Subcommittees

Joanne is a Senior Andrologist and the Andrology Services Manager at Manchester Fertility and Donor Bank Manager for Semovo. Joanne was Secretary for the Association of Biomedical Andrologists (ABA) for 6 years and Chair of the ABA Education Committee for 3 years facilitating the Andrology Logbooks. Alongside this, Joanne is a Trustee of the SEED Trust, formerly known as the NGDT, and currently sit on the NEQAS Panel. Joanne was previously a member of the National Donation Strategy Group for the HFEA, created to bring about a greater awareness of donation process in clinics in the UK. Joanna leads

Dean is currently a Trainee Embryologist completing the scientist training programme (STP) at The Hewitt Fertility Centre (HFC) in Liverpool. He began his embryology career at HFC as a medical laboratory assistant before advancing to the role of scientific practitioner. In 2023, he secured a place on the STP and commenced training at HFC. Dean is passionate about enhancing the STP experience for both current and future trainees, and looks forward to sharing the suggestions and feedback from current STP trainees.

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.

Louise completed a PhD in the mechanism of oocyte activation at fertilisation and secured a postdoctoral position studying human embryonic stem cells. She joined Newcastle Fertility Centre in 2005 and has progressed to Principal Embryologist with responsibility for training and service development. More recently she became the lead Embryologist for the mitochondrial donation programme having been assessed by the HFEA as competent to be a mitochondrial donation practitioner. She has a keen interest in training and routes to registration for Healthcare Scientists at all career levels having become a registered Clinical Scientist via ACS Route 2. Louise joined the Education Committee in 2018 and is currently the RCPath lead.

Ishe is a Clinical Embryologist at the Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool. Starting as a reproductive technologist in Andrology at Cambridge IVF, he advanced onto becoming the department Support Manager before beginning his career in embryology on the STP in 2022 and graduating in 2025. Involved in building an Outreach network under the Education Committee, Ishe has an inherent passion and drive for expanding the reach of reproductive science, ensuring the field remains accessible, inclusive, and forward-thinking for patients and future reproductive scientists alike.

Anne is an HCPC registered Clinical Embryologist and Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. She is passionate about education in the field and is a lecturer in Reproductive Medicine for the University of Dundee postgraduate Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception course. She has previously worked as a Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government reviewing the National workforce of healthcare scientists and organised Scotland’s Healthcare Science Week to promote and engage young people to the field of ART. She is a qualified Person Responsible to the HFEA and serves as an expert member on the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee.

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.

Oksana has completed her Master’s programme in Public Policy and Public Sector Management following an award of Senator Edmund Muskie Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA. She worked in programme management in international humanitarian relief area in Chechnya, South of Russia, participating in shelter and social rehabilitation projects of Danish Refugee Council and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Oksana has over a decade of experience in healthcare management and her expertise is in quality management and clinical governance. She has a special interest in QM in assisted reproduction and has attended multiple courses and conferences on the subject. She is currently studying towards an international diploma in Risk Management. Oksana is passionate about quality in patient care in ART. She has established a national quality managers’ group in the UK and authored a book chapter on quality management in assisted reproduction. Having organised conferences in Quality Management in assisted reproduction under the auspices of ACE/ARCS, she is now leading a Working Group in development of an educational programme on quality management in ART. Oksana is currently a Quality Manager at the Fertility Partnership London Clinic.

Debbie is a Clinical Embryologist at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Coventry. She became a member of the (previous) ACE Training Committee (TC) and an ACE Certificate Assessor in 2013. She subsequently became co-chair of the ACE Training Committee in 2018. Since 2011 she has maintained a research and education focus as a visiting academic within Warwick Medical School. She has been involved in the NSHCS STP programme (Reproductive Science) since its inception as a Supervisor, Training Officer, OSFA writer, Assessor, shortlister and interviewer. Debbie is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and completed the HSSE to become a fellow of the Academy of Healthcare Science (FAHCS) in 2020. Debbie is currently a member of the ARCS Education Committee where she leads the ARCS Training Guide working group.

