Cathy Herbrand

Professor Cathy Herbrand is a leading scholar in Medical and Family Sociology at De Montfort University, where she serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Reproduction Research. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Université libre de Bruxelles (2008), funded by the Belgian Scientific Research Funds (FNRS), and has held visiting positions at King’s College London, London School of Economics, and University of Ottawa.

• Education:
  • PhD in Sociology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (2004–2008)
  • MRes in Sociology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (2003–2004)
  • MA in Sociology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (2001–2003)
  • BA in Sociology and Anthropology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (1999–2001)

Research Focus: Herbrand specializes in the sociological and anthropological study of new family forms, biotechnologies, and reproductive decision-making, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial donation, surrogacy regulation, egg donation, and gender dynamics in LGBTQ+ families. Her work bridges British Sociological Association’s Human Reproduction Study Group and interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions like the Progress Educational Trust and Wellcome Trust.

Recent Trends: Her publications highlight intersections of genomic medicine (e.g., expanded carrier screening), reproductive ethics, and policy implementation, particularly in cross-border contexts. Key projects include the ESRC-funded study on preconception genomic testing and the Wellcome Trust-supported workshops on fertility biopolitics.

• Scientific Awards:
  • ESRC Research Grant (£595K) for 'Reproduction in the age of genomic medicine'
  • AdvancedHE's Leadership Matters Programme (2019)
  • FNRS Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008–2012)
  • Best Graduating Student Award (ULB, 2003)

Mentorship & Grants: Currently supervising PhD students on topics like infertility commercialization and transgender youth healthcare experiences, Herbrand has secured major funding from the ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and Sociology of Health & Illness Foundation. She chairs Belgium’s Bioethics Committee surrogacy subcommittee and co-convenes the British Sociological Association’s Human Reproduction Study Group.

Labs & Teams: As Deputy Director of DMU’s Centre for Reproduction Research, she collaborates with networks including the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) and Wellcome Trust’s Society & Ethics Board. Her work influences UK and Belgian policy through advisory roles and public engagement initiatives.