SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE
We advance IVF science to improve outcomes, with a focus on transferring viable embryos. Our expert scientists are leaders in achieving IVF success.
Leading the way in IVF science and innovation
At Care Fertility, we are committed to providing the most advanced and effective fertility treatments, backed by decades of research and innovation. As pioneers in IVF and embryo selection, we’ve developed cutting-edge technologies like Caremaps-AI, our unique artificial intelligence model that enhances embryo assessment for better outcomes.
Our dedication to research, education, and collaboration sets us apart. We work with leading universities, train future fertility specialists, and contribute to ground-breaking studies that shape the future of fertility care. With unmatched expertise and a patient-focused approach, we strive to offer the best possible chance of success to every individual or couple who entrusts us with their journey to parenthood.
Our scientists also make regular contributions to the research field. They speak at and attend lectures, workshops and conferences around the world. This effort not only supports the development of our teams but also the profession, and many of our scientists have published papers and books on their work – some of which have even won them awards.
Research & Science
We actively participate in IVF research to drive fertility science forward and improve results. Our vision of a science-led and patient-focused fertility group defines the approach of our dedicated teams of scientists, researchers and specialists.
Care Fertility has been at the forefront of fertility and IVF research for decades. Many of our team members have worked in the field since the 70s and 80s and are behind a number of global and national firsts. By continuing this legacy, we hope to make more discoveries and advances that can help us to improve the chance of success for everyone who needs our help.
World firsts
UK's first licence awarded for PGD and HLA tissue typing.
First NHS funded treatment for PGD and HLA tissue typing.
Europe's first baby born following embryo screening CGH.
World's first pregnancy using array CGH.
UK's first baby born through PGD for HLA tissue matching.
UK's first baby to be born using blastocyst chromosome screening.
First UK birth using CareMaps-AI.
Embryo time lapse imaging
Caremaps-AI, Care Fertility's unique artificial intelligence embryo selection model
Artificial intelligence is being introduced into many aspects of our lives. From speech and handwriting recognition to gaming and healthcare. It has been demonstrated that Artificial Intelligence, specifically ‘Machine Learning’, can outperform humans in many tasks and in decision making.
Humans make decisions based on their experience and often very simple rules. In IVF, scientists and medics make many decisions. One of the most critical ones, to treatment success is which embryo to choose.
Care Fertility scientists have undertaken extensive research for over a decade to improve the accuracy of embryo selection. This resulted in models, or algorithms, called Caremaps® to select embryos with the highest chance of becoming a baby. Care Fertility's work in this area has been widely published. Our latest development uses Machine Learning to analyse embryo development from fertilisation right up to the point of embryo transfer to the patient.
Care Fertility implemented Caremaps-AI over 10 years ago and the recent, award winning enhancement using artificial intelligence, is a remarkable achievement, offering highly accurate and sophisticated embryo assessment and selection. Caremaps-AI is a significant development and can be of value to all patients seeking all types of IVF treatment.
Embryo assessment using Machine Learning, when trained on large high-quality data, is more accurate and consistent than the assessments made by humans. Machine Learning assessment is consistent. Humans change their minds. It is estimated that an embryologist with 10 years’ training and experience may have experience from assessing approximately 10,000 embryos over a decade.
Caremaps-AI was trained on 63,000 embryos and almost half a billion images of them.
Accuracy was assessed using previously unseen embryos by comparing the results of the Machine Learning model with human assessment of embryo development. This research was recently selected and presented at the European Society for Human Reproduction (ESHRE) conference by Care’s Chief Scientific Officer.
The Machine Learning model (Caremaps-AI) automatically and rapidly generated assessments of the embryos. Efficacy and comparability of the model to automate reliable, utilisable information was demonstrated by comparison with manual assessment data and the model’s ability to generate information which could be used to predict birth. Birth-predictive capability was measured, and benchmarked against manual methods and known outcomes.
Awards for Caremaps-AI
Training & university collaborations
Our team collaborates with renowned organisations, including the Universities of Cambridge, Chicago, Liverpool John Moores, Monash, and Sheffield, among others, to explore new routes and procedures that could enhance our treatments.
Care Fertility leads in the training of specialist staff and has been responsible for the highest proportion of graduates from the Scientist Training Program (STP) outside of the NHS for several years. Additionally, we have a dedicated training suite within our Manchester clinic, a state-of-the-art facility for training and educating in IVF technologies.
Our MSc in Clinical Embryology in partnership with Liverpool John Moores (LJMU) provides a comprehensive understanding of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and equips aspiring embryologists with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the lives of families struggling with infertility.
Students will gain practical experience through hands-on training sessions in our state-of-the-art laboratories at LJMU and Care Fertility Manchester. These labs feature dedicated zones for learning advanced techniques using microscopes, imaging, and micromanipulators.
The curriculum is research-led, ensuring that all students are exposed to the latest advancements in the field. Upon graduation, participants will be well-positioned for a competitive edge in the fertility treatment jobs market.
Please note that this degree does not lead to state registration as a Clinical Scientist. For further careers advice on the route to becoming an embryologist/andrologist, please contact: scienceadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk for more information.
Care Fertility was the first independent sector clinic to be awarded RCOG sub specialist training posts for reproductive medicine in collaboration with University Hospitals Derby to train the next generation of reproductive medicine consultants: we currently have three clinicians in these posts.
We are the only UK IVF provider to host an MSc 20 credit module in Ultrasound for Assisted Reproduction, and we are currently working on future modules in collaboration with Birmingham City University to provide postgraduate education for nurses, midwives and doctors, who will be able to achieve a Global MSc in Assisted Reproduction.
This post graduate qualification, promotes professional development and education in our nursing, medical, and allied health professional workforce, supporting governance and maintaining evidenced based practice, to promote optimum outcomes. As we are dedicated to collaboration and continuous quality improvement, to improve safety and outcomes across the IVF sector, we support applications from nurses, midwives and doctors from outside across the UK and internationally.
HFEA-licensed programmes
We work with scientists around the world on research programmes licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, striving together to find new solutions and treatments that could help our patients in the future.
More about us
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