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 Ryan Rose
Scientific Director - VIC/ACT & Malaysia
Dr Ryan Rose is a Scientific Director for the Monash IVF Group, overseeing laboratory operations across Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Medicine from the University of Adelaide, where he also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer. Since 2010, Ryan has worked in assisted reproductive technology across multiple species, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the field.
He has led pioneering research in gamete biology and mitochondrial-targeted therapies, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed to advancing knowledge in reproductive biology.
His leadership has been instrumental in guiding clinical trials, establishing state-of-the-art IVF laboratories, and refining laboratory protocols that improved patient outcomes.
Dr Tammie Roy
Scientific Director – Queensland, Monash IVF
Ph.D.
Dr Tammie Roy is a reproductive scientist with more than 20 years’ experience advancing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and fertility care. She holds a PhD in Reproductive Biology and has extensive experience leading scientific and clinical teams across the fertility sector.
Throughout her career, Tammie has focused on advancing laboratory practices, implementing innovative technologies, and optimising patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches. She has led diverse, multi-disciplinary teams across multiple sites, established governance and quality frameworks, and driven initiatives that enhance the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of ART services.
As Scientific Director – QLD, Tammie leads laboratory operations, supports multi-disciplinary teams, and ensures scientific and clinical excellence. She is committed to translating scientific advancements into tangible benefits for patients, fostering collaborative, high-performing teams, and creating an environment where patients can feel confident that their care is guided by the latest evidence and best practice. Tammie’s work is guided by a passion for excellence, patient-centred innovation, and the belief that every individual undergoing fertility treatment deserves reassurance, clarity, and confidence throughout their journey.
A/Prof Mark Green
Research Director, Monash IVF Group
Associate Professor and Group Leader, University of Melbourne
BSc (Hons), PhD, FRSB
Associate Professor Mark Green is the Research Director at Monash IVF Group, a group leader at the University of Melbourne, and a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology. With over 25 years of international experience in reproductive biology, Mark completed his PhD in the UK, followed by postdoctoral training in the USA and academic appointments in New Zealand. Since relocating to Australia in 2011, he has held joint roles at Monash IVF and the University of Melbourne.
In his national role, Mark has led the development of Monash IVF Group’s Research Governance Structure and oversees more than 50 strategic research initiatives across departments. He collaborates with universities, industry partners and start-ups to enhance reproductive outcomes and patient experiences. Mark also chairs the Group Research, New Technologies & Science Communications committee.
Mark’s research investigates how environmental factors—particularly emerging contaminants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals—affect hormone levels, gamete and embryo development, contributing to infertility and reproductive disorders. He has published over 80 scientific papers, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and is widely recognised for his expertise. His work has led to patents, spin-out companies, national awards, and advisory roles across government and industry.
Mr Jason Concicao
Scientific Director – Western Australia, Monash IVF
Jason Conceicao is a Scientific Director for the Monash IVF Group and is responsible for all laboratory operations in WA. With over two decades of experience in reproductive science, he built a career dedicated to advancing clinical and patients outcomes, laboratory excellence and innovation in the field of human fertility.
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2001, he pursued advance training in the reproductive science and obtained a Masters Degree in Clinical Embryology in 2011 through Monash University. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in bridging clinical practice with scientific research, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements in reproductive science and laboratory technologies.
He has overseen operations in embryology, andrology and biochemistry laboratories, implemented quality management systems and driven clinical success rates through evidence-based practice. He's leadership focuses on both patient-centred care and building strong scientific teams to deliver safe, effective and optimised treatment for patients.
In addition to his leadership role, he has contributed to the broader ART community through training, mentorship and collaborations with professional societies and was a former Secretary of Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) as well as a NATA Technical Assessor.
Dr Ozlem Tunc
Senior Regional Pathology Laboratory Manager
BBiomedSc(Hons), PhD, Grad Cert Mgt
Dr. Ozlem Tunc is a Senior Pathology Scientist at Monash IVF specialising in Andrology and Endocrine area. She began her career as a Clinical Pathologist in Istanbul, Turkey before completing her Ph.D. in Reproductive Medicine from the University of Adelaide in 2010, with her thesis, "Investigation of the role of Oxidative Stress in Male Infertility”. Ozlem has published several peer-reviewed articles on this subject. She started her work in Monash IVF in both Pathology and Embryology labs at Repromed in 2007.
Currently based in Victoria, Ozlem provides high standard pathology services in both Andrology and Endocrine laboratories in Clayton and Cremorne labs. She also leads a key project aligning pathology labs across the Monash IVF group by fostering collaboration among Pathology laboratory leaders and offering mentorship.
In addition to her work at Monash IVF, Dr. Ozlem Tunc serves as a Technical Assessor for NATA, where she is contributing an important role in maintaining ISO 15189 Standards across laboratories nationwide. She is deeply committed to internal and external laboratory Quality Control programs, staff training and development, and the implementation of validation and verification of novel methods across the group to ensure the provision of exceptional patient service in the diagnostic area.
Dr Eliza Curnow
NSW Scientific Director, Monash IVF Group
Dr Eliza Curnow is a classically trained embryologist with over 25 years of experience in clinical assisted reproductive technology (ART) and reproductive biology research. She holds a Master of Science from Monash University and a PhD in Medicine from the University of Sydney and is USA-accredited as a High Complexity Laboratory Director.
Dr Curnow’s expertise spans andrology, embryology, and embryonic stem cell science. Her career includes extensive national and international experience across clinical IVF, livestock reproduction, and wildlife conservation.
She is a published author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Her research has focussed on in-vitro oocyte maturation and environmental factors that impact gamete biology and early embryonic development.
After spending 20 years at the University of Washington in Seattle, she returned to Australia in 2023 to join the Monash IVF Group as their NSW Scientific Director. In this role, she oversees Embryology, Andrology, and Endocrine services across the NSW clinics.
She is passionate about mentoring and developing the skills and knowledge of the laboratory teams and sharing her broad experience to foster excellence in patient care.
A/Prof Yanhe Liu
Scientific Director – Fertility North (part of Monash IVF Group)
Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Western Australia
B.SC., M.Sc., MCE, Ph.D.
A/Prof Yanhe Liu is the Scientific Director of Fertility North, part of Monash IVF Group. He has worked in the IVF industry for more than two decades, gaining extensive international experience in managing IVF laboratories. He also holds an adjunct appointment at The University of Western Australia. His research interests include embryo selection and clinical application of new technologies, with a strong track record of publications in these areas. Yanhe is a former Associate Editor of Human Reproduction and currently serves as an Associate Editor for Human Reproduction Open.
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.