Objective For over three decades reproductive technologies have been available which allow parents to select between embryos based on their genetic makeup. Soon two novel ways of influencing a child’s genome could also become available. In 2013, personal genomics company 23andMe received a patent to a technology called ‘Gamete Donor Selection Based on Genetic Calculations.’ This technology would allow individuals accessing assisted reproductive services to choose between sperm or egg donors based on the likelihood of the embryos having a particular genetic makeup. Technologies like this allow parents to create rather than select embryos with desirable genetic characteristics. In addition genetic engineering technologies continue to improve. The recently developed ‘CRISPR’ technique provides a more precise way of altering the genome than previous methods, and is the first modification technology with real potential to be used on human embryos. Technologies like this may allow parents to modify the genetic material of existing embryos. These developments are seen by some as raising very serious ethical worries, and by others as promising to promote human flourishing. Therefore there is an urgent need to give them systematic ethical scrutiny. If elected to this fellowship I will conduct a rigorous review of embryo creation, modification and section technologies and their ethical, political and philosophical implications. Built on an in-depth understanding of the science behind these technologies, my project will encompass an analysis of relevant philosophical and ethical issues, before delivering practical policy suggestions. This project will be the first extensive overview of the ethics of embryo creation technologies, the specific ethical issues raised by the CRISPR technique, and the moral and philosophical differences between embryo selection, creation and modification technologies. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesmedical ethics Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Net EU contribution € 195 454,80 Address Wellington square university offices OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
