About Us
Where Engineering meets
Reproductive Science
IVFmicro brings together expertise across:
- Microfluidics and Biomedical Engineering;
- Embryology and Assisted Reproduction;
- Medical Device Development and Regulation.
Founders
Virginia Pensabene, Ph.D.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
at University of Leeds
Prof. Pensabene is the project leader as well as the technical and scientific expert of IVFmicro. She holds a Ph.D. in Humanoid Technologies from the University of Genoa and the Italian Institute of Technology in Italy. She has published scientific advancements in the areas of micro-and nanotechnologies, organs-on-a-chip, and microfluidics. She began her research specialization in reproductive biology during her work at Vanderbilt University. She is highly experienced at interdisciplinary collaborations, including with leaders in robotics, microbiology, and surgical sciences. In addition, Prof. Pensabene was the founder and CEO of of the successful medical start-up WinMedical. She currently holds four international patents.
Helen Picton, Bsc, Ph.D.
PROFESSOR
at University of Leeds
Prof. Picton is a non-clinical expert in female reproductive biology and embryology, reproductive medicine, oncofertility and assisted reproduction technology. She is the founder and head of the Reproduction and Early Development research group within the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds and is Scientific Director of Leeds Fertility within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Prof. Picton has generated over £8M of research grant income and has received numerous awards for her research. She is a former chair of the Society for Reproduction and Fertility and has served as the coordinator of the European taskforce on fertility preservation in severe disease for the European Society for Human and Embryology (ESHRE). Prof. Picton has acted as a temporary technical adviser to the WHO and as a consultant on clinical trials in the IVF field. She is the long-standing Programme Director for two international Masters programmes in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology.
Board of Directors
Enrico Sangiorgio
EXECUTIVE CHAIR
>20 years Healthcare executive experience, business development, and scaling early-stage ventures. Former CEO of Sensiia, secured Series C investment.
Cassie Doherty
INVESTMENT DIRECTOR
at Northern Gritstone
Experienced Investment Director with a passion for life sciences technologies. I have a strong background in building companies utilising skills in: due diligence; strategy; transactions; company operations and effective boards.
Investors
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We believe meaningful progress in assisted reproduction requires interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific rigour, and deep respect for clinical realities.
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