People
PET has a small team of dedicated Staff governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by a Patron.
The Progress Educational Trust (PET) provides impartial and accurate information to people affected by infertility or genetic conditions, and provides platforms for them – and relevant experts and practitioners – to discuss scientific, ethical, legal and policy developments in these areas.
This is achieved primarily through publishing BioNews (a free online news and comment digest) and by producing events (most of which are free to attend), in addition to other forms of engagement and education.
To improve choices for people affected by infertility or genetic conditions.
To educate and to debate the responsible application of reproductive and genomic science.
Publishing accurate, unbiased news, and disseminating this work widely. Mythbusting and challenging hype around scientific developments, so that people are better informed about what assisted conception and genomic medicine can offer, and so that they have access to appropriate medical treatment. Highlighting knowledge gaps, so that education can be improved and so that people are better placed to make their own decisions.
Championing the responsible application of science. Influencing the development of policy so that it is better aligned with science, reflects the best interests of patient and public communities, and keeps pace with change. Professionals can then work confidently within an appropriately regulated environment.
Identifying the most challenging topics, providing a forum, encouraging meaningful public debate and changing opinions. Engaging with the public, academic, clinical, policymaking and educational communities – and with the media – so that controversial areas in assisted conception, genetics and stem cell and embryo research are well understood and have public support.
The word progress is in our name. We support ethical scientific progress; we work to ensure that the benefits of medical research are not lost, and that the clinical application of research is not delayed unnecessarily.
We are fearless in tackling the most challenging moral questions in human reproduction, development and inheritance.
We give a platform to those with opposing views, because we believe in an honest, informed debate.
Our work includes the public and professionals together, so that each can learn from the other’s perspective. We believe there is a therapeutic benefit to understanding more about a condition and about related research. Clear communication underpins our work.
We are a trustworthy source of information.
Our size and structure make us perfectly poised to react quickly to the latest issue. We are efficient, and our impact is such that we deliver value for money – whether that is a personal donation or grant funding.
Our integrity is vital to us. As a charity, we do not benefit from the developments in science or the changes in policy that we seek to advance.
Regular donations from Friends of PET, as well as one-off donations.
Partnerships, sponsorship and grants, for events and for other projects and initiatives.
Advertising featured on this website and in thee BioNews email newsletter.
Funding for providing training, including running the BioNews Writing Scheme.
Funding for consultancy work.
PET has a small team of dedicated Staff governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by a Patron.
PET provides expert and independent comment, interviews, background information and case studies on infertility and genetic conditions.
Our origins can be traced back to 1985, when – seven years after the birth in the UK of Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby – the late MP Enoch Powell sought to pass a law that would have made human embryo research and IVF illegal.
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