Jo is a Senior Clinical Embryologist at Fertility Exeter, part of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. She began her clinical Embryology career in Exeter in 2005 following 3 years in research embryology at the MRC in Oxfordshire. She became a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2022 and is currently in year 3 of the HSST programme in Reproductive Science.

Dr Amy Barrie is the Chief Scientific Officer for the FutureLife Group and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists. Amy studied Physiology at the University of Manchester, followed by a Master’s degree in Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine at University College London. Amy was awarded a PhD in 2017 entitled ‘Time-lapse Systems: Incubation and Annotation’. Amy has over 15 years’ experience within Clinical Embryology and has a special interest in time-lapse technology. Amy has published a number of papers and book chapters on this topic and remains involved in research in this area. In addition to ensuring the safe and effective running of the FutureLife Group laboratories, Amy is an Executive member of ARCS and the Senior Deputy for the ESHRE Embryology Special Interest Group.

I have worked at The Hewitt Fertility Centres as a HCPC registered Clinical Embryologist since 2019. I studied Assisted Reproduction Technology at The University of Nottingham and completed the STP at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. I thoroughly enjoy working as a Clinical Embryologist and take pride in the job that I do. I have taken a special interest in the content and quality of information that is provided to patients throughout their treatment. I look forward to working with the ARCS Policies & Practice committee on this topic and to grow professionally as a Clinical Scientist.

Alex is a Senior Clinical Embryologist and diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. He has over 13 years of experience and has worked in various national and international IVF laboratories in Spain, Denmark and the UK. He joined the Hewitt Fertility team in 2015. At the Hewitt Centre, Alex is committed and dedicated to his job, his team and patients, delivering fertility treatments and providing patient care to the highest standards and he continuously strives to expand and share his knowledge and experience. He has been involved in various research projects and has presented the results of these studies in several conferences such as Fertility, ESHRE or RCOG. He has also participated in writing the manuscript “The use of ICSI in ART” published in 2023.”

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.

I have been an embryologist since 1998 starting in Plymouth then in Dublin before returning to my home city of Dundee where I've worked as senior clinical embryologist since 2009. Apart from embryology, my role in Dundee is to oversee the equipment as well as data gathering and analysis for KPI and service improvement. Outside of work I am married and have two children. I used to run ultramarathons but now love walking and biking in the Scottish Mountains and skiing in the Alps.

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

Susan has been the advanced practitioner in Andrology for Pathlinks since 2016. The Pathlinks andrology service consists of two analytical laboratories - one based at Grimsby hospital and the other at Boston hospital.

Helen has been an embryologist for just over 7 years and is currently working at the Lister Fertility Clinic. She has completed a Masters in Reproductive and Developmental Biology at Imperial University, followed by the completion of the Scientific Training Programme (STP) to achieve her stage registration. She has experience working in an NHS clinic as well as a private clinic. She has a keen interest in new advances within the fertility setting and has been involved in helping to optimise workload, workflow, and similar to ensure smooth running of clinics. She was a member of the ARCS Embryology SIG and is looking forward to joining this new committee.

Emily is the Clinical Andrologist at Hull and East Riding Fertility. She was on the ARCS Executive Committee from January 2023-January 2026 and is now Chair for the ARCS Policy and Practice Committee as well as sitting on the Communications Committee and TRS. She has a Masters in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology and a degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Leeds and has achieved Andrology STP equivalence. She has been a member of the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCs) since her introduction into the field in 2016 during which she has completed 2 logbooks in diagnostic semen evaluation and sperm cryopreservation. Emily plays a key role in ISO15189 inspections; validating equipment, developing SOPs, performing clinical audits and co-ordinating internal and external quality control.

