Crick Crash Course: Embryo development

Our series of morning lectures sharing science from across the Crick in a simple and accessible way continues.

After sperm meets egg, an amazing transformation unfolds. The embryo, initially just a small clump of cells, begins to take shape and specialise its cell types to form the body. Through careful coordination, the embryo develops all the cells and tissues that support life by making a precise sequence of decisions. The Developmental Models lab at the Francis Crick Institute seeks to better understand these decisions, particularly in a human context where access to samples is scarce and the medical need (to understand congenital abnormalities, for example) is great. The lab uses stem cells to build a range of developmental models. Naomi Moris, who leads the lab, will discuss how these embryo models might help us unlock new insights, but also raise their own ethical dilemmas for the future. Join us to explore some of the mysteries and discoveries in mammalian developmental biology.

The talk will be followed by a Q&A session, where Naomi will be happy to answer any audience questions. Please note, the Crick cannot comment on individual cases or provide medical advice.

About Naomi

Dr. Naomi Moris is a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, where she leads the Developmental Models Laboratory. Her work combines experimental embryology with stem cell biology to dissect how dynamic, tissue-tissue interactions drive cell fate decisions and morphogenesis. In addition to her core research, Naomi actively contributes to scientific policy and ethical discourse around embryo model systems and is involved in national and international efforts to shape the regulatory landscape for this emerging field.

Please note that the talk will start at 10am sharp, latecomers will not be admitted.

Picture: A series of stem-cell embryo models created by the Developmental Models Lab at the Crick. Credit: Naomi Moris.