Associate Editor at Human Reproduction Journal. His main fields of interest are clinical and fundamental embryology, and innovation in IVF, including Artificial Intelligence.
Florian Kiefer MD, PhD is Associate Professor of Medicine and Head of the Endocrine Outpatient Clinic at the Division of Endocrinolgy & Metabolism at the Medical University of Vienna. He is the Vice-President of the Austrian Obesity Association and an active board member of the Austrian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr Kiefer is also a research group leader of multiple peer-reviewed projects and has published extensively in the field of energy metabolism, obesity and brown fat physiology. He is recipient of numerous awards including the prestigous Theodor-Billroth Prize and the Paracelsus Award. Dr Kiefer serves as a reviewer for multiple international scientific journals.
Giovanni Coticchio holds a MMedSci degree in Assisted Reproduction Technologies, a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology and a qualification of full professor. He is Scientific Director of 9.baby, GeneraLife IVF, Bologna, Italy. He has published over one hundred peer-reviewed papers, several book chapters and two books. Since June 2021, he has served as member of the Executive Committee of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Dr Cesar Diaz-Garcia completed his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine at the Autonomous University of Madrid and Pitié-Salpêtrière University in Paris. He specialized in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at La Fe University Hospital of Valencia (University of Valencia), where he was awarded with the Best Resident Award in 2009. He obtained the European PhD at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Valencia under the supervision of Prof Mats Brannstrom.
His scientific career has been devoted to the field of fertility preservation, with special interest on ovarian cortex transplantation, uterus transplantation, follicular activation and poor response in IVF. Dr Diaz-Garcia was part of the first team achieving a live birth after uterus transplantation in humans and was the lead of the Valencian Program for Fertility Preservation, one of the largest fertility preservation programs worldwide.
His academic career goes back to 2011 as an Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Valencia and from 2020 at the EGA Institute of Women’s Health at University College London.
At the present, he is the Medical Director of IVI London, where he combines his medical duties in the field of infertility with his surgical activities and academic tasks
2002–2008 Studies in Medicine (N 202), Medical University of Vienna
24. 7. 2008 Awarded the academic degree “Doctor of Medicine” (M.D.)
2007–2009 Research fellow, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna
2009–2011 Resident physician, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna
Since 2011 Physician and lecturer, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Vienna
2008–2011 Doctoral studies “Doctor of Philosophy” (N094), Medical University of Vienna
22. 11. 2011 Awarded the academic degree “Doctor of Philosophy” (Ph.D.)
2010–2013 Master Studies in Medical Biometry/Biostatistics, Universität Heidelberg
24. 6. 2013 Awarded the academic degree “Master of Science” (M.Sc.) in Medical Biometry/Biostatistics
14. 10. 2014 Awarded the “Venia docendi” in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Since 2014 Head of the scientific research group “Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Pregnancy”
Since 2015 Coordinator for the clinical management of women with metabolic disorders at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Since 24.1.2017 Clinical specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Main areas of research
Metabolic disorders in pregnancy (gestational and preexisting diabetes, obesity, history of bariatric surgery); In vivo examinations of glucose disposal (HEC, FSIGT, OGTT, etc.); Modelling of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in prediabetic conditions; Continuous glucose monitoring; Medical biometry and clinical prediction models;
Anne Goriely
After an undergraduate degree in Engineering (Agronomy) at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium), Anne Goriely obtained a PhD studying the development of the nervous system of the Drosophila embryo. She spent 4 years in New York at Cornell Medical School and Rockefeller University, before moving to the UK to work on the nervous system development of the chick embryo. In 2000 she joined the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (University of Oxford) to study the origin of rare human developmental disorders associated with paternal age effects.
She is currently Professor of Human Genetics based at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford. Using a human genetics approach, her group’s main interests lie in elucidating the mechanisms by which we acquire new germline mutations and the implications of such processes in health and disease.
MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine,
Radcliffe Department of Medicine
University of Oxford,
Oxford, UK
Prof. PD. Gernot Hudelist, MD, MSc
Consultant Gynaecologist
Hospital St. John of God
Rudolfinerhaus Private Clinic
Vienna, Austria
Reproductive and Pelvic Surgeon
• Reproductive and Pelvic Surgeon & Sonographer
• Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Board Member of the EEL (European Endometriosis League)
• Member of the ESGE – SIG (Special Interest Group) for
• Endometriosis
Key areas of interest:
• Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain
• Reproductive Surgery, Gynaecological Oncology
• Gynaecological Ultrasound
• Author and Co-author of over 140 publications in high-ranked peer reviewed scientific journals
• Prof. Gernot Hudelist has experience of over 5000 surgical procedures for endometriosis with over 2000 procedures for deep endometriosis (DE)
• Prof. Gernot Hudelist is involved in several international multicenter studies (IDEA; #ENZIAN)
Gülen Yerlikaya-Schatten, Austria
J.J. (Hans) Duvekot, Netherlands
Sergio Haimovich, Israel/Spain
Sergio Haimovich
• PhD in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Cum Laude) Barcelona Autonomous University
• Director of the Gynecology Department. Laniado University Hospital. Netanya, Israel.
• Head of the Hysteroscopy Unit. Gynecology Department at the Del Mar University Hospital. Barcelona, España
• Vice Chair of the AAGL Hysteroscopy SIG
• Director of the International School of Laser in Gynecology. Nadezhda Hospital. Sofia, Bulgaria.
• Co-Chair and co-Founder of the “Global Community of Hysteroscopy”
• Clinical Assistant Professor Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion. Israel
• Clinical Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the Republic University of Uruguay
Hanns P. Helmer, MD received his medical degrees from the Medical College of the University of Vienna. After completing a fellowship at Cornell University Medical College in the Division of Reproductive Biology, he went through his internship in Vienna and did his residency at the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology at the University of Vienna. His main research interests lie in the field of preterm delivery, basic research in uterine contractility, leading to his clinical interests in the fields of labor induction, tocolysis and prevention/treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. Further interests are in clinical research of diagnosis and treatment of infection associated preterm labor and PROM as well as the effects of pregnancy and delivery on the pelvic floor. He represents Austria in the establishment of international clinical obstetric guidelines (AWMF, together with Swizerland and Germany) He is author of more than 70 peer reviewed scientific articles and reviewer for major obstetrical journals. He is past president of PREBIC (preterm birth international collaborative) and member of the SRI (society of reproductive investigation), board member of the Austrian society for pre- and perinatal medicine (OeGfPPM) and the German society of prenatal medicine and obstetrics (DGPGM)
Hanns P. Helmer, MD
Medical University of Vienna
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Waehringer Guertel 18-20
1090 Vienna
Austria
Prof. Liran Hiersch received his MD from Tel Aviv University, Israel. He did a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rabin Medical Center and Lis Hospital for Women, both affiliated to Tel Aviv University, followed by a fellowship in Advanced Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Toronto (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada). He is the head of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine inpatient unit and the High-Risk Pregnancy outpatient clinics at Lis Hospital for Women and an Associate Professor at Tel Aviv University. He has published more than 150 original manuscripts, reviews and chapters in books, focusing on the field of pregnancy-complications and maternal-fetal medicine.
