A high-profile new appointment at Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) sees the post of consultant clinical embryologist going to a specialist with the highest industry accolade possible in the UK - Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists.

Andrew Thomson is one of just 14 reproductive scientists nationwide to have earned this recognition.

Paul Wilson, scientific director and head of embryology and andrology at BCRM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the BCRM scientific team and look forward to adding his considerable experience to our own, as well as expanding our current research and development, teaching and donation programmes, for which he will take a lead role.

“Andrew’s achievements in the field of embryology have already earned him a prestigious award from the Association of Clinical Embryologists at the national Fertility 2020 Conference for his outstanding contribution to work in the field, which he is set to develop further at BCRM.”

Andrew previously led the scientific team and multiple laboratories at London Women’s Clinic, and besides his new role at BCRM he will continue to be actively involved in training reproductive scientists to the highest standards as an assessor for both the Royal College and the National School of Healthcare Science.

Andrew Thomson said: “I’m really excited to join such a well-established team and to build on their existing research.

“In particular we’re going to be focusing on getting the use of artificial intelligence in the IVF cycle up and running, which has great significance in ensuring the best embryos are selected for implantation.”

A frequent guest lecturer at multiple prestigious universities, including the University of Bristol, Andrew Thomson has presented his research both nationally and internationally on multiple occasions and is a frequently-invited webinar presenter on a wide variety of related topics.

BCRM is the longest established fertility clinic in Bristol, helping people from throughout the South West and Wales with fertility treatment for both private and NHS patients. The clinic is involved in innovative research and has one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK. Information about BCRM’s full range of services is available at www.fertilitybristol.com or on 0117 4146888.