Nicky Hudson

Nicky Hudson is a Professor of Medical Sociology at De Montfort University (DMU), affiliated with the School of Applied Social Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. She leads the Centre for Reproduction Research, an interdisciplinary team focusing on the social, cultural, and political dimensions of human reproduction. Her research explores reproduction, infertility, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), gamete donation, chronic illness, and qualitative methodologies.

Her work emphasizes intersectional approaches and societal-biomedicine relations, with funding from prestigious bodies like the ESRC and Wellcome Trust. She has led or co-investigated numerous grants, including studies on carrier screening in gamete donation, endometriosis impacts, and asthma management. Key projects include the 'Reproduction in the Age of Genomic Medicine' (ESRC-funded) and 'Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and Donor Conception' (ESRC-funded).

Hudson’s research highlights societal challenges in ART, endometriosis stigma, and the ethical implications of genetic technologies. Collaborations span sociology, psychology, nursing, and health policy. Her recent publications address kinship dynamics in donor conception, AI in ART, and the sociocultural framing of egg donation across Europe.

Professional roles include membership in the British Fertility Society and British Sociological Association. She oversees doctoral supervision in reproduction, ART, and chronic illness. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges academic research with societal impact, aiming to inform policy and clinical practice in reproductive health.