The Future of Human Reproduction: Research showcase

What happens when experts from different fields work together to tackle issues about understanding and responding to advancing developments in reproductive technology? 

What insights do they gain, and how can these be used to shape public debate, policy, and regulatory decisions? 

In this new webinar series, the Future of Human Reproduction team share research highlights from their Wellcome Research Development Award. 

Join us for discussions about: 

  1. What are the ethical, legal, and social issues and implications that new developments in reproductive technology raise? 
  2. How does learning about and using an interdisciplinary research approach enable and encourage societal engagement on these issues? 

The series

In Vitro Gametogenesis: what issues does it raise?  
Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:00 – 14:00 (UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Access the recording 

Join us for a thought-provoking webinar with Stephen Wilkinson and Sarah Norcross as they discuss: In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG) – What Issues Does It Raise? 

This introductory webinar will explore the ethical, scientific, and policy-related issues surrounding IVG, while raising key questions that are central to the development and future of this reproductive biotechnology. 

Key themes include: 

  • The potential for IVG to provide fertility options for people unable to have genetically related children, including infertile individuals, older women, and same-sex couples. 
  • Balancing the benefits of increased reproductive choice with the risks of gamete* misuse or genetic modification. 
  • Assessing whether current regulations are fit for purpose and how policy might evolve to ensure the ethical and responsible use of IVG. 

Access the recording and visit our blog to explore ongoing discussions about IVG: Science, Ethics, Policy, and Regulation. 

 

What’s literature got to do with it? How literature shapes our views of reproductive technology 
Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:00 – 16:00 (UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London 
Register now 

The Future of Human Reproduction project has been an exciting interdisciplinary journey, bringing together insights from literature, language, psychology, design, law, and ethics to explore the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of reproductive technologies. 

In our second research showcase webinar, Professor Sharon Ruston and Dr. Georgia Walton will share key insights into the project’s work and highlight why literature has been central to its research approach. The conversation will cover: 

  • What we’ve been working on 
  • Why and how literature has been valuable to the project 
  • The unique expertise and perspectives that literary scholars bring 
  • Lessons learned along the way 

Register now and in the lead up to the event why not check out our events and blog pages. There you can learn about the key role literature has played in framing complex issues and engaging different narratives throughout the project, helping to ensure that discussions about reproductive technology are both inclusive and well-informed. 

The Future of Human Reproduction: An interdisciplinary approach – Research showcase series – with Dr Kirsty Dunn, Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Technology, Psychology  
 March 2025  
Register soon! 

The Future of Human Reproduction: An interdisciplinary approach – Research showcase series – with Professor Emmanuel Tsekleves, Professor in Global Health Design Innovation, Co-Director of Future Cities Research Institute 

April 2025  
Register soon! 

The Future of Human Reproduction: An interdisciplinary approach – Research showcase series – with Dr Nicola Williams, Wellcome Lecturer in the Ethics of Human Reproduction

May 2025  
Register soon! 

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