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Honorary Professor of Reproductive Genetics, University of Kent

Professor Alan Thornhill received his BSc degree in Biology followed by a PhD in Genetics both from the University of London in 1996. Following post-doctoral work in single cell genetics with Professor Marilyn Monk at the Institute of Child Health, London, Alan trained as a clinical embryologist at Kings College and St Thomas' Hospital (with Professor Alan Handyside) before directing IVF laboratories in the USA (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota) and UK (Guy’s Hospital, The Bridge Centre and London Fertility Centre) specialising in Preimplantation Genetics. While at the Bridge Centre, Alan - a State Registered Clinical Scientist - also worked as Laboratory Director for Bridge Genoma, the UK's first private Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) laboratory and later became Person Responsible for the IVF clinic.

Alan is an honorary Professor in Reproductive Genetics at the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK and was formerly Deputy Chair of the ESHRE PGD Consortium and Chair of Alpha, Scientists in Reproductive Medicine. Between 2009 and 2015, Alan served as a Professional Member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the UK body that regulates and licenses IVF, sitting on the Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee and chairing the Information for Quality Advisory group. Alan's research interests include reproductive genetics, PGD and improving the safety and effectiveness of IVF.

Alan is currently Country Manager for Igenomix UK with laboratories at the Surrey Research Park and a Senior Scientific Advisor for Igenomix international. Prior to this, he was Associate Director in Illumina’s Reproductive and Genetic Health team, responsible for education and awareness in an IVF Market Development role within Europe, Middle East and Africa.
With more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, Alan is a passionate communicator and enjoys speaking regularly to schools, lay audiences, national and international conferences.

Experience

  • 2015–2018
    Professor, Reproductive Genetics, University of Kent
  • 2017–2018
    Country Manager, Igenomix UK
  • 2013–2017
    Associate Director, Market Development, Illumina
  • 2009–2015
    Professional Authority Member, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
  • 2006–2013
    Scientific Director, The Bridge Centre
  • 2004–2006
    Scientific Director, London Fertility Centre
  • 1999–2004
    IVF Laboratory Director, May Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA