Submitted by Joanna Johnson on Wed, 27/02/2019 - 13:26
After a short introduction by Graham Burton (CTR), Karen Jent (Sociology) presented a series of video interviews with academics from various fields discussing why reproduction is so important. This was followed by a series of flash talks by Uta Paszkowki (Plant Sciences- on the reproduction of fungi), Ashley Moffett (Pathology- on the importance of the placenta in reproduction), Simon Szreter (History- on fertility rate fluctuations in the UK), Lucy van de Wiel (Sociology- on reproduction as a business model with the rise of fertility companies).
The event continued with interdisciplinary talks on reproduction. The first one was on the government measures to introduce folic acid in flour. Erica Watson (Physiology, Development and Neuroscience) explained to her colleague Salim Al-Gailani (History and Philosophy of Science) the benefit of such introduction referring to her own work on mice. Salim gave an overview of government policy on pregnancy routine care. The second talk was led by Gordon Smith (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) an academic and practicing obstetrician at the Rosie Maternity Hospital and Alice Reid (Geography). They compared the reasons for stillbirth in the 40s and 50s (Alice's work) with the main current causes (Gordon's work). The third and final talk was by Leah Astbury (History and Philosophy of Science) and Robert Pralat (Sociology) and discussed the idea of kinship comparing the experience of the LBGT community today on matters of reproduction with that of 17th century English families. Their discussion highlighted the difference in levels of involvement of the wider family.
Nick Hopwood (History and Philosophy of Science) then discussed the opportunities that will be offered by the SRI including the allocation of small research grants to post-doctoral researchers.
The event concluded with the book launch of Reproduction: Antiquity to the Present Day, a multidisciplinary volume edited by Nick Hopwood, Rebecca Flemming and Lauren Kassell.
CTR Director Graham Burton congratulated Nick Hopwood, Rebecca Flemming and Lauren Kassell on the publication of this important volume that shows the richness of what can be achieved when all disciplines are brought together.