Current project
Why are we doing this project?
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB) is undertaking this project to explore the current and future ethical, scientific, social, and policy considerations related to the 14-day rule for human embryo culture, with the aim of informing UK legislative reform.
What is the project aim?
We aim to deliver a robust, independent body of evidence to key decision makers on possible policy and regulatory options for the future of embryo research, informed by appraisal of different policy options for the future of the 14-day rule, considering scientific capabilities, ethics, and diverse public views and values.
What are the 4 phases of the project?
The project activities will take place across four overlapping phases. Short outputs will be produced throughout this time, culminating in a final summary report mapping out different policy options.
Phase 1: Review of the short-, medium- and long-term potential of the science of human embryo research, including future scenario mapping.
Phase 2: Review of the ethics of human embryo research, including future scenario mapping.
Phase 3: UK-based deliberative dialogue to understand public views and values surrounding human embryo research and its limits.
Phase 4: A multi-disciplinary Working Group to review all evidence gathered in phases 1-3 before deliberating and appraising different policy options that take trade-offs, stakeholder and public attitudes, and the international research landscape into account.
When will the findings be published?
The project as a whole is expected to take 18 months.
We expect to publish the findings in full in summer 2026, however we intend to share insights regularly as the project progresses.
Who is involved in running the project?
The ‘reviewing the 14-day rule for human embryo research project’ is run by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB).
The project is funded by a grant from Wellcome.
It is being overseen by a multi-disciplinary Working Group, appointed by the NCOB.
The public dialogue element of the project (phase 3) is being delivered in partnership and with funding from UKRI Sciencewise.
Who is on the Working Group and how were members chosen?
Members of the Working Group were appointed by the NCOB in in a personal capacity and have not been appointed to represent the views of any organisation.
Who is on the public dialogue Oversight Group and how were members chosen?
Members of the Oversight Group for the public dialogue phase were appointed by the NCOB on the basis of their relevant experience and expertise. Members of the Oversight Group do not represent the views of any one organisation or group.
What’s the difference between the Working Group and the Oversight Group?
The Working Group is overseeing the whole 14-day rule project, including writing and agreeing the final summary report.
The independent Oversight Group is focussed on the public dialogue phase of the project. It will help to ensure the dialogue materials, process and outputs are balanced, accurate and accessible. The group will review the structure and content of the dialogue sessions and help ensure that a diversity of views and voices are heard in the dialogue process.
What are the ‘future scenarios’ being used in this project?
The future scenarios are plausible visions for how the future of human embryo research and governance might unfold, based on different factors. They are not predictions of the future but can be used as tools to reflect on and anticipate possible future risks, opportunities and challenges.