Public Lecture: Sex, Science and Stem Cells
Location
Dukes Theatre
About
Thursday 22nd January, 6.15pm - 8pm
About THE LECTURE
Could Science Replace Sex in Making Babies?
Lancaster University invites you to a public lecture and panel discussion on Thursday 22 January 2026, exploring one of the most transformative scientific developments since IVF: stem cells and their potential to reshape human reproduction.
This 'Sex, Science and Stem Cells: The Future of Human Reproduction' lecture is open to all, whether you’re curious about cutting-edge science, concerned about ethics, or simply fascinated by the future of medicine.
From creating sperm and eggs in the lab to embryo models that mimic early development, stem cell research is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These breakthroughs could revolutionize fertility treatments, challenge long-held assumptions about family and parenthood, and raise profound ethical, legal and NHS funding questions.
This discussion comes off the back of research led by Lancaster University through the Wellcome-funded Future of Human Reproduction Project, which examines the science, ethics, and policy implications of these technologies.
Hear from leading experts who are shaping the debate:
Stephen Wilkinson - Professor of Bioethics, Lancaster University; Principal Investigator of the Future of Human Reproduction Project
Emily Jackson - Professor of Law, London School of Economics
Emma Cave - Professor of Healthcare Law and Director of the Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences, Durham University
ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HUMAN REPRODUCTION PROJECT AT LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
The Future of Human Reproduction at Lancaster University is an innovative, interdisciplinary research programme, funded by Wellcome, exploring the cultural, ethical, legal and social challenges that will emerge as technological advances fundamentally change the possibilities for human reproduction. More information on the project can be found here.
