Developed using expertise in medical sociology, science and technology studies, empirical bioethics and political economy, this collaborative and multi-method project aims to investigate the emergence of ECS for preconception use amongst the general population, and its wider implications. It will provide much-needed evidence to develop theory, stimulate debate and shape forthcoming regulatory approaches to policy generation in this novel field in the UK and internationally. 

PRECAS is a collaborative research project funded for three years (2023-2026) by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – UKRI and based at De Montfort University.

This project is led by Prof Cathy Herbrand and includes a team of nine researchers and a partner the Progress Educational Trust (PET).

Principal InvestigatorProf Cathy Herbrand
Co-investigatorsProf Nicky Hudson (De Montfort University)
Prof Pascal Borry (Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven)
Prof Bronwyn Parry (Australian National University)
Prof Zosia Miedzybrodzka (University of Aberdeen)
ConsultantsProf Lorraine Culley (De Montfort University)
Professor Anna Feigenbaum (Bournemouth University)
PartnerSarah Norcross (Progress Educational Trust)
ResearcherDr Kriss Fearon (Research Fellow)
CollaboratorDr Eva Van Steijvoort (Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven)