Thursday 5 November 2026, 5.30pm - 7pm
Seminar Room 63, Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
All welcome
This panel discussion will draw together leading researchers on preimplantation genetic testing, germline genome editing, and the history of eugenics to discuss the ethics and histories of these practices, alongside the realities of what is, and is not, currently possible with these powerful technologies.
Convenor: Andrew Moeller, Project Leaders, Biotechnology and the Humanities
Please contact Andrew Moeller (andrew.moeller@history.ox.ac.uk) with any questions. The event will not be streamed online.
Please note, due to fire safety regulations, seating is limited, and so it is advised to arrive early to ensure a seat.
Participants:
Dagan Wells, Professor of Reproductive Genetics, Oxford
Dagan has been involved in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and the study of gametes and early embryos for more than three decades. Throughout his career he has been at the forefront of new developments in the field, pioneering the application of advanced methodologies, including genome editing, meiotic spindle transfer, whole genome amplification and next generation sequencing.
Jordan O'Donnell, DPhil Student, Women's and Reproductive Health
Jordan is a reproductive genetics researcher and current DPhil student in Women's and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford. Her research is driven by a passion for creating equitable, accessible, and scalable personalized healthcare solutions.
Marius Turda, Professor in Central and Eastern European Biomedicine, Oxford Brookes
Marius has been teaching at Oxford Brookes since 2005. He is the founder director of the Cantemir Institute at the University of Oxford (2012-2013) and founder of the Working Group on the History of Eugenics and Race (HRE), established in 2006. Between 2010 and 2014 he was Deputy Director, The Centre for Health, Medicine and Society. He is a member of the Academia Europaea, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Fellow of the Galton Institute.
Medical Humanities Research Hub, TORCH Research Hubs
