Research on Human Embryos

While in-vitro research on early human embryos is prohibited in Germany, British legislation permits a large number of such research approaches. But why is research on early human embryos so important? And how can we regulate it responsibly and avoid potential misuse?

Scientists from Great Britain will present the aims and results of research on human embryos. They will also clarify on what basis the British legislator has decided to permit such research and to what extent the public has been consulted. In a subsequent discussion with German ethicists and the audience, differences and similarities of the British and German approaches will be expounded.

The aim of the event is to enrich the German debate on early human embryos and to discuss the British perspective of responsible handling of embryos without completely prohibiting research.

6:00 p.m. | Welcome
Bettina Schöne-Seifert ML, Leopoldina
Ursula Gather, Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation

6:10 p.m. | Impulses by
Kathy Niakan, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
"The importance of understanding early human development: impact for IVF and stem cells"
Andy Greenfield, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
"Human embryo research in the UK: ethics, regulation and future prospects"

6:40 p.m. | Panel discussion
Andy Greenfield, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
Kathy Niakan, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
Markus Rothhaar, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Claudia Wiesemann, University Medicine Göttingen
Facilitator: Kai Kupferschmidt, Science journalist, Berlin

8:00 p.m. | Get together
9:30 p.m. | End

ML – Member of the Leopoldina

Picture: Early human embryo (Kathy Niakan, Francis-Crick Institute)