Speakers

Prof. Dr. Human M. Fatemi, MD (Magna Cum Laude), is the distinguished Group Medical Director of ART Fertility Clinics in the UAE, Oman, and India. With a PhD in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, he has earned acclaim from the European Society of Human Reproduction as well as the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. As a Clinical Professor at the University of Brussels and visiting professor at multiple esteemed institutions globally, his expertise spans across the fields of Gynecology, Surgery and Reproductive Endocrinology. With over 200+ peer-reviewed publications, a citation report of 3,800 and an H-Index of 35, he is an esteemed journal reviewer and associate editor. His profound contributions to the field of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology include over 200 international conference presentations as well as numerous prestigious grants and awards.

Dr. Carol Coughlan is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist . She is an  accredited subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery by the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in London, UK. Dr Coughlan graduated with honours from University College Cork , Ireland in 1997. She was awarded Doctor of Medicine (MD) in July 2013 from the University of Sheffield, UK. Her MD thesis focused on recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage resulting in many publications and presentations both nationally and internationally. She has an interest in genetics and fertility preservation. She has a particular interest in fertility preservation for patients with a cancer diagnosis and prior to relocating to the UAE held the position of Clinical Director, Rotunda/IVF , the National Oncofertility Centre at Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. She is currently Medical Director at ART Fertility Clinic Dubai.

Prof. Pasqualino Loi started to work on embryos 29 years ago in a small Veterinary Faculty in Sardinia, Italy. He has dedicated a great deal of efforts on embryo multiplication by splitting, blastomere separation and embryonic cells nuclear transfer during his PhD. Then Prof. Pasqualino Loi joined Keith Campbell and Ian Wilmut at the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, to work on a sheep nuclear transfer project aiming at cell cycle coordination between enucleated oocytes and donor embryonic nuclei.

The publications jointly delivered (Campbell, KHS Loi et al., Reviews of Reproduction, 1996; Campbell KHS, Loi P., Biol Reprod. 1994) are milestones in nuclear transfer research and prepared the ground for the production of the first sheep cloned from embryonic (Campbell et al., Nature 1996;380: 64-6) and next adult cell lines (Wilmut et al., Nature 1997, 385: 810-3).

After his work at Roslin, Prof. Pasqualino Loi  continued to work on Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) producing the first ever wild animal by cloning (Loi et al. Nature Biotechnology, 2001). SCNT still remains my primary research interest where I have given significant contributions. Prof. Pasqualino Loi have in fact demonstrated for the first time that non-living cells can generate offspring upon SCNT (Loi et al., Biol Reprod. 2002), a breakthrough that has prepared the ground for cloning lyophilized cells (Loi et al., PloS One 2018), till the most recent attempts to clone the mammoth (Yamagata et al., 2019, Sci Rep. 2019; 9:4050).

Prof. Pasqualino Loi ‘s commitment to elucidate the mechanisms for nuclear reprogramming after SCNT continues, and the latest outcomes of my research group represent a valid option to improve nuclear reprogramming by conferring somatic cells the nuclear structure of a spermatid cells, by the heterologous expression of protamine1 (Iuso et al., Cell Reports 2015; Czernik et al., Nature Protocols 2016; Palazzese et al., Plos One, 2018).

Dr. Mina Popovic is a clinical embryologist with a background in genetics. She is currently the Scientific Director of the Eugin Group in Barcelona, Spain, Professor at Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Co-Director of the Master in Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Pompeu Fabra University, Business School of Management, and the Immediate Past-Coordinator of ESHRE’s Special Interest Group Stem Cells.  

Dr. Popovic completed her undergraduate studies in genetics and Masters in Molecular Biology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She received her PhD from Ghent University in Belgium, investigating the impact of chromosomal instability on early human development. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked as a senior clinical embryologist and regional program laboratory manager at Genea (previously Sydney IVF) in Australia.  

Throughout her career, Dr. Popovic has established key industry partnerships and led international research projects. She has authored multiple high-impact publications, positioning herself as a leader in translational research by bridging the gap between laboratory science and clinical applications in IVF. Additionally, she has played an important role in shaping academic and training programs for future embryologists. 

Medical Director at ART Fertility Clinics (Abu Dhabi, UAE) from October 2021.
Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology IVF in IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic (Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE) since October 2016 to December 2019 and, after the transition to ART Fertility Clinics, until September 2021.
Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology IVF in Al Ain Fertility Center (AAFC) from Oct 2015 to August 2016 (Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE).
Consultant IVF and Fertility endocrinologist OB/GYN, Clínica Ginefiv, Madrid (Spain), from July 2011 to October 2015.
Specialist OB/GYN and Infertility, Hospital Quirón Madrid, from January 2009 until July 2011.
Specialist in Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (Dr Calvo de Mora Clinic, period January 2007-January 2008), part time.
Specialist OB/GYN, Hospital La Paz, Madrid (Spain) from June 2007 until December 2008, with main clinical practice in the Fertility and Assisted Reproduction Unit (Head of Department Dr. Carmen Cuadrado).
Ob/Gyn Fellowship, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid (Spain), from 2003 until 2007, achieving a rating of Excellence.

