What we do

The Embryo Project Encyclopedia is a digital and Open Access publication of the Embryo Project. Begun in 2007, the Encyclopedia and the Embryo Project are funded by the US National Science Foundation in Washington D.C., and by Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The Embryo Project is a collection of researchers who study the historical and social contexts of developmental and reproductive biology.


Two pages of a book with embryo's in them
The Embryo Project Encyclopedia

Encouraging readers

The Embryo Project Encyclopedia publishes the highest quality work from Embryo Project researchers. The Encyclopedia aims to show readers how to think scientifically—how to identify evidence, how to generate it from experiments, how to relate it to theories, and how to change beliefs and revise theories in light of new evidence. The Encyclopedia also aims to show readers how societal contexts influence people as they evaluate evidence and theories.

How do we pursue and interpret science?

How is science part of society?

How is society a part of science?

Within the Encyclopedia, you can find hundreds of descriptive articles about reproductive medicine, developmental biology, and embryology. You can also find thousands of objects such as photographs, microscope slides, and videos. Next, you can find dozens of items such as animations, graphics, and timelines that help users visualize topics. Finally, with EP Essays, users can find longer articles that help them interpret and apply the history of reproductive medicine, developmental biology, and embryology. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and if you see an item in the Encyclopedia that you like, please share it. If you see an error, please use the contact link on each page to notify us so that we can correct it.