Royal Society Responds To HFEA Papers, UK

In response to the publication of the HFEA papers relating to policy on Human Animal Embryos Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said:


"The HFEA's consultation reveals welcome recognition of the potential of this research. 61% of the general public agreed with the creation of human-animal embryos - if it may help understand diseases - with only a quarter opposed to this research.


"It is heartening that the wider public agree with the scientific community that human-animal embryos offer the potential to better understand incurable illnesses such as Parkinson's and Motor Neuron Disease.


"Human-animal embryos allow some very promising experiments to be done. Specifically, the creation of cytoplasmic hybrid embryos - using the plentiful supplies of animal eggs from abattoirs - reduces the need for human eggs in stem cell research - which is currently limiting progress in this rapidly developing field."


The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in 2010, we are working to achieve five strategic priorities, to:


-- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation

-- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice

-- Invigorate science and mathematics education

-- Increase access to the best science internationally

-- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and excitement of scientific discovery

royalsoc.ac.uk