BOSTON, Mass. — Boston IVF Chief Scientific Officer Denny Sakkas, PhD, has been honored with the 2025 American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Distinguished Researcher Award, recognizing his lifetime contributions to fertility science. The award was presented during the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo held October 25–29 in San Antonio, Texas.
The award celebrates Sakkas’ decades of groundbreaking research that reshaped the understanding of sperm DNA damage, fertilization, embryo development, and male infertility. His discoveries have influenced laboratory practices and improved IVF outcomes worldwide. Most recently, his pioneering work in live imaging of human embryos has offered new insights into embryo metabolism and cell lineage.
“Dr. Sakkas’ decades-long research in human IVF has made it possible for thousands of patients worldwide to realize their dream of building a family,” said Dr. Juan A García-Velasco, Global Chief Scientific Officer at IVI RMA Global. “A true giant in our field, a role model and a servant leader, his generosity as a mentor and educator continues to inspire countless developing physician-scientists, pushing the boundaries of reproductive medicine for generations to come. His contribution to this field is transformative.”
Sakkas began his IVF career in the early 1980s while earning his PhD under Professor Alan Trounson at Monash University, one of the world’s foremost reproductive research centers. He later directed research laboratories and IVF programs across Europe, the UK, and the United States, helping introduce innovations that became standard practice worldwide.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by my peers in reproductive medicine,” Sakkas said. “This field has evolved tremendously over the past few decades, and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside many brilliant colleagues dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing our understanding of human reproduction. I remain relentlessly committed to continue exploring new ways to translate research into meaningful advances for patients.”
Sakkas currently serves as Chief Scientific Officer at Boston IVF and IVIRMA North America, and as an Associate Professor at Yale University School of Medicine.
