Talking embryos: changing public perceptions of embryo research

Professor Sarah Franklin, winner of the 2023 Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal, joins us to discuss her research into public perceptions of IVF and embryo research.

Professor Sarah Franklin was one of the first social scientists to conduct in depth qualitative research into public perceptions of IVF and embryo research in the 1980s, and she has continued to research this subject for over 4 decades.

This lecture will closely examine the evolution of public debate over embryo research during that period and will identify specific causal factors that have shifted public opinion, focussing on how we might characterise these changes sociologically. In turn, the lecture will argue for a closer relationship between translational biological research and the social sciences, and further, that the interdisciplinary study of IVF offers a unique opportunity to achieve this goal.

The Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal and Lecture 2023 is awarded to Professor Sarah Franklin for her research into, and advocacy for, the social aspects of new reproductive technologies.

Attending the event

• The event is free to attend.
• Registration on Eventbrite is highly recommended and guarantees entry.
• Those without a ticket will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Live subtitles will be available in person and online.

Attending in person

• This lecture can be attended in person at the Royal Society.
• Doors will open to the public at 6.10pm.
• Travel and accessibility information.

Attending live online

• This lecture will also be livestreamed on the Royal Society YouTube channel.
• You can take part in the live Q&A.
• This event will be available to watch on YouYube soon after the event.

For all enquiries, please contact public.engagement@royalsociety.org.

Image credit - iStock©luismmolina