Speakers & Chairs

Dr. Aleksandra Šavrova is a Senior Consultant Gynecologic Surgeon at North Estonia Medical Centre and President of the Estonian Colposcopy Society. She is a PhD candidate at the University of Tartu, where her research focuses on cervical cancer prevention, HPV screening, and care pathways. Her clinical interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, colposcopy, and evidence-based strategies to improve women’s health. She is actively involved in clinical research, education, and international collaboration.

Dr. Ameli Tropé, MD, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, holds a PhD in “Testing for Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Neoplasia”. Committed to rejuvenating Norwegian colposcopy, she completed training and the Observed Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) in England, focusing on cervical and vulvar dysplasia. Dr Tropé leads the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, spearheading initiatives such as HPV primary screening and HPV self-sampling implementation. Dedicated to enhancing every aspect of cervical cancer screening, since 2015, Dr Tropé has orchestrated social media campaigns to boost screening attendance and quality. She also oversees smear-taking and quality assurance in pathology and microbiology labs. Dr Tropé organises annual colposcopy hands-on courses, assembling experts to train Norwegian gynaecologists.

Dr. Amelia Pedro serves as the Coordinator of the Cervix, Vagina, and Vulva Unit, as well as the Head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department and Clinical Director at CUF Sintra Hospital. She holds the esteemed position of President at the Portuguese Society of Colposcopy and Pathology of the Lower Genital Tract (SPCPTGI), demonstrating her leadership and expertise in the field. Furthermore, Amelia Pedro chairs the Education Committee of the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC), contributing significantly to advancing knowledge and practices in the field of colposcopy. She is accredited in Colposcopy by both the SPCPTGI and the Spanish Association of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (AEPCC), reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards of care and professionalism. Amelia Pedro is also a distinguished Graduate Assistant/Consultant in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, showcasing her extensive experience and dedication to women’s health.

Dr. Andrea Ciavattini, Full Professor in Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy, brings extensive expertise to the field. As Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinical at the Maternal and Child Department of Marche University Hospital, he spearheads advancements in maternal and child health care. Dr Ciavattini serves as President of the Italian Society for Colposcopy and Cervico-Vaginal Pathology, shaping the landscape of colposcopy and cervical pathology in Italy. Moreover, he is a Member of the Executive Board of the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, and a Member of the European Federation for Colposcopy Quality and Standards Group. With a Second Level Master’s Degree in “Operative Management of Pathology of the Lower Genital Tract and Endometrial Cavity” from Università Politecnica delle Marche, Dr Ciavattini exemplifies dedication to advancing clinical care and education in his field.

Presentation of Cecilia Kärrberg
Senior Consultant, PhD
Head of the clinic for colposcopy and vulvular diseases
Women´s Clinic
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden
The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
Institution of Clinical Sciences, Department for Obstetrics and Gynecology
Secretary of the Swedish Cervical Cancer Prevention task force and Colposcopy Society/C-ARG
President of the Nordic Colposcopy Society-NordColp

Dr. Christine Bergeron, President of CerbaPath in Paris, France, boasts an illustrious career at the forefront of women’s health. Her extensive leadership roles include Past President of the French Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Vaginal Pathology (SFCPCV), the European Federation of Colposcopy (EFC), and the French Society of Clinical Cytology (SFCC).

Christine is affiliated with numerous prestigious learned societies worldwide, focusing on cytopathology, colposcopy, gynaecology, vulvar disease, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Actively engaged in Administrative and Scientific Bodies, she has authored over 100 international peer-reviewed papers, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the field of women’s health research and practice.

Dr Christina Founta is a consultant Gynaecologist based in Athens, practising at YGEIA Hospital and in private practice. She specialises in colposcopy, cervical pathology, gynaecological oncology and benign gynaecology. Trained in Greece and the UK, she spent 15 years in the NHS, including nine as a consultant, most recently at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She is an internationally recognised educator, examiner and researcher, with extensive publications and contributions to clinical guidelines.

Mărginean Claudiu is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania and Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department from Mureș County Hospital since 2017. He is the vicepresident of the Romanian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and vicepresident of the Romanian Society of the Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He had contributed to more than 230 published papers in this field and organised multiple scientific meetings.
Country: Romania
Fields: obstetrics, gynecology, materno-fetal medicine

Dr. Deidre Lyons serves as the Lead Clinician for Colposcopy at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London, where she is dedicated to advancing cervical healthcare. In addition to her clinical role, Deidre is the London Screening Quality Assurance Professional Clinical Advisor, ensuring the highest standards of screening quality across the region.

Dr. Deidre holds the esteemed position of President-Elect of BSCCP and is a member of the Advisory Board of EFC, contributing significantly to the advancement of colposcopy practices nationally and internationally. Deidre has played a crucial role as the BSCCP OSCE facilitator, leading the transition from face-to-face to online exams during the pandemic, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to educational excellence.

