Meet the Team

Marie-Madeleine Dolmans

Consortium Coordinator of EUmetriosis and Head of the Gynecology Research Laboratory

Professor Marie-Madeleine Dolmans is the Consortium Coordinator of EUmetriosis and Head of the Gynecology Research Laboratory at UCLouvain. She is a practicing gynaecologist at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and a leading clinician-researcher in ovarian tissue preservation, endometriosis, and fibroids.

With over 250 peer-reviewed publications, she is a past president of ISFP and a board member of SEUD. She also serves as Associate Editor for Fertility and Sterility and leads a dynamic research team of postdocs and PhD students.

Chloé Beaussart

Medical doctor

Dr. Chloé Beaussart is a medical doctor who graduated in 2023 and is currently completing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also a PhD candidate, conducting innovative research on progesterone resistance and 3D modelling of endometrial diseases.

Her work is at the forefront of reproductive health, blending clinical insight with scientific inquiry to improve outcomes for patients with endometrial conditions.

Dr. Christophe Depoix

Research Projects and LEAF Coordinator

Dr. Christophe Depoix is the Research Projects and LEAF Coordinator at UCLouvain, with a PhD in molecular biology from Université de Lille/INSERM. He has held research and faculty positions at leading institutions including UCSF and Emory University, focusing on transcriptional regulation, endometriosis, and placental angiogenesis.

At UCLouvain, he led research on gene regulation in placental development and the effects of chemotherapy during pregnancy. His extensive experience bridges basic science and women’s health research.

Nandana Manuganahalli Basavarajappa

Post Doctoral Researcher

Dr. Nandana is a postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Marie-Madeleine Dolmans’ lab at UCLouvain. He holds a Master’s and PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Mysore, India, where his research explored cell signalling and immune responses, particularly the role of inflammasomes in snake venom-induced toxicities.

Since 2025, he has been advancing research into the pathogenesis of endometriosis at UCLouvain. His current work involves using menstrual effluent samples to study disease mechanisms through 3D in vitro culture models (assembloids) and in vivo mouse models.

Prof. Andrew Horne

Director of the Centre for Reproductive Health

Professor Andrew Horne is Director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh and an Honorary Gynaecologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Andrew is also President-elect of the World Endometriosis Society and a trustee of Endometriosis UK.

As a leading clinician-researcher, he specialises in endometriosis and pelvic pain and has published over 200 scientific papers. He is Co-Editor-in-Chief of Reproduction and Fertility and co-author of the patient guidebook Endometriosis: the experts’ guide to treat, manage and live well with your symptoms.

Dr. Andrea Ford

Wellcome Trust Research Fellow

Dr Andrea Ford is a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow in Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Edinburgh. Her research explores how culture, gender, and technology shape reproduction and women’s health. She is currently leading a multi-country ethnographic study of the FemTech industry.

Andrea is an Early Career Ambassador with the World Endometriosis Society and a founding member of the UK Young Academy. With a PhD from the University of Chicago and degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Ghana, she bridges academia, activism, and care work as a birth doula committed to justice.

Dr. Douglas Gibson

Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Group Leader

Dr. Douglas Gibson is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Group Leader at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Health. His research investigates the role of hormones and inflammation in women’s reproductive health, with a focus on discovering novel diagnostics and biomarkers.

As lead for Discovery Science at EXPPECT Edinburgh, he brings over 15 years of experience in reproductive endocrinology. He is a recipient of prestigious awards including the Wellcome-Beit Prize and Society for Endocrinology Early Career Prize.

Paula Blancarte Jaber

Medical doctor and global health researcher

Paula Blancarte Jaber is a medical doctor and global health researcher with clinical and academic experience in Mexico, France, and the UK. She holds an MSc in Global Health and Development from University College London.

Her work focuses on patient-centred care, health advocacy, and sexual and reproductive health, with a strong interest in the social and policy dimensions of healthcare. Paula has collaborated with international NGOs to advance access to health education, improve patient engagement, and promote equity in healthcare systems.

Priscilla Fernandez

Specialist Research Nurse and Midwife

Priscilla Fernandez is a highly experienced Specialist Research Nurse and Midwife with over a decade of expertise in reproductive health and clinical trials. She has led and supported national studies including the GEM3, EPiC, and GaPP2 trials, providing guidance to research teams across more than 30 UK sites.

Priscilla is skilled in patient recruitment, stakeholder engagement, and trial design support, with a focus on endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. She has created training packages for clinical staff, facilitated public and patient involvement panels, and produced communication materials to improve recruitment and research visibility. Recognised as NIHR Reproductive Health & Childbirth Champion for Eastern Scotland, she was also nominated for Research Nurse of the Year.

