The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act becomes law in April 2009¹. It promises groundbreaking legislation on assisted reproduction and embryo research², but was its development really a landmark in national scientific decision-making?

With contributions from leading figures in the worlds of science, policy, ethics and the media, the ESRC Genomics Forum³, based at the University of Edinburgh, is holding a conference examining how this new legal framework was determined, and who really makes the decisions related to science policy in Britain.

The event is part of the ESRC's Festival of Social Science and takes place on Thursday 12th March 2009, 9am-5pm, One Great George Street, Westminster.

Conference speakers include:

• Dr Stephen L Minger, Director, Stem Cell Biology Laboratory King's College, London

• Phil Willis MP, Chair of the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Select Committee
• Dr Katy Berry, Department of Health
• Fiona Fox, Director, Science Media Centre
• Professor Steve Yearley, Director, ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum
• Sarah Norcross, Director, Progress Educational Trust

Discussions will explore:

• What was the formal process that ultimately led to the HFE Act?

• What does it mean to make decisions 'democratically' in such a controversial area?
• What impact did key stakeholder groups - including scientists, the media and the Church - have on the public debate and legislative outcome?

What can the social sciences bring to our understanding of the public debate and decision-making process?