Prof. PD. Gernot Hudelist, MD, MSc
Consultant Gynaecologist
Hospital St. John of God
Rudolfinerhaus Private Clinic
Vienna, Austria
Reproductive and Pelvic Surgeon
• Reproductive and Pelvic Surgeon & Sonographer
• Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Board Member of the EEL (European Endometriosis League)
• Member of the ESGE – SIG (Special Interest Group) for
• Endometriosis
Key areas of interest:
• Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain
• Reproductive Surgery, Gynaecological Oncology
• Gynaecological Ultrasound
• Author and Co-author of over 140 publications in high-ranked peer reviewed scientific journals
• Prof. Gernot Hudelist has experience of over 5000 surgical procedures for endometriosis with over 2000 procedures for deep endometriosis (DE)
• Prof. Gernot Hudelist is involved in several international multicenter studies (IDEA; #ENZIAN)
Prof Justin Clark is a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital and is an Honorary Professor of Gynaecology at the University of Birmingham. He is a recent Past President of the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy. His clinical and research interests are in the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain and endoscopic surgery. He has helped pioneer ambulatory gynaecological intervention. He has published widely, holds over £9 million research grants including a grant to run the LAVA Trial: An RCT comparing laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy. He is an Editorial Board member of the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and an Associated Editor on the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy Journal; Facts, Views and Vision in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
J.J. (Hans) Duvekot, Netherlands
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Johannes Ott , born in September 1980 in Vienna, Austria, currently is the deputy head of the Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles with a main focus on polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility surgery, recurrent miscarriage, artificial reproduction, thyroid function and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Dr.med. Johanna Tiechl
Professional Qualifications:
Since 2022 Senior Consultant in Obstetrics, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Innsbruck
Since 2018 Consultant at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University Innsbruck, specializing in Obstetrics and fetomaternal Medicine
2010-2018 Resident at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Innsbruck
09/2008 –03/2010 Resident at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Spital Linth, Kanton St. Gallen, Schweiz
10/ 2000 – 06/2008 Medical school, Medical University of Innsbruck
07/2007- 06/2008 Thesis: Micro – RNA Expression in endometrial tissue,
Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alain Zeimet.
Clinical Focus:
Obstetrics, Fetomaternal Medicine and High-risk Pregnancy
Membership of national and international Organisations:
Member of ÖGGG (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe)
Member of ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Member of ÖGfPPM (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Prä- und Perinatale Medizin)
Member of ESIDOG (European Society of infectious Disease in Gynecology)
Johnny S. Younis , MD, completed his medical education, specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and sub-specialization in Reproductive Medicine at the Hadassah Medical Center, Ein-Karem, Jerusalem. He is currently the director of Reproductive Medicine at the Tzafon – Padeh Medical Center – Poriya. He is a full professor at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Galilee, affiliated with Bar-Ilan University. He is the past Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Circle and the past Chair of the Admission Committee at the Faculty of Medicine. In addition, he is the past Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Examination Board, the Scientific Council, Israeli Medical Association. Since October 2018, he has been the Vice-Dean for Clinical education at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Galilee. His current interests are low ovarian reserve, ovarian reserve biomarkers, endometriosis, and controlled ovarian stimulation. He has published over 100 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, mainly as the primary author, and has presented his work at many national and international scientific meetings
She is an Editor for the Ultrasound on obstetrics and Gynecology Journal. She is an International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) Trustee and is an Ambassador to North Africa and the Middle East. She works closely with the Twins trust Charity and together has set up the world-first Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence at St George’s Hospital.
Florian Kiefer MD, PhD is Associate Professor of Medicine and Head of the Endocrine Outpatient Clinic at the Division of Endocrinolgy & Metabolism at the Medical University of Vienna. He is the Vice-President of the Austrian Obesity Association and an active board member of the Austrian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr Kiefer is also a research group leader of multiple peer-reviewed projects and has published extensively in the field of energy metabolism, obesity and brown fat physiology. He is recipient of numerous awards including the prestigous Theodor-Billroth Prize and the Paracelsus Award. Dr Kiefer serves as a reviewer for multiple international scientific journals.
Martina Kollmann, Austria
Qualifications:
1974 Biochemistry and Physiology BSc (1st class honours), King’s College, London University.
1978 Medicine, MBBS, King’s College Hospital, London University.
1984 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRCOG.
2014 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, FRCOG.
Present post 1992-:
Professor of Fetal Medicine, King’s College, London University.
Director Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King’s College Hospital, London
Awards:
1. Ian Donald Gold Award for Highest Contribution in Ultrasound, International Society Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1999
2. Eric Saling Award for Highest Scientific Contribution in Perinatal Medicine, World Association of Perinatal Medicine, 2001
3. Excellence in Letters, Culture and Science, Government of Cyprus, 2004
4. Honorary Fellowship of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, USA 2004
5. Membership of the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine, Barcelona, Spain 2005.
6. Spinoza Chair, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2010
7. European Maternity Prize for distinction in professional career and dedication to the field of Perinatal Medicine, European Association of Perinatal Medicine, 2014
8. Eardley Holland Gold Medal for outstanding contribution to the science, practice and/or teaching of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2015
9. Naguib Pasha Mahfouz Award, Cairo University, Egypt, 2018
10. Medal of exceptional services to the Republic of Cyprus, 2018
11. Member of the USA National Academy of Medicine in recognition for outstanding professional achievement and commitment to health and medicine, USA 2020
12. Argo award given to distinguished figures of the Greek diaspora for excelling in their field and promoting Greece abroad, Athens Greece 2021.
13. Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Highest award of the Republic of Cyprus, 2021
14. Gold Cross of The Order of the Phoenix, Republic of Greece, 2022
15. Fellowship of Kings College, London University, UK, 2022
16. Chesley award. Highest award of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy in recognition of sustained and substantial contribution to research in pre-eclampsia. 2022.
17. Honorary Doctorates in Medicine
• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 2005
• University of Warsaw, Poland 2009
• University of Bucharest, Romania 2009
• University of Jinan, China 2010
• Palacky University of Olomouc, Czeck Republic 2011
• University of Ioannina, Greece 2012
• European University of Cyprus, Cyprus 2013
• University of Thessaly, Greece 2016
• Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki, Greece 2017
• Medical University of Preven, Bulgaria 2017
• University of Cyprus, Cyprus 2017
• University of Leuven, Belgium 2019
• University of Pao Paolo, Argentina 2019
Scientific Activities:
• Published 1,603 peer-review papers in Scientific Journals. His h-index is 184 (highest of all obstetricians and gyaecologists in the world) and his work has been cited more than 135 thousand times.
• Edited or wrote 14 books. Introduced internet based courses for health care professionals and patients
• Supervised 66 doctors to undertake research leading to postgraduate qualifications and has provided training in Fetal Medicine to 600 doctors from 50 countries.
Professional Activities:
1. Director of the Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King’s College Hospital
This centre, which was opened in 1984 by Princess Diana, was the first Fetal Medicine Centre in Britain and is the biggest one in the world. More than 20,000 patients are examined each year and many of these patients are referred from other hospitals in Britain and other countries because of serious complications of pregnancy. In addition, more than 200 doctors from all over the world visit the centre to observe and receive training.
2. Founder and Chairman of the Fetal Medicine Foundation
This charity was set up in 1995. The main source of income is a private clinic which donates all its profits to the charity. The aims are to promote research and training in Fetal Medicine throughout the World. More than £45,000,000 have been donated to finance the training of many doctors from all over the world and to carry out major multicentre studies on screening and prevention of preterm delivery and preeclampsia, which are the leading causes of perinatal mortality. The Foundation has also introduced the yearly World Congress in Fetal Medicine and has implemented a series of educational courses throughout the World.
3. Has been a member of several study groups of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the chairman of the Educational Committee of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine and the chairman of the Scientific Committee of the International Society Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
AREAS OF RESEARCH
1. Screening for chromosomal defects
Developed a new method based on a combination of ultrasound findings and maternal serum biochemistry at 11-13 weeks. This method has evolved over the last 26 years from: (i) observational phase to (ii) development of a model, to (iii) controlled clinical implementation, to (iv) establishment of an international network of centres in more than 60 countries for continuing audit and development. It has also evolved by the introduction of new sonographic and biochemical markers into the most effective method of early screening worldwide. Recently, several studies have examined the effectiveness of cfDNA analysis of maternal blood and a proposal that this method should be offered contingent on the results of the combined test.
2. Screening for fetal abnormalities
Described a sonographic method for the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida, which is now performed world wide. Continuing research arising from the ultrasound screening programme at 11-13 weeks has established the effectiveness of this scan in firstly, detecting a wide range of fetal defects, with emphasis on cardiac abnormalities, which are the commonest cause of neonatal and infant mortality from congenital defects, and secondly, describing more that 50 congenital defects and genetic syndromes in association with increased nuchal translucency thickness.
3. Screening for and prevention of preterm birth
Preterm birth is the main cause of perinatal death and handicap in survivors. A series of studies over the last 15 years have established that first, effective screening can be provided by sonographic measurement of cervical length at 20 weeks, second, a major multicentre RCT has shown that cervical cerclage does not prevent preterm birth, third, a major multicentre RCT has shown that the prophylactic
use of progesterone in women with a short cervix can reduce the rate of preterm birth by about 40%, fourth, two major multicentre RCTs have shown that the use of a cervical pessary in singleton and twin pregnancies does not prevent preterm birth.
4. Screening for and prevention of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction
This is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity and fetal mortality as well as possible causes of adult cardiovascular and endocrine disease. A series of studies over the last 20 years have established that: first, growth restricted fetuses demonstrate fetal hypoxemia and impaired biochemistry, metabolism, hematology and immunology, second, fetal hypoxemia can be predicted non-invasively by Doppler ultrasound demonstrating a redistribution in the fetal circulation, third, effective screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction can be provided by Doppler sonographic measurement of blood fow in the uterine arteries at 20 weeks of pregnancy and fourth screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction can be provided by a combination of Doppler measurement of blood fow in the uterine arteries, mean arterial pressure and serum placental growth factor at 11-13 weeks’ gestation. We performed major multicentre RCTs which showed that the use of low dose aspirin after 20 weeks in high-risk pregnancies does not prevent preeclampsia, but treatment starting from 12 weeks is highly effective.
5. Fetal therapy
Research in our centre over the last 35 years has established a series of effective intrauterine therapeutic interventions including fetal blood transfusions for red cell isoimmunized pregnancies, fetal platelet transfusions for alloimmune thrombocytopenia, pleuro-amniotic shunting for fetal pleural effusions, endoscopic laser separation of communicating placental vessels in monochorionic twins with severe twin transfusion syndrome or selective growth restriction and in collaboration with professors Jan Deprest and Eduard Gratacos endoscopic placement of a balloon in the fetal trachea in fetuses with diaphragm
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Klara Rosta PhD
APPOINTMENTS and AFFILIATIONS
9/2017- Head Gynecologist of the Interdisciplinary Outpatient Care Unit (RhePro-Ambulanz) for pre-conception and pregnancy counselling of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, MUW
5/2022- Senior consultant of Outpatient Clinic for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Fertility Protection at the Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW
05/2016- Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW
7/2011-2016 Resident in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW
2008-5/2011 Resident in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University Budapest, Hungary
2005-2009 PhD Student, Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University
2003-2004 Graduate Researcher, Molecular Genetics and Fertility Disorders Unit, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Germany
2002 Research fellowship (1mo), Pharmacology Department, Chang Gung University Taipei, Taiwan
2001 Clinical traineeship (1mo), Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Cologne, Germany
Luis Alonso Pacheco
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2002-NOW DIRECTOR GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY UNIT – CENTRO GUTENBERG
MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2010-NOW REPRODUCTIVE SURGERY CONSULTANT – QUIRÓN SALUD HOSPITAL MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2010-NOW REPRODUCTIVE SURGERY CONSULTANT – CLÍNICA VICTORIA MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2006-2009 GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY CONSULTANT – HOSPITAL XANIT INTERNACIONAL
BENALMÁDENA
Surgery in the field of minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
EDUCATION
2012 The European Academy. Modern Hysteroscopy Course.
2008 EGES Valencia. Advanced Hysteroscopic surgery.
1998-2002 Hospital Regional Carlos Haya Málaga. Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
1988-1994 Universidad de Valladolid. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
– Executive Board Member European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE)
– Immediate past Chair AAGL Hysteroscopy SIG
– Spanish Delegate of the SIAEGI (Iberoamerican Society of Gynecological Endoscopy)
– Founder and Main Editor of “Hysteroscopy Newsletter”
– Chairman of the Global Congress on Hysteroscopy
– Director of University Masters degree in Hysteroscopy
– Secretary Endoscopy Section of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO)
– Director of the Course “Hysteroscopy and 3D ultrasound in infertility”
– Presentations, Lectures and Talks for Domestic and International Congresses and Meetings
– Editor of four recent published books: “Mastering the techniques in Hysteroscopy”, “Hysteroscopy”, “Atlas of Hysteroscopy” and “Tratado de Histeroscopia”
– Associated professor of Andalusian School of Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery 2006 to 2009
– Associated professor of Endoscopic Gynecological Master University of Bolonia (Italy)
– Professor of Hysteroscopy Course – Campus Dexeus
– Editorial board member of the journal: “Progresos en Obstetricia y Ginecología”
– Editorial board Member of the journal ‘Facts, Views and Vision in Obgyn’.
– Languages: Spanish, English and Italian.
Prof. Liran Hiersch received his MD from Tel Aviv University, Israel. He did a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rabin Medical Center and Lis Hospital for Women, both affiliated to Tel Aviv University, followed by a fellowship in Advanced Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Toronto (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada). He is the head of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine inpatient unit and the High-Risk Pregnancy outpatient clinics at Lis Hospital for Women and an Associate Professor at Tel Aviv University. He has published more than 150 original manuscripts, reviews and chapters in books, focusing on the field of pregnancy-complications and maternal-fetal medicine.
Mariano Buffone, Spain/Argentina
Mariano G Buffone Ph.D. earned his Bachelors and master’s degree in Biochemistry from University of Buenos Aires, Argentina where he also obtained his PhD. He then moved to the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA) as a postdoctoral fellow under the direction of professors George L. Gerton and Richard M. Schultz.
In 2010, Dr Buffone moved to Buenos Aires and became Assistant Professor at the Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he leads his research team
Since 2015, he assumed his present position as Professor at the same institution. He was recently appointed as Vice Director of the Institute.
His laboratory seeks to understand the complex process of mammalian sperm capacitation with particular emphasis in the process of acrosomal exocytosis. To this end, his lab uses a wide range of approaches that include the analysis of signaling pathways, single cell imaging experiments, super resolution microscopy and in vivo studies. Dr Buffone has also been very active collaborating with several groups in the United States, Japan, Mexico and Argentina.
pain
Michel De Vos, MD, PhD, is a senior medical director at Brussels IVF, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium and an associate professor in reproductive medicine at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
He studied medicine in Ghent, Belgium (MD 1997), has been a gynaecologist since 2006 and holds a PhD in medicine from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom (2007). In 2011, he was recognised as a subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery by ESHRE and the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG). His main research focus is on fertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and on fertility preservation. He is the current Chair of the In Vitro Maturation Special Interest Group of the ASRM.
He is a member of the Female Oncofertility Scientific Committee of The Oncofertility Consortium of Michigan State University
Marie-Madeleine Dolmans,
Belgium
Martina Kollmann, Austria
Sebastiaan Mastenbroek, Netherlands
Priv.-Doz. Dana A. Muin, MD MMSc MRes, is a Consultant subspecialist in feto-maternal and perinatal medicine at the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Comprehensive Centre for Paediatrics in Vienna, Austria.
Following medical graduation from Vienna, she completed a 2-year foundation training within the East of England Deanery and obtained her specialist training in the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Beside her medical degree, Dr Muin received a Master of Science in Gender Medicine, a Master of Science in Medical Genetics and a Master of Research in Pregnancy and Reproduction.
Dr Muin’s research focuses on intrauterine fetal death and placental dysfunction leading to intrauterine growth restriction and eventually stillbirth. In 2018, she worked one year at the Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre in Manchester, UK. Currently, she is the head of the Stillbirth Research Group “Austrian Stillbirth Alliance” at the Medical University of Vienna, collaborating with national and international researchers on epidemiological data and conducting laboratory investigations in the field of placental dysfunction. Her goal is to contribute to early detection of fetal compromise and establish prevention strategies to help reduce antepartum stillbirth worldwide.
Marta Shahbazi is a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). She obtained her Ph.D. in 2013 at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, and in 2014 she joined the laboratory of Prof. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz at the University of Cambridge to study mammalian embryo development at implantation. As a post-doctoral fellow, she developed a method to culture human embryos beyond implantation in vitro, and explore the consequences of aneuploidy for human embryo development. She joined the LMB in February 2020 to understand self-organization and developmental plasticity in mouse and human embryos.
Photo courtesy of MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Rossella E. Nappi – Born in Naples (Italy) – 1965
Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chief of the Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology-Menopause Unit, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia (Italy)
MD, PhD
Gynecologist, Endocrinologist, Sexologist
Dr Nappi’s major interests are in the field of psychoneuroendocrinology of female reproductive and post-reproductive life with a special focus on women’s sexual health. She has published around 350 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and international books with around 19000 citations (HF Google Scholar 76).
She is a well-known speaker on women’s health from adolescence to menopause. She has been very active in many international meetings and research projects in the field of contraception, menopause and female sexual dysfunction.
She is past president of the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health (ISSWSH). At present, she is permanent member of the advisory board of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (ISGE) and of the International Academy of Human Reproduction (IAHR) and President Elect of the International Menopause Society (IMS).
Qualifications:
1974 Biochemistry and Physiology BSc (1st class honours), King’s College, London University.
1978 Medicine, MBBS, King’s College Hospital, London University.
1984 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MRCOG.
2014 Obstetrics and Gynaecology, FRCOG.
Present post 1992-:
Professor of Fetal Medicine, King’s College, London University.
Director Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King’s College Hospital, London
Awards:
1. Ian Donald Gold Award for Highest Contribution in Ultrasound, International Society Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1999
2. Eric Saling Award for Highest Scientific Contribution in Perinatal Medicine, World Association of Perinatal Medicine, 2001
3. Excellence in Letters, Culture and Science, Government of Cyprus, 2004
4. Honorary Fellowship of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, USA 2004
5. Membership of the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine, Barcelona, Spain 2005.
6. Spinoza Chair, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2010
7. European Maternity Prize for distinction in professional career and dedication to the field of Perinatal Medicine, European Association of Perinatal Medicine, 2014
8. Eardley Holland Gold Medal for outstanding contribution to the science, practice and/or teaching of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2015
9. Naguib Pasha Mahfouz Award, Cairo University, Egypt, 2018
10. Medal of exceptional services to the Republic of Cyprus, 2018
11. Member of the USA National Academy of Medicine in recognition for outstanding professional achievement and commitment to health and medicine, USA 2020
12. Argo award given to distinguished figures of the Greek diaspora for excelling in their field and promoting Greece abroad, Athens Greece 2021.
13. Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Highest award of the Republic of Cyprus, 2021
14. Gold Cross of The Order of the Phoenix, Republic of Greece, 2022
15. Fellowship of Kings College, London University, UK, 2022
16. Chesley award. Highest award of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy in recognition of sustained and substantial contribution to research in pre-eclampsia. 2022.
17. Honorary Doctorates in Medicine
• National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece 2005
• University of Warsaw, Poland 2009
• University of Bucharest, Romania 2009
• University of Jinan, China 2010
• Palacky University of Olomouc, Czeck Republic 2011
• University of Ioannina, Greece 2012
• European University of Cyprus, Cyprus 2013
• University of Thessaly, Greece 2016
• Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki, Greece 2017
• Medical University of Preven, Bulgaria 2017
• University of Cyprus, Cyprus 2017
• University of Leuven, Belgium 2019
• University of Pao Paolo, Argentina 2019
Scientific Activities:
• Published 1,603 peer-review papers in Scientific Journals. His h-index is 184 (highest of all obstetricians and gyaecologists in the world) and his work has been cited more than 135 thousand times.
• Edited or wrote 14 books. Introduced internet based courses for health care professionals and patients
• Supervised 66 doctors to undertake research leading to postgraduate qualifications and has provided training in Fetal Medicine to 600 doctors from 50 countries.
Professional Activities:
1. Director of the Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King’s College Hospital
This centre, which was opened in 1984 by Princess Diana, was the first Fetal Medicine Centre in Britain and is the biggest one in the world. More than 20,000 patients are examined each year and many of these patients are referred from other hospitals in Britain and other countries because of serious complications of pregnancy. In addition, more than 200 doctors from all over the world visit the centre to observe and receive training.
2. Founder and Chairman of the Fetal Medicine Foundation
This charity was set up in 1995. The main source of income is a private clinic which donates all its profits to the charity. The aims are to promote research and training in Fetal Medicine throughout the World. More than £45,000,000 have been donated to finance the training of many doctors from all over the world and to carry out major multicentre studies on screening and prevention of preterm delivery and preeclampsia, which are the leading causes of perinatal mortality. The Foundation has also introduced the yearly World Congress in Fetal Medicine and has implemented a series of educational courses throughout the World.
3. Has been a member of several study groups of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the chairman of the Educational Committee of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine and the chairman of the Scientific Committee of the International Society Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
AREAS OF RESEARCH
1. Screening for chromosomal defects
Developed a new method based on a combination of ultrasound findings and maternal serum biochemistry at 11-13 weeks. This method has evolved over the last 26 years from: (i) observational phase to (ii) development of a model, to (iii) controlled clinical implementation, to (iv) establishment of an international network of centres in more than 60 countries for continuing audit and development. It has also evolved by the introduction of new sonographic and biochemical markers into the most effective method of early screening worldwide. Recently, several studies have examined the effectiveness of cfDNA analysis of maternal blood and a proposal that this method should be offered contingent on the results of the combined test.
2. Screening for fetal abnormalities
Described a sonographic method for the prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida, which is now performed world wide. Continuing research arising from the ultrasound screening programme at 11-13 weeks has established the effectiveness of this scan in firstly, detecting a wide range of fetal defects, with emphasis on cardiac abnormalities, which are the commonest cause of neonatal and infant mortality from congenital defects, and secondly, describing more that 50 congenital defects and genetic syndromes in association with increased nuchal translucency thickness.
3. Screening for and prevention of preterm birth
Preterm birth is the main cause of perinatal death and handicap in survivors. A series of studies over the last 15 years have established that first, effective screening can be provided by sonographic measurement of cervical length at 20 weeks, second, a major multicentre RCT has shown that cervical cerclage does not prevent preterm birth, third, a major multicentre RCT has shown that the prophylactic
use of progesterone in women with a short cervix can reduce the rate of preterm birth by about 40%, fourth, two major multicentre RCTs have shown that the use of a cervical pessary in singleton and twin pregnancies does not prevent preterm birth.
4. Screening for and prevention of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction
This is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity and fetal mortality as well as possible causes of adult cardiovascular and endocrine disease. A series of studies over the last 20 years have established that: first, growth restricted fetuses demonstrate fetal hypoxemia and impaired biochemistry, metabolism, hematology and immunology, second, fetal hypoxemia can be predicted non-invasively by Doppler ultrasound demonstrating a redistribution in the fetal circulation, third, effective screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction can be provided by Doppler sonographic measurement of blood fow in the uterine arteries at 20 weeks of pregnancy and fourth screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction can be provided by a combination of Doppler measurement of blood fow in the uterine arteries, mean arterial pressure and serum placental growth factor at 11-13 weeks’ gestation. We performed major multicentre RCTs which showed that the use of low dose aspirin after 20 weeks in high-risk pregnancies does not prevent preeclampsia, but treatment starting from 12 weeks is highly effective.
