Innovation at Bourn Hall

You are right at the start of your fertility journey and you couldn’t be in safer hands at the world's first IVF clinic.

Innovating since 1981

Our journey started some time ago. In fact, we’re proud to say that Bourn Hall was the first in vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinic in the world. Our founding members - Steptoe, Edwards and Purdy - invented the IVF technique and today we follow their vision by placing patient welfare at the centre of everything we do.

So when we say you’re in safe hands, we mean it!

Clinical Research

With over 30 years of experience, our skilled team continually improves by analysing data to enhance our practice. We publish our findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences. We also monitor advancements by others, adopting those that improve patient outcomes.

Find out more

Fundamental Research

Despite extensive knowledge of human reproduction, much remains to be discovered. Understanding how cells divide, embryos grow, and interact with the uterus is vital for developing new treatments. Collaborating with leading research teams, we leverage advanced molecular biology to explore embryonic development, offering valuable insights through cutting-edge research.

Find out more

Collaborating Centre

Bourn Hall currently collaborates with a number of extremely prestigious research centres.

All research on embryos is carried out under a license from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, after approval from Bourn Hall’s Ethics Committee as well as London, Leeds and Cambridge Local Research Ethics Committees. Research license information can be found on the HFEA website, under ‘Human embryo research we have approved’

Find out more

Publications

Journal publications

Our research has been published in more than 100 peer review publications in a range of scientific and medical journals.

Books

We have contributed to a range of specialist fertility books over the past 30 years.

Poster presentations

Our staff have given poster presentations and oral presentations at many fertility conferences.

We lead, others follow

At Bourn Hall we understand that the fertility journey can be stressful, so we use our 45 years of experience to help take the strain. We invite patients to our calm and tranquil settings to speak to our specialist team, undergo sensitive testing or plan for future treatments.

You, our patients, are always front-of-mind. And not just when we meet you.

Behind the scenes - and since our first IVF breakthrough, the birth of the world's first 'test-tube' baby Louise Brown, in 1978 - scientists and clinicians have continued to work on new technologies and treatments, to help your dreams come true.

Taking tech to another level

We offer you the individualised care and the personalised service that you deserve; we push boundaries and use the latest technology to help every type of patient. Some time ago we pioneered the sperm freezing technique and, thanks to our continued innovation and commitment to research, in 2013 the first frozen egg baby was conceived at Bourn Hall.

Never say never

We strive for solutions but never over-promise. We embrace the most straightforward cases and successfully manage the most difficult. Using our expertise, we help those with multiple failed IVF treatments, low egg reserve or repeated misscarriage and we were the first specialist clinic to offer IVF treatment using a surrogate. We take care of men, too, including Exact® DNA sperm testing (powered by SpermComet® Technology), which lets us take a look into the health and viability of sperm.

Our patient-centred approach means we have helped countless heterosexual and same-sex couples and individual men and women who simply have the desire to start a family.

Our success rates

Our main goal is shared; for our family to help you to extend your family.

73% of our patients (under 35) have a baby within a year of treatment.

Bourn Hall was the first and it is this heritage, matched with our continued effort, renowned expertise, experience and constant innovation, that enables us to keep delivering outstanding success rates.

Proud of our history, committed to your future

We are committed to providing fertility testing and treatments that meet only the highest ethical and safety standards. We are so proud of our history, but we’re even more excited about the future we can make for you, our patients.