Embryology and PGD Academy

Calling all women - have you got 10 mins today to fill in our survey asking how you would like to be educated and supported for menopause?

Our team are developing a UK programme.

Here are what some women have told they want us to include.....

Please share.



https://ifwh.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CVKG2I1RZzHGXI

Welcome to season 2 of Why didn’t anyone tell me this?

This podcast is about health education with an emphasis on reproductive health. We do not cover these topics enough in school or beyond. Joyce Harper and her guests want to give you the tools to empower you to live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life. And on the way, we will debunk some of the myths around our health.

This podcast will include a wide range of amazing guests, discussing topics such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health, happiness, cancer, periods, fertility, infertility, fertility treatment, preconception health, pregnancy, miscarriage, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause and much more. Joyce is a cold-water swimmer so expect some episodes about swimming! They will tell you about their work and life journey, what are the key messages they want you to know, their motivation, what makes them happy and their advice to their younger self.

Episode 1 Why we need to teach everyone about reproductive health.

In 2023 I started the podcast and had 25 guests, plus myself, talking about many health topics, but mainly reproductive health. The podcast has been listened to in 72 countries. In this episode I explain my main research projects. My work as chair of the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC) has resulted in 6 videos of personal stories, the teachers educational resource, an update of the fertility education poster and the preparation of 12 public information leaflets (www.eshre.eu/IRHEC). In 2023 my research on menopause led me to set up the development of the UK menopause education and support programme with Shema, Polly, Nicky and Florrie. The project will be inclusive and co-designed with the public. I also share how difficult juggling our work:life balance can be. In 2024, I will be interviewing 50 women over 50 who feel they are (mostly) happy to discuss a range of topics which I will share in my next book.

I had wondered if I continue with my podcast in 2024.

It is a lot of work as I am script writer, interviewer, producer and marketing manager, but if you know me, you know I love talking to people.

And there are so many amazing people out there to talk to.

Here are some of my guests.

I am starting off season 2 with an update of what I have been up to in 2023 and what I have in store - mainly why we need to teach everyone reproductive health education and a sneak introduction to my next book. Out on my birthday - 17th Jan - on all podcast channels.

I would love to hear your feedback on any episodes you have listened to.

The last thing I want to do is write obituaries for my alumni. This came as such a shock -

It is with great sadness that Elpida Fragouli passed away after a very short illness due to cancer at the end of December 2023. She has been a key scientist in the field of PGT for over 20 years. Her contribution to the academic and clinical literature has been of global importance.

After obtaining a BSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Surrey, and an MSc in Biochemistry (Genetic Manipulation and Molecular Biology) from the University of Sussex, in 1999 Elpida joined the UCL team led by Joyce Harper and Joy Delhanty to study the MSc in Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine. She stayed on at UCL to do her PhD with the UCL PGD team where she also worked on the PGD programme until 2006.

Read the full version, with details of her funeral, at

ESHRE News ESHRE News

Have you listened to my podcast this year? Still time to catch up before Season 2. You can watch it on my YouTube Channel, or any podcast channel - just search my name.

With my guests, we have covered many reproductive health topics from menopause to wellbeing.

It's been listened to in 72 countries. The top 5 being the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland and Australia. And some unexpected being Zambia, Papa New Guinea, Oman, Bhutan and the Maldives.

This Weds at 2pm UK time. We have the closing webinar of module 3 for our certificate in clinical embryology: Genetics, PGT and prenatal diagnosis. We are very proud to have Dagan Wells and Roy Naja joining myself, Alpesh Doshi and Keshav Malhotra. The webinar is free. For those already taking module 3, you can get access via the platform. For those not enrolled on module 3 - please register via the free eventbrite link.

If you want to register for any of the modules on the new platform - please visit my web site - www.joyceharper.com

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/closing-webinar-for-module-3-tickets-337406169937

Closing webinar for module 3 Certificate in Clinical Embryology Special edition of module 3: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis

This is the recording of the live webinar today with myself, Alpesh and Keshav. We had great audience participation with questions ranging from should we re-biopsy to the ethical issues of PGT. Our next live webinar is on 29th June with Dagan Wells and Roy Naja. Gain easy access to the webinar when you register for the PGT module at just £100 or I will post the free link nearer the time.

Certificate in Clinical Embryology: Live webinar for module 3: Genetics and PGT We are pleased to announce that we are working with Keshav Malhorta to rebrand and update the modules of the certificate in clinical embryology. We are star...

Would you like to attend a free, online webinar and Q and A to discuss genetics, PGT and prenatal diagnosis? Join myself, Alpesh Doshi and Keshav Malhotra on Weds 1st June at 2pm UK time. We will be celebrating the relaunched of our Certificate in Clinical Embryology -

Q and A: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), prenatal diagnosi Certificate in Clinical Embryology Special edition of module 3: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis

Here is the free link to the live Q and A session on 1st June for Genetics, PGT and prenatal diagnosis. Come and join us. If you are registered for module, you can access the live session via Ruzuku.

Q and A: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), prenatal diagnosi Certificate in Clinical Embryology Special edition of module 3: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis

I have made a short video explaining to you how the Certificate in Clinical Embryology works on our new platform. In June we are running two webinars on PGT - 1st June with myself, Alpesh Doshi and Keshav Malhorta and then again with ourselves and Dagan Wells and Roy Naja on 29th June. Both at 2pm UK time. If you register for the genetics and PGT module, you get automatic access to the webinars. If you are not registered, I will post the free link in a few days. The special offer is that all the modules are currently just £100.

Distance learning Certificate in Clinical Embryology The Embryology and PGD Academy have developed a distance learning Certificate in Clinical Embryology which is now available on a new platform. This is a uniq...

I am so pleased to announce that we have finished re-building our Certificate of Clinical Embryology on a new platform. To celebrate the new, improved modules, we are offering a special offer of £100 per module. And for those interested in genetics, PGT and prenatal diagnosis, included are two live webinars on 1st June and 29th June at 2pm UK time - with myself, Alpesh Doshi and Keshav Malhotra and additionally with Dagan Wells and Roy Naja on 29th June.

Register now - you can use a credit card.

Module 1. The Laboratory – from gamete to embryo: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84403/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. The history of events leading to the birth of the worlds first IVF babies: Kay Elder
3. Introduction to laboratory equipment and staff: Xavier Viñals Gonzalez
4. Culture media – development and composition: Joyce Harper
5. Culture media: sequential and single step – what embryologist should consider: Kiri Beilby
6. Semen assessment: Steven Fleming
7. Preparing s***m for ART: Alpesh Doshi
8. Laboratory aspects of IVF: Xavier Viñals Gonzalez
9. Laboratory aspects of ICSI: Rachel Cutting
10. The embryologist role in the egg collection: Alpesh Doshi
11. How to do the PN check: Mara Simopoulou
12. Blastocyst culture; advantages and disadvantages and in which patients? Catherine Racowsky
13. Embryo selection and scoring: Kay Elder
14. Laboratory aspects of the embryo transfer procedure: Alpesh Doshi
15. How should we bring new technology into the IVF lab - a discussion of the adjuncts: Joyce Harper
16. Assisted Hatching: Gloria Calderon
17. Introduction to time lapse: Walid Maalouf
18. Model building with time lapse technology: Christina Hickman
Plus videos of Introduction to the IVF lab, s***m preparation, the egg collection, and ICSI
Module 2. Oocyte, s***m and embryo cryopreservation: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84402/enroll

1. Intro to the module: Joyce Harper
2. Principles of cryopreservation: Barry Fuller
3. S***m freezing: Steven Fleming
4. Embryo cryopreservation: Laura Rienzi
5. Oocyte cryopreservation: Ana Cobo
6. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: Richard Anderson
7. The frozen-thaw cycle: Wael Saab
8. Should we be doing freeze all cycles? Abha Maheshwari
Plus videos of s***m freezing, s***m thawing, blastocyst vitrification, oocyte vitrification, blastocyst and oocyte warming
Module 3. Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84373/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. An introduction to genetics and inherited disease: Joyce Harper
3. Chromosome abnormalities: Joyce Harper
4. Genetics of infertility: Darren Griffin
5. Introduction to PGT: Joyce Harper
6. Polar body, cleavage stage and blastocyst biopsy for PGT: Alpesh Doshi
7. Genetic diagnosis for PGT: Alan Handyside
8. PGT-A: Roy Naga
10. Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis: Ageliki Gerovassili
11. Prenatal diagnosis: Sarah Hillman
12. Genetic counselling: Karen Sage
13. Discussion of ethical issues: Joyce Harper
Plus videos of tubing cells and embryo biopsy.