5. Fetal therapy
Research in our centre over the last 35 years has established a series of effective intrauterine therapeutic interventions including fetal blood transfusions for red cell isoimmunized pregnancies, fetal platelet transfusions for alloimmune thrombocytopenia, pleuro-amniotic shunting for fetal pleural effusions, endoscopic laser separation of communicating placental vessels in monochorionic twins with severe twin transfusion syndrome or selective growth restriction and in collaboration with professors Jan Deprest and Eduard Gratacos endoscopic placement of a balloon in the fetal trachea in fetuses with diaphragm
Nick Panay BSc MBBS FRCOG MFSRH
Present position
Consultant Gynecologist, Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Professor of Practice, Imperial College London
Guest Professor, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University
President, International Menopause Society.
Summary CV
As director of the Menopause & PMS Centres at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals, Nick leads a busy clinical and research team which publishes widely, presents at scientific meetings and trains health professionals at all levels.
He set up his Gynaecological Endocrinology (Gynae Endo) Research Unit within the Women’s Health Research Centre of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He also runs a research programme at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (C & W). He and his team of research fellows and research nurses run an active research programme consisting of translational, clinical and pharmaceutically sponsored research in menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), premenstrual syndrome, androgens and contraception.
Nick has authored more than 200 peer reviewed publications with greater than 10000 citations to date, and has a Google Scholar h index of 49. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, as an invited keynote and plenary speaker.
Through his work with a number of societies, councils and women’s groups he campaigns actively for women’s health issues both nationally and internationally.
His affiliations include:
Past Chairman of The British Menopause Society (BMS),
Medical Advisory Council Member, BMS
Chairman of The National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes,
Clinical Advisory Board Member, International Association for Premenstrual Disorders,
Patron of Daisy Network
Past Council Member and Honorary Director of Conferences, RCOG,
Past President and Council Member, Royal Society of Medicine (O & G Division).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Johannes Ott , born in September 1980 in Vienna, Austria, currently is the deputy head of the Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles with a main focus on polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility surgery, recurrent miscarriage, artificial reproduction, thyroid function and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Luis Alonso Pacheco
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2002-NOW DIRECTOR GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY UNIT – CENTRO GUTENBERG
MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2010-NOW REPRODUCTIVE SURGERY CONSULTANT – QUIRÓN SALUD HOSPITAL MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2010-NOW REPRODUCTIVE SURGERY CONSULTANT – CLÍNICA VICTORIA MÁLAGA
Surgery in the field of reproductive medicine in order to re-establish fertility or create better conditions to improve ART outcomes.
2006-2009 GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY CONSULTANT – HOSPITAL XANIT INTERNACIONAL
BENALMÁDENA
Surgery in the field of minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
EDUCATION
2012 The European Academy. Modern Hysteroscopy Course.
2008 EGES Valencia. Advanced Hysteroscopic surgery.
1998-2002 Hospital Regional Carlos Haya Málaga. Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
1988-1994 Universidad de Valladolid. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
– Executive Board Member European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE)
– Immediate past Chair AAGL Hysteroscopy SIG
– Spanish Delegate of the SIAEGI (Iberoamerican Society of Gynecological Endoscopy)
– Founder and Main Editor of “Hysteroscopy Newsletter”
– Chairman of the Global Congress on Hysteroscopy
– Director of University Masters degree in Hysteroscopy
– Secretary Endoscopy Section of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO)
– Director of the Course “Hysteroscopy and 3D ultrasound in infertility”
– Presentations, Lectures and Talks for Domestic and International Congresses and Meetings
– Editor of four recent published books: “Mastering the techniques in Hysteroscopy”, “Hysteroscopy”, “Atlas of Hysteroscopy” and “Tratado de Histeroscopia”
– Associated professor of Andalusian School of Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery 2006 to 2009
– Associated professor of Endoscopic Gynecological Master University of Bolonia (Italy)
– Professor of Hysteroscopy Course – Campus Dexeus
– Editorial board member of the journal: “Progresos en Obstetricia y Ginecología”
– Editorial board Member of the journal ‘Facts, Views and Vision in Obgyn’.
– Languages: Spanish, English and Italian.
Pierluigi Benedetti Panici, Italy
Nick Panay BSc MBBS FRCOG MFSRH
Present position
Consultant Gynecologist, Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Professor of Practice, Imperial College London
Guest Professor, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University
President, International Menopause Society.
Summary CV
As director of the Menopause & PMS Centres at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals, Nick leads a busy clinical and research team which publishes widely, presents at scientific meetings and trains health professionals at all levels.
He set up his Gynaecological Endocrinology (Gynae Endo) Research Unit within the Women’s Health Research Centre of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He also runs a research programme at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (C & W). He and his team of research fellows and research nurses run an active research programme consisting of translational, clinical and pharmaceutically sponsored research in menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), premenstrual syndrome, androgens and contraception.
Nick has authored more than 200 peer reviewed publications with greater than 10000 citations to date, and has a Google Scholar h index of 49. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, as an invited keynote and plenary speaker.
Through his work with a number of societies, councils and women’s groups he campaigns actively for women’s health issues both nationally and internationally.
His affiliations include:
Past Chairman of The British Menopause Society (BMS),
Medical Advisory Council Member, BMS
Chairman of The National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes,
Clinical Advisory Board Member, International Association for Premenstrual Disorders,
Patron of Daisy Network
Past Council Member and Honorary Director of Conferences, RCOG,
Past President and Council Member, Royal Society of Medicine (O & G Division).
Paul Pirtea, France
Patrick Stelzl, Austria
Rossella E. Nappi – Born in Naples (Italy) – 1965
Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chief of the Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology-Menopause Unit, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia (Italy)
MD, PhD
Gynecologist, Endocrinologist, Sexologist
Dr Nappi’s major interests are in the field of psychoneuroendocrinology of female reproductive and post-reproductive life with a special focus on women’s sexual health. She has published around 350 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and international books with around 19000 citations (HF Google Scholar 76).
She is a well-known speaker on women’s health from adolescence to menopause. She has been very active in many international meetings and research projects in the field of contraception, menopause and female sexual dysfunction.
She is past president of the International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health (ISSWSH). At present, she is permanent member of the advisory board of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (ISGE) and of the International Academy of Human Reproduction (IAHR) and President Elect of the International Menopause Society (IMS).
