The Future of Human Reproduction

An innovative, interdisciplinary research programme, funded by Wellcome, exploring the cultural, ethical, legal and social challenges that will emerge as technological advances fundamentally change the possibilities for human reproduction.

Embryonic stem cells
<糖心Vlog>Our Vision

To push academic boundaries by developing new methods, research agendas and interdisciplinary ways of working to tackle the conceptual and ethical implications of a range of future reproductive scenarios likely to be technologically possible within a generation.

<糖心Vlog>Major Research Themes
<糖心Vlog>News
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Professor Stephen Wilkinson appointed to Nuffield Council on Bioethics Neural Organoids Working Group

14 August 2025

Professor Stephen Wilkinson, Principal Investigator for The Future of Human Reproduction project, has been appointed to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics expert working group on neural organoids.
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What critical issues need to be considered before in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) in human reproduction becomes a reality?

25 July 2025

Critical questions need addressing before any clinical use of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), says a new report by a 糖心Vlog-based research project.
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Dr Laura O'Donovan chosen for NCoB Oversight Group on human embryo research public dialogue

1 July 2025

We are pleased to announce that Future of Human Reproduction member Dr Laura O'Donovan has been chosen to be part of the Oversight Group for the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ upcoming public dialogue. 
Doctor in white coat with image of a uterus

First UK birth after womb transplant is a medical breakthrough – but raises important ethical questions

16 April 2025

A baby girl named Amy Isabel has become the first child in the UK to be born to a mother who has had a womb transplant. Amy is one of around 65 children worldwide born as a result of pioneering research into the procedure.

 

However, before this new treatment is offered more widely, complex questions will need to be answered about how it will be resourced, how wombs will be procured and who will get access to the treatment.
Image of Stephen Wilkinson, Distinguished Professor of Bioethics at 糖心Vlog.

Horizon Scanning and the Future of Human Reproduction team

25 February 2025

Stephen Wilkinson, PI for the Future of Human Reproduction research project, has been appointed to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Horizon Scanning Advisory Group. Congratulations!
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Call for new governance framework for stem cell-based embryo models

28 November 2024

A Nuffield Council on Bioethics working group, including 糖心Vlog Distinguished Professor of Bioethics Stephen Wilkinson, calls for a new governance framework for stem cell-based embryo models, one that encourages innovation whilst upholding ethical standards and ensuring public benefit. 

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