UHL embryologist recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Congratulations to former UHL consultant embryologist, Jane Blower, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her outstanding contribution to reproductive science.

Jane worked in the NHS in Leicester for more than 40 years, and single-handedly established the city's first embryology laboratory, at what is now the Leicester Fertility Centre, based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

She was the first person to earn a master's degree in assisted reproduction in the UK, and held important regional and national clinical science roles, including serving as President of the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists, and Acting Deputy Chief Scientific Officer for England.

She retired from the NHS in 2022, but remains involved with the national body and is a passionate advocate for the field.

Jane said: “I’m so grateful to have been nominated for this honour, which really reflects the work of all my colleagues in reproductive science over many years.

“Establishing the Leicester Fertility Centre was a challenge, but a wonderful one. I feel that I was in the right place at the right time, and I was lucky to enjoy the support of some fantastic mentors.

"I'm so proud of the colleagues I trained over the years, who have helped to build the flourishing service that exists in Leicester today. What is important now is that we encourage and inspire the next generation of reproductive scientists, to carry the profession forward.

"Our field can have the most profound impact for patients, and I enjoyed every minute of my career.”

UHL-UHN Group Chief Executive, Richard Mitchell, paid tribute to Jane’s work: “I am delighted for Jane, whose contribution to the success of the Leicester Fertility Centre has been phenomenal. She has also been an important and influential voice at regional and national level.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of embryology, and especially to a service which continues to enrich the lives of so many people across our communities.

“Jane has been part of a great team, and this award recognises the work of all those who have worked so hard to make the Leicester Fertility Centre a success we can all be proud of.”

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