Prof. Thanasis Tsanas

Professor of Digital Health and Data Science

Thanasis Tsanas is a Professor of Digital Health and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh. His work combines biomedical data science and machine learning to advance personalised healthcare.

He has a strong track record of interdisciplinary collaboration and has led research initiatives in voice analysis, digital phenotyping, and patient monitoring. At EUmetriosis, he contributes his expertise in modelling and predictive analytics to support innovation in endometriosis diagnosis and management.

Dr. Paola Viganò

IVF Lab Coordinator

Paola Viganò is the IVF Lab Coordinator at Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan. With a PhD in Prenatal Medicine from the University of Siena, her research focuses on women’s health and reproductive medicine. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and holds editorial roles in top journals, including Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders.

As a leader in the field, she has received grants from ESHRE, Merck Serono, and Theramex, and has held board positions in SEUD and WES.

Dr. Noemi Salmeri

Physician-scientist

Noemi Salmeri is a physician-scientist with a strong focus on endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. She trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and completed a research fellowship at the NIH, contributing to a major endometriosis clinical trial.

Noemi has trained in research methodology at Harvard Medical School and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Milan. In 2024, she was named a World Endometriosis Society Early Career Ambassador. Her work combines clinical research and statistical rigor in women’s health.

Marco Reschini

Data manager and statistician

Marco Reschini is a data manager and statistician at Fondazione Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan. He holds degrees in Bioinformatics, Medical Statistics, and Experimental and Applied Biology. Since 2013, he has led the coordination and analysis of numerous clinical studies, including both observational and interventional trials.

Marco’s research focuses on infertility and endometriosis, bringing together data science and clinical insight to support evidence-based women’s healthcare.

Dr. Martina Abodi

Biologist and Registered Nutritionist

Martina Abodi is a biologist and registered nutritionist specialising in female health, fertility, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). She holds two MSc degrees, including one focused on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in oocyte quality.

Martina is currently pursuing a PhD in Nutrition Sciences and provides expert nutritional support at Livet Fertility Clinic in Turin and IVI Fertility Clinic in Milan. Her clinical work is grounded in evidence-based nutrition tailored to reproductive health.

Marielle Herzog, PhD

R&D Director

Dr. Marielle Herzog is R&D Director at Belgian Volition and an expert in epigenetics with nearly 20 years of research experience. She leads a team of 15 scientists focused on assay development and biomarker discovery using Nucleosomics™ technology.

Her work spans cancer and inflammatory diseases, with applications in early detection and monitoring. She manages national and international research collaborations and clinical programmes and has led multiple successful EU-funded projects.

Julie Candiracci, PhD

Clinical Research Manager

Julie Candiracci is a Clinical Research Manager at Belgian Volition with expertise in epigenetics. She holds a PhD in molecular biology and began her career studying cellular stress responses.

Since joining Volition in 2021, she has contributed to clinical programmes investigating nucleosomes as circulating biomarkers for early disease detection. Julie bridges academic research and clinical applications, with a strong focus on translating epigenetics into diagnostic tools.

Marion Wargnies, PhD

Senior Project Manager

Dr. Marion Wargnies is Senior Project Manager at Belgian Volition with a background in biochemistry and molecular biology.

She completed her PhD in Bordeaux researching metabolic pathways in parasitic organisms. At Volition, she has played a key role in developing immunoassays to detect nucleosomes and epigenetic markers. Marion’s current research focuses on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and their role in disease, leveraging epigenetics to improve diagnostics and treatment.

Robin Varsebroucq

Advanced Lab Technician

Robin Varsebroucq is an Advanced Lab Technician at Belgian Volition. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from HELHa and has experience researching autophagic mechanisms in macrophages.

Since 2019, Robin has worked on biomarker analysis, focusing on circulating nucleosomes in inflammatory and cancer-related diseases. His work supports Volition’s mission to translate epigenetic science into impactful diagnostic tools.

Prof. Iwona Wertel

Medical University of Lublin, Poland

Professor Iwona Wertel leads the Independent Laboratory of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. An internationally recognised expert in immunology and gynaecological oncology, she is widely published in top journals including Nature, placing her among Poland’s top 10% of researchers in her field.

Her current research focuses on identifying immune signatures in endometriosis and developing early, personalised diagnostic tools. Prof. Wertel also supervises multiple research teams and postgraduate students, contributing to scientific excellence and mentorship.

Prof. Marek Gogacz

Leading expert in gynaecology and obstetrics

Professor Marek Gogacz is a leading expert in gynaecology and obstetrics with over 30 years of clinical and academic experience. Currently a Professor at the Medical University of Lublin, he specialises in gynaecological endocrinology and immunology, with a focus on endometriosis, menopause, and infections.

He has played key roles in numerous Phase II–IV clinical trials and serves on several national health committees, including with the Ministry of Health. His dedication to advancing women’s health through research, clinical excellence, and policy influence has made him one of Poland’s foremost authorities in the field.

Erica Selznick, MSPH

Public health researcher

Erica Selznick is a public health researcher specialising in sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on contraception and women’s healthcare access. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Erica’s work is grounded in patient empowerment, informed choice, and inclusive health education.

Her research emphasises the importance of lived experiences to create real-world, practical solutions for sexual and reproductive health.

Dr. Inga Winkler

Associate Professor

Inga Winkler is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University, focusing on gender justice, human rights, and public health. She is co-editor of the Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies and co-chair of the Seminar on Menstruation & Society at Columbia University.

Her current research includes an ERC-funded project on human rights in menstrual activism. Inga brings academic and UN experience and has led global research initiatives funded by organisations like the UN and Foundation for a Just Society. She serves on editorial boards shaping the future of gender and health discourse.

Dr. Siobhain O’Mahony

Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator

Siobhain O’Mahony is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator with over 20 years of experience in microbiome research. Her work explores the gut-brain axis and its role in pain, stress, and women’s health, especially in endometriosis and menopause.

Siobhain leads national and international collaborations and has received several awards, including UCC’s Clinical Impact Award and Engaged Research Award. Her research aims to develop targeted, microbiome-based interventions.

Ellie Power

PhD student

Ellie Power is a PhD student in Dr Siobhain O’Mahony’s lab at University College Cork. She holds a BSc in Medical & Health Sciences and an MSc in Molecular Cancer Biology. Her research investigates how the microbiome may influence symptoms and treatment outcomes in endometriosis. Ellie brings a strong foundation in cancer and reproductive biology to her current focus on gut health and women’s health.

Prof. Annemiek Nap

Head of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Professor Annemiek Nap is Head of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands. As a specialist in endometriosis and fertility, her research focuses on improving diagnosis, empowering patients, and enhancing reproductive outcomes.

She is a board member of the Dutch Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology and treasurer of the European Endometriosis League. Annemiek played a key role in developing the 2022 ESHRE guidelines on endometriosis and leads an active clinical research team dedicated to advancing care.

Emma Huijs

Dietitian and PhD Student

Emma Huijs is a dietitian and PhD candidate with a special interest in women’s health, endometriosis, and gut health.

Prior to the start of her PhD trajectory, she worked as a dietitian in clinical practice, where she primarily specialized in the treatment of endometriosis. Currently, she collaborates with Loutje van der Sman under the supervision of prof. dr. Annemiek Nap in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, at Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen. Her research focusses on the impact of an anti-inflammatory diet intervention and cognitive behavioral therapy on endometriosis-related pain symptoms, health-related quality of life, and inflammatory markers.

Loutje van der Sman

PhD Student

Loutje van der Sman is a PhD candidate at the Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen.

She collaborates with Emma Huijs under the supervision of prof. dr. Annemiek Nap in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Loutje has a background in biomedical sciences and obtained her Master’s degree in Infection and Immunity from Utrecht University. Her research focuses on applying her knowledge of the immune system to investigate the immunopathogenesis of endometriosis and the impact of nutrition and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her primary focus is laboratory work, where she analyzes various components of the immune system in samples from patients with endometriosis before and after dietary intervention.

Emma Cox

CEO at Endometriosis UK

Emma joined Endometriosis UK as Chief Executive in 2016, and has overseen a sustained period of growth for the charity, including awareness raising, new campaigns, and building key relationships with healthcare practitioners, researchers and policy influencers.

Emma’s background is as a strategic change management specialist with over 25 years’ practical experience complemented by an MSc in Organisational Behaviour and an MBA.

Femke Jansen

Boardmember Endometriose Stichting / Co-Chair World Endometriosis Organisation

Femke is an experienced and passionate endometriosis-advocate, with a special interest in research.

She was part of the core-group for the ESHRE-guidelines (2022) and served as a FEMaLe-advisor (prior Horizon-project). Nationally and internationally, it is her mission to raise awareness, promote collaboration, and empower change in endometriosis care.

Femke holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and currently works as a senior project manager in a hospital.

Ana Zakosek Finka

Trustee, Advisor in Sector for strategic planning and EU projects, Croatia