About
Professor Mary Herbert is a leading academic at Newcastle University specializing in reproductive biology and mitochondrial genetics. Her research focuses on preventing mitochondrial DNA diseases through innovations in assisted reproductive technologies like pronuclear transfer and mitochondrial replacement therapies. She has pioneered clinical applications of these techniques and contributed to regulatory frameworks for their implementation in the UK. Her work also encompasses understanding oocyte biology, aneuploidy mechanisms, and stem cell differentiation pathways.
Key research areas include refining mitochondrial donation protocols, addressing challenges in germline transmission of mutations, and developing novel IVF tools such as the Eggcell device. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science with clinical translation, emphasizing ethical considerations and policy development. Collaborations extend across genetics, biomedical engineering, and developmental biology.