Today, we honour the embryologists – the quiet heroes, the “good fairies” of the IVF lab, where science meets just the right touch of magic. Though much of their work happens out of sight, the impact is life-changing. Their precision, passion, and care help turn dreams into families.
Embryologist Day is marked in recognition of a milestone that changed the world: the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) on July 25, 1978. Since then, over 12 million babies have been born thanks to Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) – each one a true legacy to what science, courage, and care can achieve.
This day is not just about science. It’s about celebrating every embryologist working behind the scenes to make the impossible possible. It’s also a moment to honour the brave women who, decades ago, agreed to undergo a then-unknown, often criticised treatment – many knowing it might not work for them personally, but doing it so that others might have a chance.
Please take a moment to read an article written especially for the occasion by one of those who marry science with a touch of magic, Senior Clinical Embryologist, MSc, PhD Stefano Canosa, and learn what the journey looks like through the eyes of someone walking the path of both science and life.
Celebrating World Embryologist Day: A Journey Through Science and Life
Every year on 25 July, we celebrate World Embryologist Day. This date is significant in the history of reproductive medicine as it marks the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF), in 1978. This day not only commemorates this significant scientific achievement, but also recognizes the invaluable work of embryologists worldwide — individuals who work behind the scenes to help create life.
The field of embryology has a long and fascinating history. From ancient theories about how life begins to the invention of the microscope and the development of modern IVF and genetic testing, the field has undergone significant changes. In recent decades, it has become a vital component of fertility treatments, helping millions of people to become parents. Behind every successful IVF pregnancy, there is an embryologist working carefully in the laboratory.
My personal journey into embryology began during my studies. I had always been interested in biology, but when I saw a fertilized egg dividing under a microscope for the first time, I knew it was something special. It was incredible to think that something so small could grow into a human life. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be part of this field.
Working as an embryologist is not easy. It requires focus, precision and patience. But it also brings moments of great joy. One of the most emotional experiences I have had was when a couple who had been trying to conceive for many years returned to the clinic with their newborn baby. Seeing their happiness and knowing that I had played a small part in their story was incredibly rewarding. It's moments like these that make all the hard work worthwhile.
Embryology today is very different from how it was even ten years ago. Thanks to new technologies such as time-lapse imaging, improved incubators and artificial intelligence, we can now monitor and select embryos with greater accuracy than ever before. However, no matter how advanced our tools become, the human side of this job will always be the most important aspect. Every embryo is a symbol of hope for someone. That’s something I never forget.
On World Embryologist Day, I would like to thank all the exceptional professionals in our field. Your dedication, care and attention to detail make a real difference to people's lives. Although we work behind the scenes, the impact of our work is felt by families all over the world.
Let’s continue to learn, improve and support each other on this incredible journey. I’m proud to be an embryologist, and I’m even prouder to be part of a global community that brings new life and hope to the world every day.
Stefano Canosa
MSc PhD, Senior Clinical Embryologist
IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livet, Turin, Italy
Deputy Scientific Coordinator of SIERR
Junior Deputy of ESHRE SIG Embryology
To all of you working in the lab, and to all those who paved the way for today’s successes: thank you. Today, we celebrate you!
We warmly thank ESHRE, our longstanding partner, and the ESHRE SIG Embryology group, with special gratitude to the author, Stefano Canosa, who kindly agreed to write this special piece for the occasion and share his unique perspective from the heart of the IVF lab.