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree in medicine and surgery from the Autonoma University in Madrid, Spain (1996-2002).
Obstretrics and Gynaecology Fellowship, Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid, Spain), 2003-2007.
PhD degree in Medicine- Human Reproduction, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain): “Anti-Müllerian hormone dynamics during IVF treatment and correlation with pregnancy rates”, with a distinction “Magna Cum Laude”, 2015.
Specialist Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinogy and IVF for Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and Dubai Health Autorithy (DHA).
European Fellow of Reproductive Medicine EFRM‐ESHRE/EBCOG since 2022.

SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY
Review Editor in Frontiers in Endocrinology – Reproduction since 2020.
Editorial board member for International Journal of Gynecological and Obstetrical Research (Int. J. Gynecol. Obst. Res. ISSN: 2309-4400), since 2018.
Member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Member of Spanish Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO).
Member of Spanish Fertility Society (SEF)
Other Scientific Activities: I Masterclass in Gynecologic Robotic Surgery Da Vinci. October 2010; Robotic Surgery in Gynecology Series. Mayo Clinic Hospital. Phoenix, Arizona, USA. September 1, 2009; European Diploma in Gynecology Endoscopy operative. First and Second phase. ICC, Clermont-Ferrand, France. 11 to 15 February 2008; Course of Reproductive Endocrinology, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Prof. Barbara Lawrenz obtained her Medical Degree from Germany and completed her specialization in Gynecology and Obstetrics, she also gained expertise in Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine followed by Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine. Prof. Lawrenz is an expert in fertility preservation before cytotoxic therapy in women with malignant diseases and fertility preservation for those undergoing cancer treatment and cancer survivors and she has a PhD in this topic.

She has authored/co-authored 97 pub-med reviewed articles in international journals and additional articles in various prestigious German journals. Her main research focus is on the luteal phase support and treatment individualization. Prof. Lawrenz was the Head of the IVF Department at Women’s University Hospital Tubingen, Germany, and is an esteemed member of the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE).

Dr. Luca Gianaroli is a specialist in Reproductive Medicine since the end of the Seventies. He is the Scientific Director of S.I.S.Me.R. (Italian Society for the Study of Reproductive Medicine) and he holds the position of Scientific Director of I.I.A.R.G., the International Institutes of Advanced Reproduction and Genetics, and of IIRM SA. He is also an Honorary Professor at the School of Biosciences of the University of Kent.

An active member of several international scientific societies in which he has covered and currently covers roles of primary importance such as, he has served as Chairman of the Italian Society of Reproduction and of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). He is also an effective member of the ESHRE Certification Committee, of the ESHRE COVID-19 Working Group and a coordinator of the Steering Committee of the ESHRE ART Centre Certification Program.

Experience
From 1979 to 1981: researcher at the Reproductive Medicine Unit of Bologna University
From 1982 to 1983: Researcher at the Department  of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
From 1987 to 1997: Associated researcher  at the “Center for Early Human Development”, Monash Medical Center, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
From 1993 to 1995: Director of the Reproductive Medicine Unit at Private Hospital Villa Regina, Bologna
From 1995 to 2005: Scientific Director at SISMeR
Since 2009: Scientific Director at IIARG – International Institutes for Advanced Reproduction and Genetics
Since 2012: Scientific Director at SISMeR

Educational

• From 1978 to 1981: University teacher – Anatomy and Human Physiology. I Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Bologna University (Sant’Orsola Hospital)
• From 1980 to 1984: Research Fellow. II Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic – Bologna University
• From 1984 to 1989: Researcher, permanent position. Clinical Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Bologna University
• From 1989 to 1992: Senior assistant (Maitre assistant) of the Chair of Gynecological Endocrinology and Sterility Clinic, Geneva University, Switzerland
• From 1993 to 1994: University professor of “Assisted Reproduction Techniques” within the degree course in Physiopatholgy  of Reproduction Postgraduate School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
• 1999: University Professor within the Master in “Biotechnologies of Reproduction”, Teramo University
• From 2000 to 2002: University Professor within the Master in “Biotechnologies of Reproduction”, Teramo University
• From 2000 to 2005:  University Professor (Andrology;  3^rd-year course) Postgraduate school of Urology – University of Trieste
• From 2004 to 2016: University Professor – Degree course in Biotechnologies of Reproduction, Teramo University
• Since 2014: Certified Ordinary Professor
• From 2014 to 2022: Honorary Professor at the School of Biosciences – University of Kent

Ibrahim El Khatib has completed his Bachelors in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, M.Sc. in Healthcare Management, MBA in Data Science and AI, and M.Sc. in IVF Biotechnology and Human-based Research. PhD candidate in reproductive genetics. Ibrahim has more than ten years of experience in the field of Embryology and was part of the team that started the first ART Fertility Clinics in the Middle East. He has contributed to several scientific publications in the field of Reproductive Medicine.

