Kirsi “Kikka” Kananen

I’m Kirsi, known as Kikka, Ovumia’s director of international customer partnerships. Ovumia is part of a European network of top fertility clinics, helping more people achieve parenthood. Our core focus is individualized, client-centered care delivered with high quality and excellent treatment outcomes. My team works in direct partnership with clinics seeking to offer their clients Ovumia’s expertise. 

Special expertise:

• Embryology       
• Quality systems       
• Fertility treatment regulations       
• Donor gamete legislation. 

I have worked at Ovumia since its beginning 18 years ago, first as an embryologist and laboratory director, and later in leadership roles in international services. My passion is embryo research, which began during my university studies in genetics. 

During my scientific career, I studied reproductive physiology using mouse embryos and later moved to bovine embryos in a biotechnology innovation company. During the last five years before joining Ovumia, I led a research group at the University of Kuopio, focusing on applying bovine embryo technologies to improve milk production. I also supervised student theses and taught artificial reproduction techniques. 

 “The ability of embryos to create new life is extraordinary — something I marvel at every day. Our knowledge of embryos is constantly evolving, allowing us to help more people.”