Tamanda is a Clinical Andrologist and Quality Manager. She started her career in Reproductive Science in 2018 after completing her MSc in Reproductive and Developmental Medicine at the University of Sheffield. She completed the Scientist Training Program and has since practiced as a HCPC registered Clinical Androlgists with experience in diagnostic, therapeutic and donation services. As a quality manager Tamanda plays a key role in preparing and implementing laboratory QMS and processes for UKAS and HFEA inspections. Tamanda has an interest in improvements that ultimately enhance the experience and outcomes of patients.

Olivia is a Clinical Andrologist that has worked at The Hewitt Fertility Centre for the past 7 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Aberdeen in 2018 and secured a place on the STP in Reproductive Science (Andrology), achieving HCPC registration in 2021. Olivia works between the centre’s diagnostic and therapeutic Andrology laboratories, and as part of the sperm donation team. She is experienced in reviewing pathways and changing processes, preparing for UKAS and HFEA inspections and supervising trainees. She a member of the Policy and Practice Committee is currently working on the ARCS Good Practice Guidelines for Therapeutic Andrology.

Katy is a Clinical Embryologist at the Hewitt Fertility Centres. After first joining as an Embryology Practitioner in 2017, Katy has since completed the Scientist Training Programme, achieving HCPC registration in 2021. From an early stage, Katy was involved in service development through equipment maintenance and validation, SOP development and process reviews.

Jemma has had a keen interest in Embryology since first learning about reproductive science at school. Her academic career led her to undertake a PhD at the University of Plymouth in Developmental Stem Cell biology which she completed in 2019. Alongside this Jemma undertook the Scientist training Programme in Embryology, graduating in 2020. Now working as a Senior Clinical Embryologist at the Herts and Essex Fertility Centre, Jemma enjoys the variety of being part of a busy clinical team, as well as being actively involved in quality management within the clinic. Having been a member of ACE and now ARCS since 2015, Jemma has been an active member of a number of special interest groups, brining her academic and clinical passions to her work. Jemma now acts as the chair for the Policy and Practice committee, where she leads the development of policies and guidelines on the behalf of the ARCS membership.

Jo is a Senior Clinical Embryologist at Fertility Exeter, part of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. She began her clinical Embryology career in Exeter in 2005 following 3 years in research embryology at the MRC in Oxfordshire. She became a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2022 and is currently in year 3 of the HSST programme in Reproductive Science.

Daniel Brison is Scientific Director and a Consultant Embryologist at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester and Professor (hon) of Clinical Embryology at the University of Manchester. He was Person Responsible to the HFEA for human embryo research in Manchester from 1998-2022 and a member of the HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee 2004-2022. His clinical and research interests include: improving the effectiveness and safety of clinical assisted reproductive technologies (ART), the characterization of early human development and implantation at the molecular level, and the impact of environmental factors and ART on embryonic and child health.

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.

Jackson is HFEA Person Responsible and Science Lead at the Birmingham Women’s Fertility Centre and an NIHR ICA Reader in Human Reproductive Science and the University of Birmingham. He has worked across academic and clinical Andrology for many years, being well known for his research team’s research into calcium signalling, gamete recognition and control of sperm motility as well as more recently in sperm DNA quality and miscarriage. Clinically Jackson was recognised by an MBE for setting up the sperm salvage (fertility preservation) pathway for UK servicemen and day-to-day leads the PGT service in Birmingham.

Rod is Professor of Developmental Endocrinology at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. He is also a Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at The Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. Rod is clinical and research lead for fertility preservation in prepubertal boys with cancer. His work combines the clinical service for gonadal tissue cryopreservation with research aimed at developing clinical strategies to protect or restore fertility in patients receiving sterilising therapies. Rod is also Senior Deputy on the ESHRE SIG for Fertility Preservation.

