Scientists
Our scientists take their role in your fertility journey very seriously. They handle your eggs, sperm and embryos with the utmost care. Although they often work behind the scenes, you can rest assured that during each stage of your fertility journey our world-class science team are behind you.
The role of scientists in your fertility journey
During your fertility journey, our scientists are responsible for completing the following processes:
- In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Cryopreservation of eggs, sperm and embryos
- Embryo screening
- Thawing of eggs, sperm and embryos
- Genetic testing of embryos
Our scientists also assist with egg collections, embryo transfers and other procedures.
Leading the future reproductive science
Monash IVF were responsible for the world’s first IVF pregnancy in 1973. Since then we’ve remained at the cutting edge of scientific research to provide our patients with the most advanced fertility treatment available.
Our science team has a wealth of local and international scientific experience. Many of our scientists conduct research into different facets of reproductive science. Monash IVF is globally renowned for our exceptional scientists and the success rates we achieve.
Meet our Scientific Directors
Our Scientific Directors lead our science team across Australia. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, they ensure we achieve scientific excellence for our patients.
Our Scientific Directors make up our Group Scientific Advisory Committee. This committee is focused on maintaining leading success rates for our patients. They're dedicated to continuous improvement and establishing and maintaining optimal scientific and laboratory processes. Above all, our Scientific Directors are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients.
You can learn more about our Scientific Directors below.
Professor Deirdre Zander-Fox
Chief Scientific Officer, Monash IVF Group
Adjunct Professor (Practice), Monash University and Adjunct A/Prof (Research) University of Adelaide
B.SC. (HONS.), PH.D.(MED), DIP.MGT
Professor Deirdre Zander-Fox has worked in Assisted Reproduction since 2004. She completed a Bachelor of Science followed by an Honours degree (First Class) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide. In 2010, she graduated with a PhD in Reproductive Medicine in which she undertook novel research into the impact of in-vitro stress on preimplantation embryo development, viability, and metabolism.
She is currently the Monash IVF Group Chief Scientific Officer as well as being Regional Scientific Director overseeing Monash IVF Victoria, Monash IVF Albury and Malaysia. She is currently responsible for the scientific directorship and operations and provision of clinical Embryology, Andrology, Endocrinology, and Genetic Testing services within these clinics. She is also chair of the Group Scientific Advisory Committee for the Monash IVF Group.
In addition to her clinical roles, Prof Zander-Fox also holds multiple academic positions including adjunct Associate Professor positions at two major Australian Universities (Monash University and University of Adelaide) as well as holding National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) research funding. Through these university affiliations she is involved in multiple collaborative research projects as well as supervision of PhD and honors students.
Prof Zander-Fox has authored a substantial number of peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters with her research primarily focusing on improving laboratory technology that will directly benefit infertile patients including cryopreservation, microinjection technology and culture media design. Her basic research interests focus on the impact of the environment during peri and pre-implantation development on programming fetal growth and offspring health.
Dr Leanne Pacella-Ince
Scientific Director – NSW (Acting)
BHSc (Hons), PhD
Leanne joined the Monash IVF Group in 2007 and is currently Scientific Director of Monash IVF NSW (acting), Scientific Director of Repromed and Scientific Director of Compass Fertility in the ACT.
A fully qualified Embryologist, Leanne was also the Genetics Co-ordinator for Repromed prior to becoming a Scientific Director.
Completing her PhD under the supervision of Professor Michelle Lane and Associate Professor Deirdre Zander-Fox in 2014 through the University of Adelaide’s School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health for which she was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for Thesis excellence. Her PhD focused on the contribution of perturbed granulosa and cumulus cell metabolism and mitochondrial protein levels to the poor IVF outcomes seen in women undergoing IVF with either reduced ovarian reserve or advanced maternal age.
In 2016, Leanne was awarded the Scientist in Reproductive Technology Established Scientist Award. With published papers in peer reviewed journals, Leanne is also an honors supervisor through the Adelaide University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as an Australian Institute of Medical Scientists Assessor for IVF Embryologists.
Heavily involved in the implementation of new technology designed to provide better outcomes, Leanne is passionate about patient care and improving success rates.
Start your fertility journey
Wherever you are on your journey, one of our supportive nurse enquiry team members can help you understand your options and take the next step. These conversations are free and informative.