Scientists

The science behind our high success rates

Queensland Fertility Group has pioneered many assisted reproductive technologies and treatments in Australia, including surgical sperm retrieval and advanced sperm diagnostics. The Queensland Fertility Group science team includes over 30 scientists working in our clinical laboratories (embryology and andrology).

Virtus Diagnostics (a sister practise of QFG) has over 25 scientists based in Queensland to perform diagnostic Pathology testing.

Queensland Fertility Group have in-house laboratories for embryology and andrology services throughout Queensland, so we can ensure our timing is optimised to maximise your chance of success. It also allows you to undergo almost all your treatments and testing in one convenient location.

Prof David Gardner

Group Director of ART, Scientific Innovation and Research of Virtus Health

Professor David Gardner is Group Director of ART, Scientific Innovation and Research of Virtus Health.

Embryology

Our specialist embryology laboratories are located in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. They are all accredited by the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) and operate seven days a week.

In the embryology laboratories we perform a full range of treatment services including:

Andrology

Because semen samples need to be analysed within an hour of production, every clinic has a NATA accredited semen collection and diagnostic andrology laboratory. Advanced semen analysis such as surgical retrieval (TESA or MESA) and ICSI now give many couples the chance to have a baby where just 20 years ago it would have been impossible.

Advanced diagnostics

Our central Brisbane laboratory also performs endocrinology, cytogenetics and DNA diagnostics. Our world-class genetic testing Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is also carried out here, and if Advanced Embryo Selection (AES) is required the biopsy will be specially transported to Melbourne. We believe chromosome screening of embryos will provide the next big breakthrough in boosting pregnancy and birth rates for our patients.

Pioneering scientific expertise

Kristy Demmers BSc PhD CMLS

Dr Kristy Demmers is Scientific Director of the Queensland Fertility Group (QFG), and is one of Australia’s leading fertility scientists having represented Australian and New Zealand scientists working in the field as Chair of the Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT), representing the scientific membership of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ).

Kristy is an experienced reproductive biologist with wide-ranging laboratory and technical skills and was awarded her PhD in reproductive biology from Nottingham University in the UK. She trained as a clinical embryologist in Australia after working for over 10 years as a research scientist in animal reproductive biology and is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist. With an interest in early embryo development and embryo-maternal signalling, Kristy has presented at many national and international conferences and has authored numerous scientific articles.

By combining her passion for embryology with her interest in human reproduction, Kristy has a strong commitment to providing quality care and support for couples through their IVF journey. She is responsible for scientific operations in all QFG facilities and is passionate about providing an excellent service to patients.