ARCS Continuing Professional Development

Heather Aitchison‑Smale is a Clinical Embryologist at Care Fertility Cheshire and active member of the Association for Reproductive and Clinical Scientists, serving on both the Sustainability Committee and the CPD Committee. She is committed to advancing environmentally responsible practices within IVF and championing initiatives that support a greener future for reproductive science. As a dedicated STEM Ambassador, Heather is passionate about inspiring young people and promoting accessible, engaging STEM education to help develop the next generation of scientists.

Andrew was awarded a MSci in Anatomy from the University of Glasgow in 2011. Part of this study programme included a work placement year at Glasgow’s Assisted Conception Service where he was actively involved in the clinic’s PGD research at the time. Later, he was involved in the establishment of ReproMed Ireland back when they were helping patients access diagnostics, IUI cycles, and acted as a satellite clinic for those who were pursuing IVF treatment cycles abroad. A change in direction, took him to Germany where he completed a PhD in Biomedicine with the Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering and then worked in a clinical research organisation as a Medical Writer. He returned to Glasgow to complete his embryology training via the STP equivalence route in 2022, and now practices as a clinical embryologist in the Regional Fertility Centre in Belfast. He is looking forward to encouraging and supporting members with all their CPD endeavours.

Charlene is an embryologist at Leicester Fertility Centre. She started her training in September 2006 gaining her ACE certificate at the 2011 ACE conference. She became state registered in early 2012, and sits on the NEQAS steering committee as well as the CPD committee. She is described as a consistent embryologist by her line manager.

Meurig is an Associate Professor in Interdisciplinary Healthcare Sciences at the Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS), in the University of Birmingham. In addition to this role, Meurig is the Deputy-Director of ChRS and is the HFEA Research Personal Responsible for the University of Birmingham (Centre 0209). His work integrates advanced mathematical modelling, fluid dynamics and imaging‑based approaches with clinical andrology to develop next‑generation diagnostics for male subfertility.

Christine Leary (BSc, HCPC, FRCPath, PhD) Christine is a Consultant Embryologist and Director at the Hull IVF Unit, with over 19 years’ of experience. She is responsible for managing the Embryology Laboratory and Quality Management and coordinating research activities between the Hull IVF Unit and Hull York Medical School and is an Honorary Lecturer. Christine has been a member of the Professional Development Committee for the ACE (now ARCS) since 2006.

Jen is a Senior Clinical Embryologist at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine. She started her career in 2009 after graduating from The University of Edinburgh with a BSc in Reproductive Biology. She has recently undertaken the HSST programme including RCPath Part 1 & 2 as well as a PGDip in Leadership and Management in the Healthcare Sciences. Jen has been a member of the ARCS CPD committee since 2021 and joined the Policies and Practice committee in 2023

Bayan is a Senior Embryologist at Homerton Fertility Centre in East London. Having pursued several professional development courses alongside ACE / ARCs CPD over the years, she is keen to share how external CPD resources can benefit personal progression. Bayan passed her FRCPATH part 2 exam in 2020, and her focus is on identifying professional development opportunities to support the HSST-by-equivalence route.

Catherine is a Lab Manager at Care Fertility in Woking. She has been an embryologist since the 90s, but still finds new and interesting things to learn most days. As part of the CPD committee Catherine is keen to help others continue their professional development and maintain their knowledge and confidence in this fast-changing field.

Valerie, a founder partner of the Association of Clinical Embryologists, graduated in Biology in 1990 and began training as an embryologist under the tutorship of Lord Winston. She has since gained a masters degree in Health Promotion, PhD in Reproductive Immunology, Fellowship of the Royal Collage of Pathologists, Academy of Healthcare Science and Institute of Biomedical Scientists and is registered as a consultant clinical scientist specialising in genomic medicine within reproductive science. Working within her specialism to promote training of embryologists Val is ex-chair and member of the panel of examiners for reproductive science for the RCPath and assessor for the Academy of Clinical Science, Academy for Health Care Science and guest lecturer for STP at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is training lead for the Association of Reproductive Clinical Scientists support staff, member of the ARCS continuing professional development committee and co-chair of the ARCS education committee.

Yulia is a Laboratory Service manager at Beginnings Assisted Conception Unit, St Helier Hospital NHS Trust. Yulia is an experienced embryologist with over 15 years of experience in IVF laboratory management, set-up, clinical embryology and academic research.

George is a Clinical Andrologist at the Birmingham Women's Hospital. His master’s research project involved developing a new microfluidic device design for use in sperm preparation during ART and subsequently completed his STP training at the Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre in Shrewsbury. George joined the ARCS Executive Committee in 2026 and is also on the CPD subcommitte.