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Klara Rosta PhD
APPOINTMENTS and AFFILIATIONS
9/2017- Head Gynecologist of the Interdisciplinary Outpatient Care Unit (RhePro-Ambulanz) for pre-conception and pregnancy counselling of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, MUW
5/2022- Senior consultant of Outpatient Clinic for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Fertility Protection at the Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW
05/2016- Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW
7/2011-2016 Resident in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW
2008-5/2011 Resident in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University Budapest, Hungary
2005-2009 PhD Student, Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University
2003-2004 Graduate Researcher, Molecular Genetics and Fertility Disorders Unit, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Germany
2002 Research fellowship (1mo), Pharmacology Department, Chang Gung University Taipei, Taiwan
2001 Clinical traineeship (1mo), Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Cologne, Germany
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rene Wenzl, MSc
1982 – 1988 Medical Education at Universitiy of Vienna
July 1,.1988 MD
1989 – 1995 Residency Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Vienna
2/93 – 8/94 Head of Division of Assisted Reproduction Department of Ob-Gyn
7. 1994 Scientific Award of Austrian Association of Ob-Gyn
9. 1994 – 9. 1995 Post doc – Research Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Dec 1, 1995 Consultant Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Vienna
Since July 1, 1996 senior physician Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Vienna
Sept 1996 Raoul Palmer Award of European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy
Since Dec 1997 Board Member of European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy
December 1997 Diploma for clinical investigation
Since May 1998 board member of Austrian Association of Gynecological Endoscopy
March 1998 Postdoctoral lecture qualification for Management of Gynecological Laparoscopy
Since Oct 1998 Associate professor Dept of Ob-Gyn University of Vienna
Since June 1999 Visiting Professor University of Tübingen, Germany
2002 – 2005 Head of Austrian Endoscopic Association
October 2005 Master of Science Hospital Management, University of Krems, Austria
Since 2009 Head of Division for Gerneral Gynecology of the Department of General Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology
May 2010 Endometriosis Center Vienna – Certification –regularly updated and re-certified
Scientific Interests Role of laparoscopic surgery in oncology, endometriosis, non invasive markers for ovarian cancer and endometriosis, cesarean section – management and outcome
Teaching and live operations in various countries (three continents) including gynecologic oncologic and benign cases.
More than 130 scientific publications, more than 240 scientific lectures.
PI in multiple clinical studies – phases II – III for various sponsors
Teresa Almeida Santos, Portugal
Teresa Almeida Santos, MD., Ph.D.
Professor- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Director of the Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatalogy Department of the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Portugal
General Secretary of the Portuguese Federation of OB/GYN societies
Shai Carmi is an associate professor at the Hebrew University School of Public Health. His training is in statistical physics and population genetics, and his current research focuses on statistical methods in genetics. Specific areas of study include theoretical population genetics, ancient DNA, genetic genealogy, genome-wide association studies, polygenic risk scores, pre-conception genetic testing, and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). His work on PGT includes the development of embryo genotyping methods and the evaluation of PGT for polygenic (complex) diseases and traits.
Sergio Haimovich, Israel/Spain
Sergio Haimovich
• PhD in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Cum Laude) Barcelona Autonomous University
• Director of the Gynecology Department. Laniado University Hospital. Netanya, Israel.
• Head of the Hysteroscopy Unit. Gynecology Department at the Del Mar University Hospital. Barcelona, España
• Vice Chair of the AAGL Hysteroscopy SIG
• Director of the International School of Laser in Gynecology. Nadezhda Hospital. Sofia, Bulgaria.
• Co-Chair and co-Founder of the “Global Community of Hysteroscopy”
• Clinical Assistant Professor Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion. Israel
• Clinical Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the Republic University of Uruguay
Sebastiaan Mastenbroek, Netherlands
Marta Shahbazi is a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). She obtained her Ph.D. in 2013 at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, and in 2014 she joined the laboratory of Prof. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz at the University of Cambridge to study mammalian embryo development at implantation. As a post-doctoral fellow, she developed a method to culture human embryos beyond implantation in vitro, and explore the consequences of aneuploidy for human embryo development. She joined the LMB in February 2020 to understand self-organization and developmental plasticity in mouse and human embryos.
Photo courtesy of MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Patrick Stelzl, Austria
Gülen Yerlikaya-Schatten, Austria
Teresa Almeida Santos, Portugal
Teresa Almeida Santos, MD., Ph.D.
Professor- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Director of the Gynecology, Obstetrics, Reproduction and Neonatalogy Department of the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Portugal
General Secretary of the Portuguese Federation of OB/GYN societies
Professor Thomas Freour, PharmD, PhD, is a clinical embryologist, head of the infertility department of the University Hospital of Nantes, France. He is also director of research and innovation of the IVF lab of the clinica Dexeus in Barcelona, Spain. He authored more than 100 publications, and is currently Associate Editor at Human Reproduction Journal. His main fields of interest are clinical and fundamental embryology, and innovation in IVF, including Artificial Intelligence.
Dr.med. Johanna Tiechl
Professional Qualifications:
Since 2022 Senior Consultant in Obstetrics, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Innsbruck
Since 2018 Consultant at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University Innsbruck, specializing in Obstetrics and fetomaternal Medicine
2010-2018 Resident at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Innsbruck
09/2008 –03/2010 Resident at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Spital Linth, Kanton St. Gallen, Schweiz
10/ 2000 – 06/2008 Medical school, Medical University of Innsbruck
07/2007- 06/2008 Thesis: Micro – RNA Expression in endometrial tissue,
Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alain Zeimet.
Clinical Focus:
Obstetrics, Fetomaternal Medicine and High-risk Pregnancy
Membership of national and international Organisations:
Member of ÖGGG (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe)
Member of ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Member of ÖGfPPM (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Prä- und Perinatale Medizin)
Member of ESIDOG (European Society of infectious Disease in Gynecology)
Andrea Tinelli
Dr. Andrea Tinelli completed his medical degree magna “cum laude” in 1996, at School of Medicine “Federico II” of Naples, Italy, and specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology “cum laude” in 2000 at University of Trieste, Italy. He carried out surgical fellowship in University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), in Abteilung für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, LKH Villach (Austria), in European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy) and in National Oncological Institute of Aviano (Italy).
Dr Tinelli currently is Chief of Obstetric & Gynecology Department at “Veris delli Ponti” Hospital, Scorrano, Italy and he’s Head of Division of Experimental Research on Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Minimally Invasive Technology and Therapy, at “Vito Fazzi” Hospital, Lecce, Italy.
