The science behind women's fertility: Dr Eirini Bellou, a scientist in chromosome and oocyte biology

Dr. Eirini Bellou is a reproductive biologist specializing in oocyte biology and chromosomal aging. She is a Senior Applications Scientist at U-Ploid Biotechnologies, where she develops innovative approaches to improve oocyte quality and increase the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF). She holds a degree from the University of Ioannina and a PhD from the University of Göttingen. Throughout her career, she has worked at leading research institutions, including the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Germany.

How did your interest in Biology begin, and how did you end up focusing on oocyte biology and reproductive health?

My interest in biology developed gradually during school and became much more focused on developmental and reproductive biology during my university years. I was fascinated by how much information a single cell contains to form an entirely new organism, and how precisely coordinated the process of early embryonic development is. During my undergraduate thesis, I had the opportunity to work with oocytes for the first time. That was the moment I realised not only how unique and highly specialised meiosis (the process that prepares egg cells for fertilisation) is, but also how much remains to be understood in oocyte biology.

Looking back, I think my interest in reproductive biology was also shaped, at least in part, by personal experiences. Growing up, I heard family friends talk about infertility and IVF journeys. At the time, I was probably too young to fully understand the emotional impact of those experiences, but they likely influenced me indirectly and added another layer of meaning to my interest in this field.

What is your current role and what does your position involve on a daily basis?

As a Senior Applications Scientist in a startup environment, my role is broad and highly dynamic. I am mostly lab-based, actively performing experiments and contributing directly to the scientific work. A key part of my role includes bridging the gap between therapeutic discovery and translation to human application.

Meanwhile, the dynamic and fast-paced startup environment allows me to get involved in aspects beyond the lab, including regulatory processes, clinical trial design, conference representation, collaborations, and other parts of the business. This has given me a more holistic view of how a biotech is structured and how to move a therapeutic product from the bench to clinical trials. As the first employee of the start-up, I have the chance to see something growing from the very beginning. This is quite a unique experience compared to working in a bigger pharma or biotech environment, in which I imagine one has a more specific role inside a department. The work is full of surprises and challenges, but also very rewarding, as each step very clearly contributes to the growth of the project and the company.

How can research in oocyte biology impact the future of IVF and fertility?

Given that approximately one in six couples experience infertility, improving outcomes in assisted reproduction has a significant societal impact. Although IVF has transformed reproductive medicine, the field has seen relatively few major conceptual advances in recent years. Many cycles are unsuccessful, and outcomes remain strongly influenced by factors such as maternal age and egg quality. This makes it clear that there is still substantial room for improvement.

Over the past decades, basic research has significantly advanced our knowledge of oocyte biology and why their quality declines with age. It has also helped uncover key processes that fail during fertilization and early embryo development. Importantly, this knowledge is now beginning to translate into new tools and approaches which, after successful clinical trials, could improve the chances of pregnancy. Building on this momentum, continued progress in basic research can deepen our understanding of the underlying causes of infertility and, over the long term, can lead to further discoveries that will reshape infertility treatment.

Do you think that scientific knowledge around female fertility and reproductive health has been effectively communicated to the general public?

Although significant progress has been made in understanding issues related to female fertility, this knowledge has unfortunately not yet reached the general public to the same extent. However, awareness around the topic is growing. More and more people are discussing fertility challenges openly, seeking reliable information, and realizing that they are not alone in these experiences. This shift has also encouraged people to take a more proactive approach to their family planning, for example, considering fertility preservation options such as egg freezing. While progress has certainly been made, I believe there is still a need for clearer and more comprehensive education on fertility and reproductive health for both women and men. Ideally, this should happen much earlier in life so that people can make informed decisions with greater confidence and understanding.

How important do you think it is to have more women scientists working in fields that study the female body and women’s health?

For many years, biomedical research did not give sufficient attention to issues related to women's health, leaving significant gaps in scientific knowledge. Increasing the number of women scientists in these fields is not only a matter of equal representation; it is also essential for advancing research. Women bring diverse scientific perspectives and valuable insights into issues affecting women’s health, contributing to the development of innovative solutions. In addition, women in leadership positions can play a crucial role in shaping research priorities, securing funding, and advocating for greater recognition of these important issues across both science and society.

At the same time, scientific progress thrives on diversity of perspectives and different ways of thinking. A key factor for strong science is international and multidisciplinary environments, as they bring together people with diverse expertise and experiences,  promoting creativity and innovation. Increasing the representation of women while fostering diverse and inclusive scientific environments is not only essential for advancing women’s health research, but also for advancing science more broadly.

What led you to transition from academic research to biotechnology, and what differences did you notice in terms of daily work and mindset? What skills did you acquire that helped you transition in the current role?

A growing interest in the translational aspect of science and the opportunity to see research move closer to real-world applications drove me to transition from academia to biotech. I enjoy seeing the direct impact of my work and contributing to the development of solutions that have the potential to improve people’s lives. One of the main differences I noticed is the mindset and pace. Academic research is often focused on long-term exploration of fundamental mechanisms, whereas biotech is more goal-oriented, with a stronger emphasis on application, timelines, and cross-functional collaboration.

At the same time, my PhD and academic training have been essential to where I am today. They helped me acquire technical expertise and knowledge, while also developing skills like strong critical thinking and a rigorous analytical approach to problem-solving, which I continue to rely on in my current role. It is very important for innovation in the biotech world to have people who have a deep understanding of the science behind it. Through this close connection between fundamental research and its application, meaningful progress can be achieved.

Was there a point in your journey when you felt the need to take a break, and if so, how did you handle it?

I think that at certain stages of a career, taking a deliberate step away from the demands of everyday work can be incredibly valuable. For me, that moment came after my postdoctoral work. Before deciding on my next career move, I chose to take time away from work and research. I volunteered and travelled in South America for a couple of months. That experience gave me the space to step outside of my routine, reflect on what I wanted to do next, and pursue interests that are often difficult to accommodate alongside a full-time job. I believe these transitional periods can provide meaningful opportunities for reflection and personal growth. For me, it was a reminder that while research is a big part of my identity, it is not the only part. Immersing myself in different cultures and stepping outside my comfort zone helped me return with greater confidence and a clearer vision for the next stage of my career.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out, and what advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM?

What I would have found helpful to hear earlier is that it is completely normal not to have a clear plan from the start. A lot of learning comes from figuring things out as you go. It also helps not to be afraid of trying things, even when they do not go as planned. The opportunities you take and the people you meet along the way often shape your direction more than any plan you could make at the beginning. To young girls considering STEM, I would say: stay curious, take up opportunities even when they feel a little intimidating, and trust that you do not need to have everything figured out straight away.