Session 172: New Rules
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Session 172: New Rules
Tuesday, 16th June 2026, at 3pm EST/ 8pm UK/9pm CET.
Moderators:
Edel Rocher, Dr. Jordan Abdi and Dr. Lodovico Parmegiani
Presenters:
Dr. Nasser Al-Asmar Piñar, MSc., Ph.D. : How to Make Smarter IVF Decisions: PGT and PGdon’T
Kindly sponsored by CENTOGENE
A/Prof Hassan Bakos PhD MBA : The New Rules of Sperm Selection: Moving Beyond Motility
Kindly sponsored by Memphasys Reproductive Biotechnology
Q and A
Synopsis:
The International IVF Initiative (I3) webinar "New Rules", explored emerging approaches to decision-making in assisted reproduction, focusing on both genetic testing strategies and sperm selection technologies.
Dr. Nasser Al-Asmar Piñar examined the evolving role of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) within contemporary IVF practice. He discussed situations in which PGT may provide meaningful clinical value, while also highlighting circumstances where its use may be unnecessary or offer limited benefit. The presentation encouraged a more individualised and evidence-based approach to patient selection and clinical decision-making, challenging the notion that genetic testing should be routinely applied in all cases.
A/Prof Hassan Bakos presented an overview of next-generation sperm selection strategies, exploring how the field is moving beyond traditional assessments based primarily on motility. He reviewed emerging evidence surrounding sperm quality, functionality, and selection technologies designed to identify sperm with characteristics associated with improved reproductive potential. The presentation highlighted the growing recognition that sperm selection may require a broader assessment framework than conventional laboratory parameters alone.
The webinar concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, during which the speakers discussed the practical implementation of these technologies, the strength of the current evidence base, and the potential impact of these evolving approaches on future IVF laboratory and clinical practice.
Edel Rocher
Edel Rocher is the Director of Business Development Europe at CENTOGENE, where she leads strategic partnerships and expansion across the reproductive genetics and rare disease landscape. With over 10 years of experience as an embryologist and laboratory director, she brings deep technical and clinical expertise in IVF and genetic testing.
Throughout her career, she has worked closely with fertility clinics to optimize laboratory performance, implement advanced technologies, and improve patient outcomes. Her unique combination of scientific knowledge and commercial acumen allows her to effectively bridge the gap between cutting-edge genomic innovation and real-world clinical application.
She is actively engaged in international collaborations and is passionate about advancing precision medicine in reproductive health through scalable, high-quality genetic solutions.
Dr. Jordan Abdi
Jordan Abdi is Co-Founder and CEO of U-Ploid Biotechnologies, a clinical-stage reproductive biotech company based at the Oxford BioEscalator. U-Ploid is developing Lyvanta (UP-085), a first-in-class engineered fusion protein designed to reduce meiotic aneuploidy in human oocytes, with the goal of improving live birth rates and reducing miscarriage in IVF. The company is currently running a human translational study at CARE Fertility and engaging regulators across the world.
Jordan trained as a physician at Imperial College London and was a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University. Before co-founding U-Ploid in 2024, he held commercial and operational leadership roles in real-world evidence companies, including Head of Europe Business Development at PicnicHealth and Director of Growth Operations at Holmusk. He has also served as a Governor at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr. Lodovico Parmegiani
Lodovico (aka Lodo) is Head of Embryology for NextClinics International (a network of ART centres), IVF Laboratory Director at the Next Fertility GynePro in Bologna, Italy and advisor for biotech companies. He has invented, developed and optimized devices and methods for human clinical embryology, and published almost 100 papers and book chapters in this field. He also acts as editor for numerous international scientific journals. Lodo is a TED speaker, a Key Opinion Leader in Assisted Reproduction (AR) and a highly sought-after tutor for hands-on workshops and has organized and chaired many congresses
Dr. Nasser Al-Asmar Piñar
Nasser Al-Asmar has over 15 years of clinical and research laboratory experience, first at IVI-Valencia Clinic (Valencia, Spain) at the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Laboratory, after that at Igenomix (Valencia, Spain) at the Preimplantation Genetic Screening Laboratory and then at Igenomix USA
(Miami, FL).
In 2025 Nasser Al-Asmar gave lectures at International Congresses for several countries including Mexico, Brazil, USA, Guatemala, Chile, Spain... on all the different topics of Reproductive Genetics.
Currently, he is VP Scientific & Medical Affairs – Reproductive Health in
Centogene, Valencia, Spain.
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A/Prof Hassan Bakos