He’s a PhD in Morphological Molecular Sciences, at Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. Dr. Tinelli has National Authorization as Full Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Italy.
Dr Tinelli was Former Adjunct Professor at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Moscow, Russia and is Honorary Professor at Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China.
He is scientific manager of CERICSAL (Centro Ricerche Cliniche del Salento), Ospedale Veris delli Ponti, Italy and permanent Board Member of D.R.e.A.M. Committee, at University of Salento, Italy. Dr. Tinelli is author and co-author of 10 Books, more than 420 papers, on peer-reviewed medical journals and 70 textbook chapters; he collaborates with many Hospitals and Universities, as Editorial Board Member of Scientific Journals. The h-Index is 32, with more than 4600 citations.
His clinical specialties include minimally invasive surgery and gynecological endoscopy, obstetric surgery and complications management, gynecological surgical oncology, molecular biology in gynecology, endometriosis and pelvic floor repair
Michel De Vos, MD, PhD, is a senior medical director at Brussels IVF, the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium and an associate professor in reproductive medicine at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
He studied medicine in Ghent, Belgium (MD 1997), has been a gynaecologist since 2006 and holds a PhD in medicine from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom (2007). In 2011, he was recognised as a subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery by ESHRE and the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG). His main research focus is on fertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and on fertility preservation. He is the current Chair of the In Vitro Maturation Special Interest Group of the ASRM.
He is a member of the Female Oncofertility Scientific Committee of The Oncofertility Consortium of Michigan State University
Prof. Dr. Arne Vanhie is a gynecologist at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium, with a special interest in endometriosis and infertility. He obtained his medical degree at Leuven University, Belgium. During his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology he worked at the University Hospital Leuven and University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a thesis on microRNA as biomarkers for endometriosis. As part of his PhD he worked on a two year project in the baboon model for endometriosis at the Institute of Primate Research in Nairobi, Kenya. After a research fellowship at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, USA he started working in the Leuven University Fertility Center. The greater part of his clinical practice are couples who need pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-M) and women with endometriosis-related pain or infertility. Along with his clinical work Prof. Dr. Arne Vanhie is researcher at Leuven University in the Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine (LEERM). His research is focused on reproductive genetics and non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.
Andrea Weghofer, MD PhD MSc MBA works as a senior consultant at the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology & Reproductive Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria and serves as the head of the department’s outpatient unit for fertility treatment.
Dr. Weghofer was born and raised in Vienna and graduated from the Medical University of Vienna. She obtained her PhD as the first graduate of the University’s Reproductive Endocrinology program. Dr. Weghofer completed her residency training at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Medical University in Vienna and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Genetics at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. She is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology (including reproductive endocrinology & infertility) and in Human Genetics. In the course of international research collaborations Dr. Weghofer concentrates her research efforts on in vitro fertilization, ovarian senescence and reproductive genetics. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has won a number of national and international awards for her scientific work. Currently Dr. Weghofer serves as section editor for Reproductive Biomedicine Online and was appointed Vice president of Austria’s Society of Reproductive Medicine.
Univ. Prof. Dr. Rene Wenzl, MSc
1982 – 1988 Medical Education at Universitiy of Vienna
July 1,.1988 MD
1989 – 1995 Residency Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Vienna
2/93 – 8/94 Head of Division of Assisted Reproduction Department of Ob-Gyn
7. 1994 Scientific Award of Austrian Association of Ob-Gyn
9. 1994 – 9. 1995 Post doc – Research Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Dec 1, 1995 Consultant Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Vienna
Since July 1, 1996 senior physician Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Vienna
Sept 1996 Raoul Palmer Award of European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy
Since Dec 1997 Board Member of European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy
December 1997 Diploma for clinical investigation
Since May 1998 board member of Austrian Association of Gynecological Endoscopy
March 1998 Postdoctoral lecture qualification for Management of Gynecological Laparoscopy
Since Oct 1998 Associate professor Dept of Ob-Gyn University of Vienna
Since June 1999 Visiting Professor University of Tübingen, Germany
2002 – 2005 Head of Austrian Endoscopic Association
October 2005 Master of Science Hospital Management, University of Krems, Austria
Since 2009 Head of Division for Gerneral Gynecology of the Department of General Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology
May 2010 Endometriosis Center Vienna – Certification –regularly updated and re-certified
Scientific Interests Role of laparoscopic surgery in oncology, endometriosis, non invasive markers for ovarian cancer and endometriosis, cesarean section – management and outcome
Teaching and live operations in various countries (three continents) including gynecologic oncologic and benign cases.
More than 130 scientific publications, more than 240 scientific lectures.
PI in multiple clinical studies – phases II – III for various sponsors
Gülen Yerlikaya-Schatten, Austria
Johnny S. Younis , MD, completed his medical education, specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and sub-specialization in Reproductive Medicine at the Hadassah Medical Center, Ein-Karem, Jerusalem. He is currently the director of Reproductive Medicine at the Tzafon – Padeh Medical Center – Poriya. He is a full professor at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Galilee, affiliated with Bar-Ilan University. He is the past Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Circle and the past Chair of the Admission Committee at the Faculty of Medicine. In addition, he is the past Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Examination Board, the Scientific Council, Israeli Medical Association. Since October 2018, he has been the Vice-Dean for Clinical education at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Galilee. His current interests are low ovarian reserve, ovarian reserve biomarkers, endometriosis, and controlled ovarian stimulation. He has published over 100 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, mainly as the primary author, and has presented his work at many national and international scientific meetings
Training
Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology: UCLA
Diplomate of The Am Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sub-specialty in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: UCLA
Diplomate of the Am Board of Ob-Gyn, Reprod Endocr. and Infertility.
By endorsement of US diplomas:
Specialist in OB-GYN and subspecialist in Reprod Endocr and Infert in France and Switzerland
Editorship
* Editorial Board of Fertility and Sterility:
* Editorial Editor 2021 –
* Former Associate Editor Human Reproduction
* Ad hoc Reviewer: Journal Clin Endocr and Metab, Lancet
Past positions
* Professor and Head Division Reprod Endocr and Infert.
2004-2008: University Hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne; Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland
* Professor and Head Division Reprod Endocr and Infert
2008-2017: Hopital Cochin Medical Center; Paris France