Prof Helen Picton is a biomedical scientist who is a specialist in ovarian physiology, oogenesis, folliculogenesis and the applied science of female oncofertility. She currently holds a Chair of Reproduction and Early Development in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine within the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, UK. She is the Director of the two masters programmes in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology hosted by the University of Leeds. From 1999-2021 she was the Scientific Director of Leeds Fertility within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. She is a former Chair of the Society for Reproduction and Fertility and of the joint executive committee of the British Fertility Societies and as previously coordinator of the ESHRE Task Force on fertility preservation in severe diseases. She is currently a member of the ARCS Scientific Advisory Committee and is Scientific Advisor to IVF BioScience. Her research programme is focused on developing an in depth understanding of the cell and molecular biology of oocyte, follicle and embryo development in large animals and humans. The insights provided by the study of the fundamental biology of these important cells is then used to help understand the aetiology of female infertility, to design and improve infertility treatments, and to develop methods to preserve and restore the fertility of young female patients. She has published over 130 research papers, reviews and book chapters in the field of female reproduction and fertility.

Ioannis Sfontouris is an ESHRE-certified Senior Embryologist with 25 years of experience in clinical IVF, scientific research and university teaching. He is Scientific Director at HYGEIA IVF EMBRYOGENESIS, the largest Assisted Reproduction Unit in Greece. He is also Assistant Professor of Clinical Embryology at the University of Nottingham, and Immediate Past Coordinator of the Special Interest Group 'Embryology' of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). He graduated from the Department of Biology of the University of Patras in 1998. He continued his studies in the UK where he obtained a postgraduate degree in in vitro fertilization (M.Med.Sci in ART) from the University of Nottingham in 1999. He trained in embryology at the University IVF Clinic NURTURE in Nottingham, and was awarded his PhD in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Nottingham in 2004. In parallel with clinical work, he has research and educational activity. He has a number of published studies in scientific journals, as well as award-winning papers at international conferences. He has many years of experience in teaching students and training young embryologists, and participates as a visiting lecturer in postgraduate programs at the University of Athens and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. ​He is Associate Editor of the journal Human Reproduction.

Roger Sturmey is a Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the Hull York Medical School and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Manchester and serves as HFEA Person Responsible for human embryo research licenses at both institutions. He is interested in studying metabolic function at the nanoscale of individual oocytes and embryos and how this links to embryo physiology, and has subsequently applied these interests to somatic cells and stem cells. His laboratory studies oocytes and embryos of domestic species; notably bovine, porcine and equine, in addition to work on human embryos. His research has identified key metabolic adaptations of early embryos in response to nutritional and physiological challenges, informing the debate on maternal health around conception. His group has also developed a novel model of the female reproductive tract which has provided new insight into the formation of reproductive tract fluid. From 2017-22 he served as the Basic Science Officer for the ESHRE Embryology Special Interest Group, as well as a Board Member of the Association of Embryo Technology in Europe, Associate Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University where he teaches on the NHS STP Embryology Training programme, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for both the UK Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) and the animal IVF Technology company IVF Bioscience.

Ellie is currently a Clinical Embryologist at Jessop Fertility and enjoys contributing to communication projects such as promoting access to patient feedback and collating responses, and creating patient leaflets and information videos. She completed a master’s degree in biomedical sciences at the University of Warwick, before going on to complete the STP and becoming HCPC registered in 2018.

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.

I began my career as a Research Embryologist, working on in vitro matured bovine oocytes on a joint research programme between University College Dublin and Cambridge Animal Biotechnology. This led to a career as an Embryologist in commercial livestock production. I then moved into Clinical Embryology and worked at The Priory Hospital Birmingham, North Staffordshire University Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital Manchester and Manchester Fertility Services. I am very interested in the law and ethics surrounding Assisted Reproduction. I have a postgraduate law degree and legal practice qualification. In June 2024 I completed my ethics consultation skills course at Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics.

