60-Second Interview with Merve Işık: IVF, AI & Ethics

Your roots are in molecular biology and genetics, and you completed your MSc Clinical Embryology at Oxford before joining İzmir IVF as Scientific Director. What inspired you to pivot into clinical embryology, and how has that scientific background shaped the way you lead?

I often say I was born into this field, literally, as a 'test-tube' baby myself. Knowing I am one of the 10 million babies born through IVF sparked my fascination with creating life in the lab. My background in molecular biology and genetics, business administration, and embryology now drives me to lead with both scientific precision and a deep personal connection to the field.

As a highly specialised field, why does human reproduction and embryology matter, what critical topics should be at the forefront of discussion?

As fertility rates plummet worldwide, human reproduction and embryology have never been more vital to our species’ future. Delayed childbirth trend has fuelled elective egg freezing, even supported by companies like Apple and Facebook, raising the question of whether women should freeze their eggs earlier to maximise fertility potential. Older maternal age also brings increased genetic risks, which in turn drive demand for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos. Beyond standard PGT, we are now seeing the emergence of PGT-P, which evaluates embryos for complex traits and disease predispositions such as diabetes and cancers. Though ethically debated, these advances mark a revolutionary shift in reproductive genetics. The challenge now is how we responsibly use these technologies to preserve fertility, protect reproductive autonomy of women, and secure our future.

In an era of rapid AI and technological advances, where do you see the next breakthrough in IVF methods or embryo assessment?

The next breakthrough will be fully automated, AI-powered IVF labs, like the first one recently launched in Mexico City. There is even a start-up developing compact IVF labs that could fit in a box, making advanced fertility care far more accessible worldwide. AI will also transform embryo, sperm, and egg selection, as well as morphological grading.

Throughout your journey what’s one challenge or success story that profoundly changed your perspective on reproductive medicine?

I had the opportunity to be involved in ground-breaking research on mitochondrial donation during my dissertation at Oxford. I worked with embryos created from three parents (one nuclear donor mother, one mitochondrial donor woman, and the father) and studied how mitochondrial dynamics impact embryo development. This project showed me how much potential there is for innovation in reproductive medicine.

What is one idea or principle from your Oxford days that has quietly—but persistently—shaped the way you think or lead today?

At Oxford, the culture of debate taught me to value input from disciplines far beyond medicine, including theology, sociology, and ethics. These conversations challenged me to see reproductive medicine not just as a scientific field but as one deeply intertwined with social, cultural, and philosophical dimensions. This mindset continues to influence how I approach my work today. I actively seek out differing opinions, knowing that innovation and better decision-making often emerge when we integrate multiple perspectives rather than staying within the boundaries of our own expertise.

What advice would you give to a young student aspiring to enter the fascinating and complex field of reproductive health and embryology?

Stay curious, build a strong foundation in biology and genetics, and seek hands-on lab experience early. This field is evolving rapidly, so be open to learning from different disciplines and never lose sight of the impact your work can have on people’s lives.

If Oxford Türkiye Alumni Society were to launch a knowledge-exchange between Turkish scientists and Oxford-trained alumni, what bold topic would you champion—and why does Türkiye need that conversation now?

With the rapid advancement of genomic editing and genetic testing, the real conversation we need to have is about eugenics, “designer babies”, and the complex ethics surrounding reproductive technologies. With advances in genomic editing and genetic testing, these topics can no longer be avoided. We need to address them now to shape informed policies and public understanding before technology outpaces our ethical framework. Merve Işık serves as the Scientific Director and Partner at İzmir IVF, where she stands at the intersection of scientific rigour and human hope. Trained as a molecular biologist, she earned her MSc in Clinical Embryology from the University of Oxford. Merve’s work blends advanced laboratory expertise with a profound commitment to reproductive health, making her a leading voice in Türkiye’s next generation of fertility science. Fluent in English, French, and Turkish, and skilled across a wide range of laboratory techniques, Merve is part of a new generation shaping the future of fertility science in Türkiye and beyond.