Embryologist Ioannis Sfontouris delivers lecture on medically assisted reproduction at UNIC Athens

The Medical School’s Public Health lecture series at UNIC Athens, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli, continued yesterday, with a lecture by Dr Ioannis Sfontouris, Associate Professor of Embryology at UNIC Athens and Director of the Embryology Laboratory at Hygeia IVF Embryogenesis.

In his lecture, titled ‘Medically Assisted Reproduction for the Treatment of Infertility: Developments and Future Perspectives’, Dr Sfontouris provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and upcoming breakthroughs in assisted reproductive technologies, highlighting innovative solutions for treating infertility and outlining their clinical significance for the future.

Dr Sfontouris analysed the multifaceted causes of infertility, examining both anatomical and environmental factors affecting couples today. He provided a detailed breakdown of the In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) process, tailoring his analysis to the significant variation in success rates and treatment options across maternal age groups. A major focus of his lecture was the transformative role of advanced technology – such as artificial intelligence and automated laboratory techniques – in evolving reproductive procedures and maximising positive outcomes.

Dr Sfontouris also emphasised the vital role of the current regulatory framework, discussing how legal guidelines and bioethical boundaries influence clinical practices, safeguard patients, and shape the future landscape of assisted reproduction.

This was the third lecture in the Medical School’s Public Health series in Athens, which aims to strengthen dialogue between academia, healthcare professionals and the wider public while promoting informed discussion on prevention, early diagnosis and advances in modern medical practice.

The series will resume next autumn following the summer break.