• Invited reviewer for scientific journals
• ESHRE 2024 Oral presentation
Topic: Blastocyst re-expansion 1-hr post biopsy: An Independent predictor of live birth.
• Speaker at EOFF 2021
Topic: Utilizing genetics and embryo testing for improving clinical outcomes.
• Speaker at 3rd HealthPlus Middle East Fertility Conference
Topic: Debate One: To Genetically Test or Not; The Embryologist Point of View
• Speaker at Scientific Highlights in Fertility- Practice Workshop Sharing Best Practice for
HER
Topic: Innovation in Assisted Reproductive Technology
• Speaker at ADVANCE 4 “Practices and Controversies in Ovulation induction”
Topic: Genetics of the oocyte and reproduction
•
• Speaker at IVI annual congress, November 2019; Improving Clinical outcomes
• Speaker at Clinical Observation Program, 2019, Abu Dhabi; Quality Control,
Morphokinetics and the application of PGT-A.
• IVF Laboratory set up and installation, IVI Abu Dhabi 2015, IVI Muscat 2016
• Speaker at MSD Clinical Observation Programs, May 2017, Abu Dhabi; Quality Control,
PGS vs PGD.
• Quantitative PCR hands on training course, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New
Jersey, USA, March 2017.
• Speaker at IVI Annual Congress, January 2017, Muscat: IVF Laboratory Quality Control.
• Speaker at MSD Clinical Observation Program for Fertility April 2016, Abu Dhabi and
May 2017, Abu Dhabi : IVF Laboratory Quality Control.
• Speaker at EOFF, Dubai 2015: IVF Laboratory Quality Control.
• Speaker at Science Behind ART ANNO 2015 May 2015 , Abu Dhabi; The application of
Vitrification in Reproductive Medicine.
•
• Speaker at RI workshop Abu dhabi 2014: Electronic Witnessing System.
• Attendance of SSIF Advanced Workshop in Embryology – Dubai
• Member of Embryologist’s Journal Club.
• Member of ESHRE and ASRM
• Attended the MEFS 16th conference in Cairo, Egypt 2009.
• Attended Farah hospital ‘s workshop for Oocyte Vitrification and Testicular Biopsy
procedures in 2009.
• Volunteered as an English teacher in a number of public schools located in different
less-privileged areas of Amman over the course of three months.

Graduated in Biological Sciences with a Master’s degree in Embryology, recognized with Academic Excellence Award, and a Ph.D. in Medicine (Magna Cum Laude) at the University of Valencia. Currently Head of the Clinical Data Management Unit at ART Fertility Clinics and Visiting Scholar at NYU Abu Dhabi. 

Author or co-author of over 60 peer-reviewed research papers & abstracts in international journals and conferences. Specialized in Time-Lapse Systems, focused on improving embryo selection through morphokinetics and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the IVF Lab. 

Professor Baris Ata graduated from Istanbul School of Medicine in 1998. Following residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology between 1999 and 2003, he completed subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the McGill University, Montreal, Canada
(2008 – 2011), where he was awarded for Excellence in Gynecological Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is a clinical researcher with a Master’s degree in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He has over 150 publications on female
infertility, endometriosis and clinical aspects of assisted reproduction to his credit in reputable journals. He has served and serves on editorial boards of leading journals in the field including Human Reproduction Update, Human Reproduction. He is the President of the
Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine and is an Executive Committee Member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Prior to joining ART Fertility Clinics, he was an Associate Dean and the Chairperson of The Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, and a Visiting Professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University. He has received multiple awards for his research, education and quality of patient care by several prestigious national and international institutions.

Full Professor and Chairperson, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Koc University School of Medicine, Turkey.
Founding Director ofthe IVF Units at Uludag University (2011 – 2014) and Koç University (2015 – 2021).
Performed over 5,000 IVF cycles.
Graduate of Istanbul School of Medicine, 1998
Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Vakıf Gureba Hospital between 1999 – 2003.
Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinical Training in 2005 at the American Hospital of Istanbul,Clinical and Research Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, between 2008-2011

Masters Degree in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,
Has over 150 publications in leading journals and textbooks to his credit.
Served/serves in the editorial boards of leading journals in the field, including Human Reproduction Update, Human Reproduction, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology among others.
President of the Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine, where he has been on the board of directors since 2012.
Executive Committee Member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (2019-2023.
Holds multiple awards for research, teaching, and quality of patient care from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine, McGill University, Koç University, and other institutions.