Bristol Embryologist takes top prize at National conference

A clinical embryologist at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) has won a top prize at the national Fertility 2020 conference for scientific research that will help more women have babies.

Jen Nisbett, 33, was awarded the Post Registration Presentation prize against stiff competition. She was one of 78 researchers to present at the conference in Edinburgh, whittled down from a total of 342 would-be contenders.

Her presentation outlined her recent findings about how implanting frozen embryos in patients is more likely to result in a viable pregnancy than using fresh embryos in certain circumstances.

Mum-of-two, Jen, who completed her clinical training at BCRM, said:

“These discoveries about the use of frozen embryos are really exciting, because all our work is targeted at helping women facing potential childlessness to succeed in having babies of their own.

“Obviously it’s really important to share any advances with others working in the field, so with over 750 experts in fertility and reproductive medicine attending Fertility 2020 it was a great platform for sharing the outcome of the pilot study we’ve done at BCRM.

“I was thrilled to discover that winning the prize means I’ll be going to Sydney in August to present these findings at the Fertility Society of Australia’s annual conference. That was an unexpected bonus.”

Jen’s work at BCRM involves carrying out IVF, making observations and keeping records of how embryos develop, which was what led to the frozen embryo study.

The centre is the longest established fertility clinic in Bristol, helping people from throughout the South West and Wales with fertility treatment for both private and NHS patients. Their IVF success rate exceeds 55%, compared with a rate of just 34% nationally.

BCRM offers regular free patient open evenings at their centre on the Southmead Hospital site every other week where women and couples can have a free mini consultation, meet specialist staff, tour the centre, ask questions and find out how the clinic can help them. Sessions run from 6.15pm to 8pm, and free parking is available.

To register for the next event on Thursday 13th February email [email protected] or call 0117 3018605.