Module 4. Lab design, quality assessment and trouble shooting: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84264/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. Laboratory design and construction: Stephen Harbottle
3. Laboratory communication, Maintaining Quality and Consistency in an IVF Lab Network: Jason Swain
4. Air quality in the IVF lab: VOCs monitoring: Ragaa Mansour
5. Quality management in the IVF lab: Alpesh Doshi
6. Trouble shooting and QA in embryo culture - Basak Balaban
7. Monitoring your performance and KPIs: Dean Morbeck
8. Internal auditing of the IVF lab: Ronny Janssens
Module 5. New technology and ethical considerations in ART: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84401/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. Ethical considerations in ART: Dan Reisel
3. Using donor eggs and s***m – what needs to be considered: Saghar Kasiri
4. The global surrogacy market: Christina Weis
5. Cross border reproductive care: Francoise Shenfield
6. Embryo culture system: what will be next: Roger Sturmey
7. Mitochondrial replacement techniques: Mary Herbert
8. Genome editing: Helen O’Neill
9. The future of reproduction: Joyce Harper
Module 6. Clinical aspects of ART: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84400/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. Causes of male infertility: Amr Raheen
3. Clinical andrology: Pippa Sangster
4. Causes of female infertility and investigations: Anis Feki
5. Clinical aspects of infertility treatments: Timur Gurgan
6. Drug regimes in ART: Svend Lindenberg
7. Monitoring an IVF cycle: Michel De Vos
8. The failed cycle: Yacoub Khalaf
Module 7. Gametogenesis and preimplantation development: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84399/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. Anatomy of the female and male reproductive tract and meiosis: Joyce Harper
3. Oogenesis: Yona Barak
4. S***matogenesis: Moncef Benkhalifa
5. Fertilisation and oocyte activation: Karl Swann
6. Preimplantation development; blastocysts in 2019: Giovanni Coticchio
7. Implantation: Justin Chu
Module 8. Reproductive health: https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84398/enroll

1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. Puberty and the menstrual cycle: Joyce Harper
3. Contraception: Annette Thwaites
4. Sexually transmitted infection:Joyce Harper
5. Optimising fertility and chance of ART success: the role of modifiable factors: Karin Hammarberg
6. Pregnancy and delivery: Eric Jauniaux
7. Miscarriage and pregnancy termination: Eric Jauniaux
8. All you need to know about the menopause: Ertan Saridogan

Sign Up for Module 3: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis

Certificate in Clinical Embryology
Special edition of module 3:
Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis

We are pleased to announce that we are working with Keshav Malhorta to rebrand and update the modules of the certificate in clinical embryology on a new online learning platform.

We are starting our relaunch with module 3. As a special offer for June 2022, we are offering module 3 at a special price of £100. This includes two live webinars as well as access to all of the talks below which you can watch in your own time. And includes entry to the multiple choice exam so you can obtain either a certificate of attendance or a certificate to show you passed the exam. You will also have access to the PGT log book.

To register for the module, visit https://app.ruzuku.com/courses/84373/enroll

Opening webinar hosted by Keshav Malhorta, Joyce Harper and Alpesh Doshi:
Weds 1st June from 2-3pm, UK time

Closing module live webinar to discuss the hot topics covered in the module, hosted by Keshav Malhorta, Joyce Harper and Alpesh Doshi with special guests Dagan Wells and Roy Naja.
Weds 29thJune at 2pm-3pm UK time

Pre-recorded talks
1. Introduction to the module: Joyce Harper
2. An introduction to genetics and inherited disease: Joyce Harper
3. Chromosome abnormalities: Joyce Harper
4. Genetics of infertility: Darren Griffin
5. Introduction to PGT: Joyce Harper
6. Polar body, cleavage stage and blastocyst biopsy for PGT: Alpesh Doshi
Videos of tubing cells and embryo biopsy
7. Practical aspects of embryo biopsy: Georgia Kokkali
8. Genetic diagnosis for PGT: Alan Handyside
9. PGT-A: Roy Naga
Webinar: Interpretation of PGT results
10. Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis: Ageliki Gerovassili
11. Prenatal diagnosis: Sarah Hillman
12. Genetic counselling: Karen Sage
13. Discussion of ethical issues: Joyce Harper

Sign Up for Module 3: Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis

A new year, a new challenge? The Embryology and PGD Academy run an 8 module, distance learning program in clinical embryology suitable for trainee and established embryologists and clinicians. The talks are given by some of the world leaders in IVF. You learn at your own pace, with a multiple choice exam and certificate at the end of each module. The final, exit exam includes an essay and oral exam. The program is accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists. We currently have a special offer price of £1200 inclusive.

Module 1. The Laboratory – from gamete to embryo
Module 2. Oocyte, s***m and embryo cryopreservation
Module 3. Genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and prenatal diagnosis
Module 4. Lab design, quality assessment and trouble shooting
Module 5. New technology and ethical considerations in ART
Module 6. Clinical aspects of ART
Module 7. Gametogenesis and preimplantation development
Module 8. Reproductive health

Full details and registration can be found at www.embryologycertificate.com.

Hear me talking about the certificate in more detail on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/nTMUC-ZQ6cs

Over the next few weeks we will open some talks from each module for free for a limited time on our YouTube channel - Embryology and PGD Academy.

Certificate in Clinical Embryology from the Embryology and PGD Academy In this video, Professor Joyce Harper talks about the Embryology and PGD Academy distance learning certificate in clinical embryology. The program is made up...