SwissRepro | Research Network for Reproductive Studies
The aim of SwissRepro is to create a lasting research network of reproductive scholars across linguistic, regional and disciplinary boundaries. SwissRepro serves as a platform for the Swiss-based community of scholars in reproductive studies and aims to contribute to the global scientific community with scientific events.
Interested in becoming a member of SwissRepro? Click here to join!
Call for abstract SwissRepro 2026 Conference, 8 May 2026, University of Geneva
Goals
Interdisciplinarity
Reproductive studies encompass a wide range of disciplines within the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to anthropology, sociology, geography, history, psychology, philosophy, bioethics, religious studies, and law. SwissRepro allows experts from diverse fields to collaborate, share knowledge, and contribute their unique perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to innovative contributions to understand the reproductive politics of our time and the complex dynamics of reproductive (in)justice.
Fostering collaborations
Through the organisation of conferences and the circulation of information via a mailing list, the network will allow Swiss-based researchers to connect with each other. Early career researchers will gain from increased visibility and networking opportunities. The network will facilitate research partnerships and interdisciplinary research projects.
Informing policy and practice
Research findings in reproductive studies have significant implications for public policy, clinical practice, and social norms. SwissRepro can generate critical knowledge and recommendations to inform policy decisions, shape clinical guidelines, and advocate for reproductive justice and access to healthcare services.
Founders
SwissRepro was founded by two postdoctoral researchers from the University of Zurich:
- Dr. Edmée Ballif (ORCID) obtained her PhD from the University of Lausanne in 2017 and leads research in prenatal care, parenting and childcare. In April 2024, she joined the research program «Human Reproduction Reloaded».
- Dr. Molly Fitzpatrick’s (ORCID) research interests focus on childbirth, midwifery, parenting, and care. She obtained her PhD in social anthropology from the University of Zurich in 2022, and has since worked as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the Department of Social Anthropology (ISEK), at the chair of Prof. Dr. Annuska Derks.
SwissRepro was born with the help and support of two Founding Mentors:
- Prof. Dr. emerita Sarah Franklin, Department of Sociology, University of Cambridge
- Prof. Dr. Marcia Inhorn, Department of Anthropology, Yale University
Coordinators
Advisory Board
Dr. Carole Ammann, Ethnologisches Seminar, University of Lucerne
Prof. Dr. Sandra Bärnreuther, Ethnologisches Seminar, University of Lucerne
Prof. Dr. Annuska Derks, Institut für Sozialanthropologie und Empirische Kulturwissenschaften and URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded, University of Zürich
Prof. Dr. Marta Roca I Escoda, Center for gender studies, University of Lausanne
Prof. Dr. Nina Jakoby, Soziologische Institut and URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded, University of Zurich
Prof. Dr. Mélanie Levy, Institut de droit de la santé, University of Neuchâtel
Prof. Dr. Alice Margaria, Faculty of Law and URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded, University of Zurich
Prof. Dr. Carolin Schurr, Geographisches Institut, University of Bern
Members
Membership is free and open to all interested reproductive scholars. By becoming a member, you join the SwissRepro mailing list, where members can circulate calls for papers, publications and conference announcements.
Details regarding the organization and management of the network will be decided with members at the launch event. At this stage, the provisory plan is that SwissRepro will be led by 2-3 co-directors who organize SwissRepro’s annual meeting, circulate information among members and maintain a list of members.
Interested in becoming a member of SwissRepro? Click here to join!
Contact: swissrepro@humanreproduction.uzh.ch
