Zafer Atayurt

About Zafer Atayurt

Zafer Atayurt is an accomplished embryologist and IVF laboratory director with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in assisted reproductive technology. 

Over his career, he has managed approximately 10,000 IVF cycles personally, performed more than 300,000 oocyte injections, evaluated over 500,000 oocytes, vitrified and warmed more than 100,000 embryos, and conducted thousands of embryo biopsies. 

His expertise spans complex male and female infertility, preimplantation genetic testing, sperm selection, and IVF laboratory management.

Zafer’s approach combines precision, innovation, and mentorship – he is deeply committed to improving day-to-day lab outcomes and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of embryologists.

Education & Credentials

• Over two decades of continuous practice as an IVF Laboratory Director and Embryologist
• Extensive experience with ISO 15189 and CAP laboratory accreditation standards

   

Professional Experience & Focus

• Laboratory Director – VENTUS IVF Center, Nicosia, Cyprus (Sept 2023 – Present)
• Laboratory Director – Kolan British Hospital IVF Laboratory (Jan 2023 – Jun 2023)
• Laboratory Director – Şişli Kolan International Hospital ART Laboratory (Feb 2018 – Jan 2023)
• Laboratory Director – LIV Hospital Ulus ART Laboratory (Nov 2017 – Feb 2018)
• Laboratory Director – Şişli Kolan International Hospital ART Laboratory (Nov 2015 – Nov 2017)
• Embryologist – Memorial Hospital ART & Genetics Center (Jan 2008 – Nov 2015)
• Embryologist – HRS Ankara Maternity Hospital (Jun 2007 – Nov 2007)
• Andrology Lab Manager – Memorial Hospital ART & Genetics Center (2005 – 2007)
• Andrology Technician – Memorial Hospital ART & Genetics Center (2003 – 2005)

   

Specialties / Key Interests

• ICSI, IVF, IMSI procedures
• Embryo biopsy (polar body, blastomere, trophectoderm)
• Oocyte and embryo vitrification/warming
• Advanced sperm analysis, preparation, and DNA fragmentation testing
• AI-based embryo and oocyte evaluation
• IVF laboratory design, setup, and quality management (ISO 15189, CAP)
• Mentoring and training embryologists

   

Approach / Philosophy

Zafer approaches every case with precision, patience, and curiosity. He values problem-solving, continuous learning, and collaboration, believing that IVF success comes not only from technical skill but also from teamwork, mentorship, and patient-centered care.

How He Can Help Our Members

Within Family By Choice, Zafer provides expert insights into IVF laboratory processes, helping intended parents understand embryo development, lab quality standards, and the latest advances in assisted reproduction.

Community Impact

• Experience with more than 30,000 IVF cases overall and 10,000 personally managed
• Presenter at major reproductive medicine conferences including ESHRE and AUA
• Contributor to numerous studies on embryo selection, ICSI, and IVF lab quality management
• Organizer and trainer for multiple hands-on PGD/IVF workshops in Turkey (2008–2015)
• Publications in Medicine (2023), J Assist Reprod Genet (2015), Clin Exp Health Sci (2021), and other peer-reviewed journals
• Active promoter of AI-driven embryo assessment and innovative lab practices
• LinkedIn profile