Davina is currently Person Responsible & lab manager at Jessop Fertility in Sheffield. She has worked in the field of embryology for over 20 years, beginning her clinical training at Hull IVF Unit in 2001; where she completed the ACE Certificate in Clinical Embryology. She has a Masters degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology and is an associate lecturer with the University of Sheffield as part of the MSc course in Reproductive Sciences. Davina joined the ARCS Executive Committee in 2023 and is also the Chair of the Communications subcommittee.

I have been an embryologist for over 20 years and started my career in human embryology in 2006 at ACU Dundee under maiden name (Adamiak). I have PhD in animal embryology and special interest in African wildlife conservation. In 2019 I have joined Aberdeen Centre for Reproductive Medicine, currently in a role of the Deputy Lab manager. In early 2021 I was privileged to join the TRS editorial team.

I have worked in the field since 2017 and completed the STP gaining HCPC registration in 2023. I am looking forward to taking on a more active role within the field of fertility. I am keen to learn from my peers within ARCS, improving my skills and knowledge whilst hopefully inspiring the next generation of scientists, especially women.

Emily is the Clinical Andrologist at Hull and East Riding Fertility. She was on the ARCS Executive Committee from January 2023-January 2026 and is now Chair for the ARCS Policy and Practice Committee as well as sitting on the Communications Committee and TRS. She has a Masters in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology and a degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Leeds and has achieved Andrology STP equivalence. She has been a member of the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCs) since her introduction into the field in 2016 during which she has completed 2 logbooks in diagnostic semen evaluation and sperm cryopreservation. Emily plays a key role in ISO15189 inspections; validating equipment, developing SOPs, performing clinical audits and co-ordinating internal and external quality control.

Lydia is Principal Embryologist at Manchester Fertility. She began her career at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, completing the STP in 2016. She has completed RCPath Part 1 and began the HSST in 2022. She is an honorary lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, contributing to STP teaching, and is involved with the development and delivery of the STP exit assessment.

Eleanor has worked in the field of Reproductive Medicine since 1999. She is a highly experienced, ICSI and biopsy-trained, HCPC registered Clinical Embryologist, and a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists, having worked in a large London NHS Trust for most of her career. She qualified as an accredited coach in 2023, and founded the first Fertility Coaching service, fulfilling a passion to improve support for fertility patients. She has always been keen to give back to the profession, volunteering to join the editorial team of 'The Embryologist' produced for the Association of Clinical Embryologist in 2001. She took over as Editor soon after, and has continued in this role, producing a quarterly magazine for the last 20 years, now as Editor-in Chief of the e-zine known as 'The Reproductive Scientist'. . She was originally elected to the ARCS Executive committee in 2021 and re-elected for a second term - also serving on the Comms sub-committee. In this role she has coordinated a major upgrade of the membership database, initiated an EDI network for ARCS, developed ARCS social media communications and is lead for the ARCS mentorship programme.

Dr Amy Barrie is the Chief Scientific Officer for the FutureLife Group and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists. Amy studied Physiology at the University of Manchester, followed by a Master’s degree in Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine at University College London. Amy was awarded a PhD in 2017 entitled ‘Time-lapse Systems: Incubation and Annotation’. Amy has over 15 years’ experience within Clinical Embryology and has a special interest in time-lapse technology. Amy has published a number of papers and book chapters on this topic and remains involved in research in this area. In addition to ensuring the safe and effective running of the FutureLife Group laboratories, Amy is an Executive member of ARCS and the Senior Deputy for the ESHRE Embryology Special Interest Group.

Sourima is an HCPC-registered Clinical Embryologist and Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. She is Principal Clinical Scientist (Embryologist) at a fertility start-up, where she leads strategy and innovation in IVF, and works as a locum embryologist across the UK and Europe. With over a decade of experience spanning the NHS, private sector, academia, and industry, she brings a broad perspective to clinical embryology. Her scientific career began with an MSc in Clinical Embryology at Oxford, followed by a PhD in Reproductive Biology at Newcastle and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute. She has since combined clinical practice with research on embryo development, endometrial biology, and AI in assisted reproduction. A longstanding ARCS member, Sourima helped develop the International Certificate in Embryology and previously served on the Policies & Practice Committee. Passionate about education, she mentors through ESHRE and ARCS, lectures, and is dedicated to training the next generation of embryologists.

