We are partnering with UKRI Sciencewise to run a large-scale dialogue to assess public opinions on reviewing the 14-day rule for human embryo research.
The dialogue process is being designed and delivered by Ipsos UK, with its partners National Voices and The Liminal Space.
To ensure a robust and accountable process, we have appointed an independent Oversight Group to oversee the public dialogue – providing challenge, guidance and advice on its scope, design and delivery. The group will review the structure and content of the sessions and help ensure that a diversity of views and voices is heard in the process.
View the Register of Interests for the Oversight Group.
Read the Terms of Reference for the Oversight Group.
Oversight Group Members
Chair: Nick Hopwood
Professor of History of Science and Medicine, University of Cambridge
Annabel Sowemimo
Community Sexual and Reproductive Health Consultant, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust; Author; Founder, Reproductive Justice Initiative
Barbara Czyznikowska
Community Engagement & Inclusion Manager, Centre for Ethnic Health Research, University of Leicester
Catherine Day
Deputy Director, Cabinet Office; Convenor of the cross-government participatory methods; Co-Founder of the National Strategy Project; Visiting Fellow, King’s College London
César Palacios-Gonzáles
Senior Research Fellow in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford
Emma Yhnell FLSW
Reader & Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, College of Biomedical & Life Science, Cardiff University
Hana Ayoob
Independent STEM Engagement Professional; Independent Illustrator, Patient and Public Involvement Manager, British Society for Immunology
Jason Kasraie
Consultant Clinical Embryologist and Andrologist, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust; Head of Fertility Services, The Shropshire and Mid-Wales Fertility Centre; Visiting Professor, University of Chester
Laura O’Donovan
Lecturer in Law, University of Sheffield
Marta Shahbazi
Group Leader, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Peter Rugg-Gunn
Group Leader and Head of Public Engagement, Babraham Institute
Petra Nordqvist
Senior Lecturer in Sociology; Co-Director of the Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives, University of Manchester
Phil Champain OBE
Independent Faith and Dialogue Consultant; Former Director of the Faith and Belief Forum
Roger Sturmey
Professor in Reproductive Medicine, Hull York Medical School
Rosamund Scott
Professor of Medical Law and Ethics; Director of the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, King’s College London
Sharon Martin
Interim Chief Executive, Fertility Network UK
Meeting Minutes
- Meeting 1 – August 2025