Dr Elselijn Kingma, Associate Professor in Philosophy, has contributed a paper?to Human Embryo Culture published by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.

The publication is a series of discussions on the statutory time limit for maintaining human embryos in culture,?which at the moment is?14 days after fertilisation.

It explores?whether, 25 years after the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act came into force, there may be reasons to review the time limit or whether the reasons for its introduction remain sound.

Dr Kingma’s contribution entitled ‘Moral Status and the Properties of the Embryo’ sits alongside perspectives from researchers in biological science, law, and religion scholarship. Through this high-profile publication, Dr Kingma will inform and guide public debate on scientific research.

Dr Kingma currently leads the Better Understanding the Metaphysics of Pregnancy project, supported by a €1.2m grant from the European Research Council.