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.

I began my scientific career at Birmingham University investigating the molecular processes that control the behaviour of cancer cells. In 2004, I joined the Nuffield Department of Women & Reproductive Health (NDWRH) at the University of Oxford to study the molecules involved in early human embryogenesis. I was appointed as Laboratory Manager for the NDWRH’s new MSc in Clinical Embryology in 2008 and played an instrumental role in setting up the course. In addition to my teaching and managerial duties for the MSc, I undertake research into molecular mechanisms of oocyte activation at fertilisation. Other research interests include developing techniques to preserve the fertility of prepubertal boys with cancer and the use of nanoparticle- or exosome-based platforms for the delivery of molecular compounds to gametes (https://www.wrh.ox.ac.uk/team/celine-jones).

Daniela is currently working as a Reproductive Technologist at Semovo in Glasgow. She is responsible for managing sperm recruitment and donation, as well as processing donor sperm sales to patients at UK-based HFEA-licensed clinics. She has an MSc degree in Clinical Embryology and ART from the University of Leeds.

Anne is an HCPC registered Clinical Embryologist and Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. She is passionate about education in the field and is a lecturer in Reproductive Medicine for the University of Dundee postgraduate Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception course. She has previously worked as a Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government reviewing the National workforce of healthcare scientists and organised Scotland’s Healthcare Science Week to promote and engage young people to the field of ART. She is a qualified Person Responsible to the HFEA and serves as an expert member on the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee.

Senior Embryologist Qamar Walayat is a state registered Clinical Embryologist with over 10 years ART experience. Qamar is Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists and is currently on the HSST training. Qamar is passionate about perfecting embryological techniques such as PGT embryo biopsy and ICSI. Qamar undertook his elective at one of world’s largest IVF centres allowing him to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in Embryology. Qamar coordinates the team of highly skilled and experienced embryologists who consistently deliver evidence based care with outstanding results.

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.

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 has worked in the field of Andrology for over 10 years, at the Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Andrew completed a MRes on sperm morphology assessment in 2019 at Edge Hill University and became a HCPC-registered Clinical Andrologist in 2021 having completed Scientific Training Programme. Andrew is keen to expand support for reproductive trainees for ARCS, especially those working towards HCPC registration through the development of logbooks. Andrew is a member of the UK NEQAS Steering Committee and is looking to strengthen the ties between ARCS and NEQAS, to promote best practices and quality assurance within the field of reproductive science.

I have been an embryologist for over 20 years and started my career in human embryology in 2006 at ACU Dundee under maiden name (Adamiak). I have PhD in animal embryology and special interest in African wildlife conservation. In 2019 I have joined Aberdeen Centre for Reproductive Medicine, currently in a role of the Deputy Lab manager. In early 2021 I was privileged to join the TRS editorial team.

Anne is an HCPC registered Clinical Embryologist and Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. She is passionate about education in the field and is a lecturer in Reproductive Medicine for the University of Dundee postgraduate Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception course. She has previously worked as a Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government reviewing the National workforce of healthcare scientists and organised Scotland’s Healthcare Science Week to promote and engage young people to the field of ART. She is a qualified Person Responsible to the HFEA and serves as an expert member on the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee.

Jo is a Senior Clinical Embryologist at Fertility Exeter, part of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. She began her clinical Embryology career in Exeter in 2005 following 3 years in research embryology at the MRC in Oxfordshire. She became a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2022 and is currently in year 3 of the HSST programme in Reproductive Science.

Before ARCS was formed, Bryan was Chair of ABA and Secretary of ACE. He now directs X&Y Fertility in Leicester.