Take part in current research
Sharing your views and contributing to research can help benefit individuals and families across the donor conception community.
About the studies below
Below are some current research studies actively seeking participants from the donor conception community. All research proposals submitted to us are reviewed by our DCN Research Review Group. If a study is considered relevant and of interest, we agree to publicise it so that members can decide whether they would like to learn more or take part.
Please note that the Donor Conception Network is not responsible for the conduct of the research or its outcomes – this responsibility lies entirely with the study team. If you have any questions about our research approval process, feel free to contact us at research@dcnetwork.org.
Title | Who can participate | details | contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repro-flows in Europe, North Africa and Latin America: people’s and gametes’ mobilities in the fragmented context of transnational regulation of assisted reproduction and adoption | For our Qualitative Study about Fertility Treatments in Spain, you are invited to participate if you are: * living in United Kingdom *Have undergone/are undergoing assisted reproduction in Spain through gamete or embryo donation | Participation consists in an interview about your experience with reproductive care abroad and with donor anonymity. (30/60 mins, on videocall) Your information will be kept anonymous and securely stored | Contact Dr Bruna Alvarez at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. EmailProject flyer |
| PRECAS Project | What is it like to use an egg or sperm donor, with expanded carrier screening results? To take part you would need to have no family history of heritable genetic disorders. You need to have used, or have considered and decided not to use, ECS with your partner before donor conception. You can participate if you are *a couple, *a single person, *or one partner in a couple. The interview can be online or in person, and outside working hours if needed. | We are looking for people who are using donor eggs or sperm which have been tested with a genetic test called ‘expanded carrier screening’. This can show if a donor carries genes that do not affect them but might be passed on to the child. We are exploring what people think about having this information about their donor, and whether they decide to have a match test to see if they carry the same genetic mutation. If you have taken the test, or have considered it and decided not to, we ask how you made this decision, and what you decided in the end. Could you help by telling us about your experience? It involves one interview (usually lasting 30 to 60 minutes) in a place convenient to you, or by online video call if you prefer. The interview is completely confidential and there is a thank you voucher for taking part. This is a national research project funded by the UK’s national research funding body, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It is aiming to understand how and why people use the tests, to inform policy and best practice around ECS tests. | If you’d like to find out more, without feeling any obligation to take part, please contact us EmailProject websiteProject flyer |
| The Online Sperm Donation Project: New ways of creating families | Are you a couple currently looking for sperm online? The Online Sperm Donation Project would love to hear your story! £20 thank you payment! For more information on how to take part, email us. |  | |
| Children’s perceptions of nature vs. nurture | Families with children aged 4-8 years old Sign up for The Families Game Receive a Zoom link in your inbox Join us on Zoom to play a short, fun game (less than 15 minutes) Receive a voucher to an online children’s book store | Recruiting until late 2023 | Dr Rebecca Peretz-LangeState, University of New York |