Dr. Diana Valuța is a gynecologist, oncologist and Head of the Cervical Screening Coordination Unit at the Institute of Mother and Child, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health, is an IFCPC-certified colposcopist, and is currently pursuing PhD research in cervical cancer screening. Since 2017, she has led the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, driving digital innovation, access to colposcopy services, quality improvement, and now the transition to HPV-based primary screening.”

Giovanni Delli Carpini is a gynecologist and researcher at Università Politecnica delle Marche and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche in Ancona, Italy. His clinical and research activities focus on colposcopy, cervical cancer prevention, gynecologic oncology, and minimally invasive surgery. He is Chair of the EFC Education Committee and is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, clinical research, and the development of training initiatives in colposcopy, with a particular interest in interactive and simulation-based education.

Dr. Grainne Flannelly is a long-time consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, with over two decades of experience at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. Serving as lead colposcopist since 2002, she oversaw a high-volume service, attending to over 2500 new patients annually. Dr. Flannelly is deeply committed to medical education, leading digital learning initiatives at the BSCCP and NMH, and holds a clinical professorship at UCD School of Medicine. As former Clinical Director of CervicalCheck, she implemented quality improvement measures for colposcopy services nationwide and contributed to vital publications. Her research focuses on low-grade abnormalities and the utility of HPV testing in cervical screening, collaborating with Cerviva consortium. Dr. Flannelly’s expertise extends to IT applications in clinical settings, chairing committees both nationally and internationally, driving advancements in colposcopy training and online learning resources.

Hanna Milerad, MD PhD, is a senior consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. She serves as Clinical Lead of the Cervical Screening Program at the Regional Cancer Center Stockholm Gotland and is a member of Sweden’s national working group and expert group for cervical cancer prevention. Passionate about education, she heads the national course on cervical cancer prevention and colposcopy for resident physicians, provided by the National Board of Health and Welfare.

Dr. Ikka is a Consultant at Helsinki University Hospital, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. His expertise lies in the clinical epidemiology of cervical cancer prevention, colposcopy, and translational research on cervicovaginal microbiome and immune defense in HPV-related diseases. He actively contributes to the Finnish Current Care Guideline group on managing female anogenital HPV-related diseases and serves on the board of the Finnish Colposcopy Society. Dr. Ikka’s dedication to advancing women’s health underscores his commitment to research and clinical practice in gynaecological oncology.

Dr. Jana Žodžika, MD, PhD, leads as the Head of the Gynaecology Clinic at Riga East University Hospital and serves as an associate professor at Riga Stradiņš University. With expertise in colposcopy, cervical cancer prevention, reproductive tract infections, and gynaecologic surgery, she contributes significantly to women’s health. Dr. Žodžika plays a pivotal role as Secretary of the European Federation for Colposcopy and as a board member of the Latvian Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, advancing standards and practices in her field at both national and international levels.

Dr. Jean-Luc Mergui is a distinguished figure in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, specialising in Oncological Surgery. He holds the prestigious position of President of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC), leading efforts in cervical health on a global scale. Dr. Mergui serves as the Medical School Director at Université Paris VI for the Colposcopic diploma, shaping the education of future healthcare professionals. With a wealth of experience, he has previously served as President of the French Colposcopic Society (SFCPCV), contributing significantly to advancements in colposcopy and cervical health in France.

John Doorbar, Professor of Viral Pathogenesis at the University of Cambridge, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at the National Institute for Medical Research in London. With a PhD in Cancer Studies from Birmingham and a first degree in Genetics & Microbiology from the University of Leeds, he specializes in understanding the organization of the human papillomavirus (HPV) life cycle. Throughout his career, Professor Doorbar has focused on elucidating how interactions between HPV and infected epithelial cells contribute to neoplasia and cancer development. His current research delves into lesion formation and regression mechanisms, as well as how HPV modulates epithelial homeostasis to persist. His group’s work centres on the cervical transformation zone, unraveling the molecular and cellular processes underlying HPV infection and neoplastic progression in this critical epithelial site.

Dr. Karolina Louvanto, MD, PhD is Professor (tenure track) and Deputy Chief in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University hospital, Finland. With a broad expertise in molecular epidemiology and biomarkers related to human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and disease progression, Dr. Louvanto’s research focuses on establishing optimal cervical cancer screening tools and guidelines for both unvaccinated and HPV-vaccinated women. Her dedication to advancing women’s health through cutting-edge research makes her a leader in the field.

Dr. Laura Kotaniemi-Talonen, MD, PhD, is a gynecologist and certified colposcopist in Finland. With a background in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Tampere University, she serves as Deputy Chief in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa. Leading the colposcopy services at Tampere University Hospital, she began her research career focusing on cervical cancer screening and continues this work as an Associate Professor at Tampere University. Dr. Kotaniemi-Talonen is the president of the Finnish Society for Colposcopy and leads the Finnish Current Care Guidelines group, contributing to national recommendations for cervical, vaginal, and vulvar lesion treatment. Additionally, she actively participates in the EFC Quality and Standards Group.

Professor Maggie Cruickshank, MB ChB MD FRCOG, holds the position of Emeritus Professor/Clinical Consultant of Gynaecology at the Aberdeen Centre for Women’s Health Research (ACWHR), affiliated with the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian in the UK. She serves as President of the European Federation of Colposcopy (EFC) and has previously served as President of the British Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP). Additionally, she chairs the IFCPC training and education committee.

Dr. Marc Arbyn is the Coordinator of the Unit of Cancer Epidemiology at the Belgian Cancer Centre, Sciensano. With a background in Médecins Sans Frontières, he’s now a leading figure in European cancer research. Specialising in HPV-related cancers, he’s authored hundreds of papers and is involved in international networks for cancer research and prevention. He leads studies like VALGENT and VALHUDES, advancing HPV testing methods and validation.

Preti Mario, MD
Associate Professor, Gynaecologist and Oncologist University of Torino, Italy
Chair of the Lower Female Genital Tract Unit, University of Torino
President of the ISSVD, 2017–2019
Chair of the ISSVD Terminology Committee 2024-
President of the Italian Interdisciplinary Society of Vulvology (SIIV), 2018–2022
Member of the Scientific Committee of the Italian Group for Cervical Cancer Screening (GISCI) 2025-
164 articles indexed in PubMed (3,658 citations)
H-index 33
ORCID profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1573-3114

PD Dr. Melanie Henes serves as the Head Senior Physician at the Dysplasia Unit and the Hormone and Fertility Clinic within the Department of Women’s Health at the University of Tuebingen, Germany. She also holds the position of Chair of the Board of the Association for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy e.V. of Germany. Her expertise and leadership contribute significantly to advancing women’s health care and research in Germany. 

Dr. Mihaela Grigore, Ph.D., is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania. Specializing in cervical, vaginal, and vulvar pathology, she serves as Secretary of the “Romanian Society of Colposcopy and Inferior Genital Tract Pathology”. Dr. Grigore is dedicated to enhancing cervical cancer screening and has authored numerous papers on the subject. With a keen interest in medical education, she has organized workshops and courses on colposcopy and cervical cancer, including sessions endorsed by the European Federation of Colposcopy.

Dr. Elfström, an epidemiologist at the Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, leads the Swedish National Working Group for Cervical Cancer Prevention. She spearheads efforts in monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing screening programs, with a recent focus on HPV self-sampling and risk-stratified screening. Chairing the International Cancer Screening Network, she collaborates on evidence-based global cancer screening initiatives. Her research aims to optimize prevention strategies, including health system strengthening and program quality assurance.

Dr. Natalya serves as the president of the Ukrainian Association of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (UACCP) since 2017, As a gynecological oncologist and professor leading the department of oncology and medical radiology at Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University. Her presidency focuses on organising cervical cancer prevention efforts, advocating for HPV vaccination and cervical screening, organising colposcopy courses, and integrating European practices while considering Ukraine’s economic and demographic context.

Professor Nóirín Russell MD FRCPI is a medical graduate of University College Cork. She works as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Cork University Maternity Hospital and Honorary Clinical Professor at University College Cork. She is a BSCCP accredited colposcopist and since 2020, she has worked as Clinical Director of CervicalCheck, the Irish national cervical screening programme. She was a member of the International Agency for Research and Cancer (IARC-WHO) working group on the 2022 Best Practice Guidelines on cervical cancer screening and is currently a member of the working group of the European Commission Initiative on cervical cancer (ECcVC).
Professor Russell’s clinical and research interests include colposcopy, clinical leadership, cervical cancer screening, risk assessment in pregnancy, patient safety, quality assurance and staff engagement. She is interested in patient-focussed communication and society-wide discussion of harm in healthcare.

Dr. Olaf Reich, an Associate Professor of Gynaecology and Pathology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, holds esteemed positions within the field. He serves as President of the Austrian Society for Colposcopy, a Fellow of ISSVD, and a member of the EFCPC Nomenclature Committee. Dr. Reich is renowned for his expertise in Uterine Cervical Diseases, Colposcopy, and Vulvar Diseases, making significant contributions to the advancement of these areas.

