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Session 158: Day Ones

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Session 158: Day Ones: the first 24 hours

Tuesday 15th July 3pm ET, 8pm BST, 9pm CET

A webinar kindly sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific

Moderators:
Dr. Berthe Youness
Dr. Balsam Al-Hashimi
Prof. Darren Griffin

Presenters:
Dr. Cengiz Cinnioglu: Unlikely Beginnings: PGT Insights from 0PN and 1PN Blastocyst

Dr. Anil Biricik: A SNP in Time: Genotyping Dubiously Fertilized Embryos

Dr. George Liperis: First Moves

Round table discussion and Q and A

TBA

REGISTRATION


Dr. Berthe Youness


Dr. Berthe Youness holds a PhD in molecular reproductive biology from Heidelberg University, where her thesis, titled “Molecular Genetic Analysis of Functional FMR1/FMRP Expression on Human Folliculogenesis and Ovarian Reserve,” aimed to investigate various possible mechanisms involved in FMR1 gene epigenetic expression control in human granulosa cells.

Following the completion of her PhD, Dr. Youness transitioned to a sales-focused role as an account manager in the bioscience division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, where she developed strong expertise in client relations and business development.

Currently, Dr. Youness serves as the EMEA Market Development Manager for the reproductive health portfolio at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where she drives the EMEA marketing strategy and supports visionary life science organizations in expanding their lab genetic testing capabilities.

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Dr. Balsam Al-Hashimi

Balsam Al-Hashimi is a highly accomplished Clinical Embryologist and registered Clinical Scientist, certified by both the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS). She holds a Master’s in Clinical Embryology from the University of Leeds and is currently pursuing a PhD in Reproductive Genetics at University College London (UCL). Balsam serves as Deputy Laboratory Manager and Lead Embryologist in Genetics at the London Women’s Clinic (LWC), where she plays a central role in advancing reproductive science and supporting innovative clinical practice. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she is an Officer Trainer for the Scientist Training Program (STP) in collaboration with the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE), mentoring the next generation of embryologists. Passionate about both science and education, Balsam continues to contribute to the field through her leadership, academic research, and dedication to professional development.



Prof. Darren Griffin

Professor Darren Griffin received his BSc and DSc degrees from the University of Manchester and his PhD from University College London. After postdoctoral stints at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Cambridge he landed his first academic post at Brunel University, before joining the University of Kent. He was Professor of Genetics for over 20 years before assuming the same title in an honorary capacity this year. He holds honorary positions at University College London, the Royal Veterinary College and Kasetsart University. He now operates as a freelance professor sitting on the advisory boards of several companies. 
He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of Arts and is President of the International Chromosome and Genome Society.
A world leader in cytogenetics, he performed the first successful cytogenetic preimplantation genetic diagnosis and played a significant role in the development of Karyomapping, a universal genetic diagnostic test for IVF embryos. He has co-authored nearly 400 scientific publications, mainly on the cytogenetics of reproduction and evolution, recently providing insight into the karyotypes of dinosaurs. 
He is a prolific science communicator, a part time TV presenter and an enthusiastic proponent of interdisciplinary research endeavour. He has supervised around 50 PhD students to completion and his work appears consistently in the media. He ran a vibrant research group including a programme of externally supervised students and maintains commercial interests relating to the outcomes of research findings.

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