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Key priorities

Durham CELLS (Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences) supports excellence in academic research, innovative teaching and public dialogue on the ethical, social and regulatory issues raised by the life sciences. This area is defined broadly to include issues relating to health, the environment and biotechnology. We seek to promote the exchange of ideas and the production of high-quality scholarship within and beyond the University. Our expertise spans a wide range of academic disciplines, including (but not restricted to) anthropology, biology, law, philosophy, sociology and theology.

About Us
Engaging public dialogue on the ethical, social and regulatory issues raised by the Life Sciences
Range of academic disciplines including Anthropology, Biology, Law, Philosophy, Sociology and Theology
Innovative teaching through our wide-ranging expertise
Exchanging ideas promoting the production of high-quality scholarships

Blogs

  • CELLS Blog

    The CELLS Blog offers a multidisciplinary platform for commentary and analysis on a range of subjects and themes related to the ethical, social and regulatory issues raised by the life sciences. 

    People handling placards and protesting in the street
  • Obstetric Violence Blog

    The Obstetric Violence Blog offers a multidisciplinary platform for commentary, analysis, and critical reflection on established and emerging issues related to obstetric violence, disrespect and abuse during pregnancy and childbirth, and human rights in childbirth more generally.

CELLS Blog

The CELLS Blog offers a multidisciplinary platform for commentary and analysis on a range of subjects and themes related to the ethical, social and regulatory issues raised by the life sciences. 

People handling placards and protesting in the street

Obstetric Violence Blog

The Obstetric Violence Blog offers a multidisciplinary platform for commentary, analysis, and critical reflection on established and emerging issues related to obstetric violence, disrespect and abuse during pregnancy and childbirth, and human rights in childbirth more generally.

Upcoming events

Prof Imogen Goold, on the History of IVF Regulation

Wednesday 21 October 2026 - Wednesday 21 October 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
PCL050, Durham Law School
Prof Imogen Goold, on the History of IVF Regulation.png

The exception among exceptions: non-therapeutic male circumcision.

Tuesday 3 November 2026 - Tuesday 3 November 2026
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Online via Teams
The exception among exceptions non-therapeutic male circumcision..png

Neurorights: A misstep in legal evolution?

Wednesday 2 December 2026 - Wednesday 2 December 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
PCL050, Durham Law School
Neurorights A misstep in legal evolution.png

Care and the Mandate of Law

Thursday 18 February 2027 - Thursday 18 February 2027
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Online via Teams
Care and the Mandate of Law.png

Get in Touch

To learn more about the Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences, please contact the the Centre Directors.

Durham CELLS

The Palatine Centre
Durham
DH1 3LE
UK