Gynecologist at Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Portugal.
President of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and of the Portuguese Society of Colposcopy and Lower Genital Tract Disease (SPCPTGI).
Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Ghent and Porto.

Dr. Pekka Nieminen, MD, PhD, is an esteemed Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki. Formerly serving as President of the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC), he is a renowned expert in colposcopy, cervical cancer prevention, HPV vaccines, and screening. With over 230 peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Nieminen is a prolific researcher dedicated to advancing women’s health. Beyond academia, he enjoys sailing, cycling, alpine skiing, and cherishes time with his grandchildren.

Professor Robert Jach, MD, PhD, is a distinguished obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecological oncologist, and expert in gynecological endocrinology and reproduction. With extensive training at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Head of the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Gynecology at Jagiellonian University Medical College and University Hospital in Krakow. Prof. Jach is a prolific author with 259 scientific papers and has supervised 7 doctoral theses. As President of the Polish Society of Colposcopy and Pathophysiology of the Cervix, Vice President of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, and a member of several international boards, including the EFC and IFCPC, Prof. Jach is dedicated to advancing women’s health on a global scale.

Dr. Robert Koiss, MD, Ph.D., is a renowned gynecological oncologist with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. After graduating from Semmelweis University in Hungary in 1996, he obtained specialist exams in obstetrics and gynecology in 2003 and clinical oncology in 2005. Dr. Koiss has been an integral member of the Advisory Board of the Hungarian Cancer Prevention Committee since 2008, contributing his expertise to advance cancer prevention initiatives. From 2013 to 2015, he served as the professional manager of a project aimed at expanding cervical screening by midwives within Hungary. Since 2016, Dr. Koiss has been a dedicated board member of the Hungarian Gynecology-Oncology Society and notably served as the president of the Hungarian Cervical and Colposcopy Society from 2016 to 2022, furthering the cause of women’s health in his country.

Dr Simon Leeson is a retired Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist and Colposcopist with over 20 years of experience working in Bangor, North West Wales. His research interests include gynaecological oncology and quality assurance in colposcopy, and he has published over 70 papers in these fields. He currently serves as Chair of the Quality and Standards Group and as a Trustee of the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC).

– Current position and affiliation: MD, Ph.D., MPH, Full Professor in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Habilitated Professor, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova.
– Expertise in gynecological ultrasound and colposcopy. Special interests in the field of maternal-fetal medicine. Active member of ISUOG, former CSC member, currently UOG Editor.
– Regional vice-president of Romanian Society of Obstetrics (member Board of Directors) and Gynecology and Romanian Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Tamar Alibegashvili, MD, PhD, heads the Gynecological Department at the Georgian National Screening Center in Tbilisi. With expertise in colposcopy, cervical cancer prevention, and conservative gynecology, she plays pivotal roles in academia and professional organizations. Tamar chaired the development of Georgian guidelines for cervical cancer prevention in 2010 and 2022, and she spearheaded the creation of the Georgian colposcopy training program. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she is committed to advancing medical education. Additionally, Tamar serves as President of the Georgian Society for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, and she is a Trustee of the European Federation for Colposcopy. As an Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and Colposcopy Specialist, she contributes extensively to the field of women’s health in Georgia.

Dr. Vesna Kesić, PhD, is a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. With over 30 years of experience as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, she holds sub-specialization in oncology and is recognized as a gynecologic oncologist by ESGO. Dr. Kesić is renowned for her expertise in colposcopy, with nearly four decades of practice. She is the founder of the Yugoslav Society for Colposcopy and played a pivotal role in its establishment as one of the original member countries of EFC. Additionally, she organized the EFC congress in Belgrade in 2004. Serving as the president of the Serbian Society for Colposcopy from 2012 to 2023, Dr. Kesić has made significant contributions to the field. She also held the esteemed position of President of ESGO from 2013 to 2015. Dr. Kesić is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, recognising her outstanding contributions to gynecologic oncology and colposcopy.

Professor Xavier Carcopino, MD, PhD, leads the department of gynecologic surgery at Hôpital Nord in Marseille, France. Specialising in colposcopy, cervical cancer prevention, gynecologic surgery, and oncology, he serves as a Professor at Aix Marseille University. With over 150 referenced articles and three books to his credit, Professor Carcopino is a prominent figure in the field. He holds key leadership roles as President of the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) and the French Society of Colposcopy (SFCPCV).

Prof Zvi Vaknin serves as the head of Gyneco-Oncology unit, at Shamir Medical Center, affiliated to Gray Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University.
He completed his fellowship in Gynecological-Oncology at McGill University in Montreal Canada in 2010.
He is currently the President of Tel-Aviv/Central branch of the Israeli Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
He is the past president of the Israeli Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ISCCP) and the Israeli Society of Gynecology Oncology (ISGO).