Polona Safaric Tepes, PHD

Research focus area: Despite lacking genetic mutations, endometriotic stromal cells—which predominate in endometriotic lesions—exhibit specific epigenetic changes that affect the regulation of key genes, contributing to the development of endometriosis. Dr. Polona Safaric Tepes investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying endometrial cell survival and fibrotic lesion formation, focusing on understanding the key molecular differences driving this process. Her research interests also include understanding the origin and mental health consequences of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

Dr. Safaric Tepes completed her seven-year doctoral training at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where she elucidated the molecular basis of cancer metastasis and resistance to targeted therapies. Her graduate research built upon her Master's work at the University of Ljubljana, which focused on tolerance-inducing factors influencing dendritic cells' inhibition of immune responses. Dr. Safaric Tepes' publications can be found here: X.

Dr. Safaric Tepes has received several awards, including the AWSM Award, KRKA Prize, and FASEB Award. She is part of the ARPA-H Sprint for Women's Health Awardee team, focusing on understanding and detecting pain in women with endometriosis. Dr. Safaric Tepes is committed to science outreach and community engagement, delivering talks at TEDx and the United Nations, and holding memberships in esteemed institutions, including the Royal Academy of Science International Trust and the New York Academy of Sciences.