In January 2024, we commissioned a public dialogue on stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs). Public dialogue is a process during which members of the public interact with scientists, stakeholders and policy makers to deliberate on issues relevant to future decisions. Public dialogue enables constructive conversations amongst diverse groups of citizens on topics which are often complex or controversial. Not only does it provide an in-depth insight into public opinion, it also offers a window into understanding people’s reasoning.
Why did we want to hold a public dialogue about embryo models?
Stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) are a new and rapidly-developing area of science. They offer exciting possibilities for understanding more about the earliest stages of human development, and about why this sometimes goes wrong (e.g. miscarriage). However, they also raise many complex legal and ethical issues.
Currently, very little is known about public hopes for and concerns about this research. We believe that it is important to hear a wide range of voices and perspectives when thinking about how this research should be carried out and where the limits are. For this reason, we commissioned a public dialogue in early 2024 to find out more about public attitudes towards research using embryo models. We also wanted to get public feedback about our proposed SCBEM Code of Practice.
Who was involved in the public dialogue?
The dialogue was commissioned by Cambridge Reproduction, in partnership with the Progress Educational Trust (PET). Cambridge Reproduction and PET have been leading a project to create new governance for research involving human embryo models. Other academic partners include the Babraham Institute, the Human Developmental Biology Initiative (HDBI) and Hull York Medical School.
The dialogue was carried out by Hopkins Van Mil (HVM) and evaluation was carried out by Ursus Consulting. Funding was provided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the UKRI Sciencewise programme.
What kind of questions did we ask?
The public dialogue format allows participants to discuss a range of questions in depth. Some of the things that we wanted to know were:
- What are your hopes and priorities for research using embryo models?
- What ethical questions are raised by this research?
- Should we impose limits on any areas of embryo model research and use - and if so, what should those limits be?
- How can researchers maintain public trust in this area of research?
- How should we strike the right balance between ensuring that this sensitive area of research is adquately overseen and enabling scientists the freedom to make new discoveries?
- How do the recommendations in the SCBEM Code of Practice meet your hopes and concerns for embryo model research?
What did the public dialogue tell us?
The dialogue report was published in April 2024 and can be downloaded from the Sciencewise website.
