At No.1 Fertility, our mission is to turn the dream of parenthood into reality through compassionate, evidence-based care, backed by research and innovation. What sets us apart is not just our state-of-the-art fertility clinics in Melbourne and Sydney, it is our unwavering commitment to patient-centred research. In a field as personal and rapidly evolving as reproductive medicine, innovation is essential.
We are proud to share our extensive research programme, which now includes over 40 completed projects, ongoing collaborations with leading international institutions, and a dedicated scientific team that is always asking, “how can we do this better?”
At No.1 Fertility, we do more than treat infertility, we lead the way in developing innovative treatment techniques and research the underlying causes of why some people have difficulty conceiving naturally.
We present our findings to other fertility specialists at world-leading conferences, including the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Fertility Society of Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Every study starts from real patient experiences, with the goal of making fertility journeys smoother, safer, and more successful.
A Legacy of Innovation: Research in Action
Since opening our first clinic in Geelong, Victoria in 2018, we have presented 46 research projects at major conferences across Australia, Europe, Asia, and America. These studies are not just theoretical, they lead to practical improvements in how we select embryos, refine genetic testing and design and optimise our laboratories.
Our clinical labs in Melbourne and Sydney are equipped with advanced Embryoscope+ time-lapse imaging systems, enabling detailed monitoring of thousands of embryos to identify patterns that impact embryo development. These insights can help increase live birth rates and reduce unnecessary emotional strain for our patients.
Our Key Research Areas
- Embryo morphokinetics and viability
This is the study of embryo development and their potential to develop into a successful pregnancy. Research into cell division patterns, extra nuclei, and unusual embryo shapes has improved embryo grading and selection during IVF, providing patients with the best chance of success.
- Genetic testing and ethical counselling
Our research into genetic testing methods, including PGT-M (a genetic test that checks embryos for specific inherited conditions before they’re transferred during IVF) and expanded carrier screening, has helped families make informed and confident decisions about their fertility care.
- Lab Optimisation
We closely monitor pH levels, air quality, and temperature to maintain a stable laboratory environment for embryos. Even small adjustments can make a meaningful difference to IVF outcomes.
Embryos are highly sensitive, so maintaining consistent pH, air quality, and temperature helps protects their delicate cells and gives them the best conditions to grow.
- Emerging technology
We are exploring AI driven assessment of eggs and embryos, allowing us to push the boundaries of non-invasive evaluation. We also partner with Monash University’s Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and UNSW’s Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics to develop innovative imaging techniques. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and expertise into our clinics, so our patients benefit from the latest global advancements.
Our current projects include improved embryo thawing protocols, new approaches to increase IUI success, the real-world impact of BMI and PCOS, and how environmental factors may influence egg quality.
Spotlight on No.1 Fertility Experts
Dr Kerri Johnson – Research Coordinator
If our research program has a heart, it’s Dr. Kerri Johnson. As Research Coordinator and Senior Clinical Embryologist, Kerri moves effortlessly between the lab and the patient journey.
With a PhD from the University of Tasmania, her background spans population genetics, reproductive biology, and broader biological sciences. Since joining No.1 Fertility in late 2022, she has coordinated our expanding research portfolio while also contributing at the bench as an experienced embryologist.
She is a mentor who supports junior embryologists through conference preparation and builds a culture where curiosity and learning come naturally.
Her leadership has helped us bring home recognition at events including the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction and Embryology and the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society conference, where global experts meet to explore advances in embryo testing, PGT technology, lab standards, ethics, and clinical outcomes.
“Research sits at the core of how we care for patients,” she says.
Our Genetics Team
Our No.1 Genetic Counselling Managers, Cheryl Tse and Alice Weeks, pride themselves on communicating complex genetic concepts into meaningful and clear information for patients at No.1 Fertility.
Alice and Cheryl are both HGSA Certified Genetic Counsellors with backgrounds in reproductive genetics prior to joining No.1 Fertility in 2018 and 2021 respectively. Amongst their busy clinical work supporting patients and the No.1 team of Genetic Counsellors, Cheryl and Alice are committed to contributing to research projects, from supervising postgraduate trainee genetic counselling students, to leading in clinic-based research projects.
In 2023, Cheryl presented at PGDIS on how routine genetic expanded carrier screening changed our clinic: our PGT-M cycles (where embryos are genetically tested for known inherited conditions before transfer) rose 55%. In 2024, Alice presented at PGDIS on the importance of pre-IVF treatment routine karyotype screening, with results showing that nearly 60% of patients having PGT-SR (where embryos are tested for known chromosome rearrangements like translocations) were detected via routine karyotype testing, not any personal or family history. Alice was awarded the Best Oral Presentation at this conference.
Research projects such as these help guide clinical practice at No.1 Fertility, empowering our Fertility Specialists and Genetic Counsellors to be providing the most evidence based, patient centred care, ensuring that patients who need specific PGT have information and access as early as possible.
Why Research Matters
At No.1 Fertility, we conduct research to give every IVF or fertility treatment cycle the very best chance of success.
Our focus is on achieving more successful pregnancies, reducing cycle cancellations, and providing clearer answers, which helps reduce emotional stress for our patients.
No.1 Fertility’s success rates are independently audited and published through the Australia and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD). The research and innovations you’ve just read about play a major role in delivering these results across our Melbourne and Sydney fertility clinics.
