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WHAT IS MyGENESIS?

MyGENESIS is a participatory research project co-developed with donor-conceived people (DCPs) to understand the factors that support or hinder well-being and identity development, and to co-create practical support tools for those who want them.

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A core principle of MyGENESIS is ensuring that the experiences, perspectives, and priorities of donor-conceived people guide every stage of the project. We aim to develop evidence-based guidelines that genuinely reflect DCP needs, including those related to family communication, identity exploration, and clinic conduct.​

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WHAT DO WE DO?

Our dedication lies in comprehending the factors that influence the well-being and identity of DCP. 

 

We strive to create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages understanding and empowerment for everyone involved. We are committed to offering valuable resources for DCP and other stakeholders, while also deepening knowledge through comprehensive research.

WHO ARE WE?

A team dedicated to exploring critical aspects of identity, coping strategies, and support systems within the Donor-Conceived Community.

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Assistant Professor at the University of Porto. Her research focuses on the impact of infertility and ART on marital relationships, as well as young adults’ reproductive health beliefs and aspirations.  She has coordinated the ESHRE Psychology & Counselling Special Interest Group and currently serves on the executive board of the Portuguese Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Mariana Veloso Martins

Project Leader | mmartins@fpce.up.pt

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Clinical psychologist and retired professor from FPCEUP, Emília has led multiple research projects on identity and intimate relationships—key themes for those conceived through donation. She continues to support projects that center mental health and personal meaning.

Maria Emília Costa

Senior Team | email

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Professor at the University of Copenhagen and head of the Reproductive Health Research Group. A leading voice in social medicine and reproductive health policy, Lone also contributes to WHO guidelines on infertility.

Lone Schmidt

Senior Team | email

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Licensed marriage and family therapist, and researcher focused on the mental health implications of infertility and counseling interventions for couples experiencing fertility treatment.

Brennan Peterson

Senior Team | email

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Science Lead at Birmingham Women’s Fertility Centre, Jackson is an expert in andrology. His work supports ethical care and informed decision-making in fertility treatments, including third-party reproduction.

Jackson C. Kirkmman-Brown

Senior Team | email

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Invited Assistant Professor at ISMT and researcher at CPUP. Her work has focused on:  fertility awareness among adolescents and health education through tools like serious games. She is currently a member of ESHRE. 

Filipa Bento Nogueira

Research Fellow | fbnogueira@fpce.up.pt

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Master’s student in Clinical Psychology.

Her work focuses on:

  • Attachment to parental figures in the context of donor conception

  • The influence of relational experiences on individual development

Carina Ferreira

Master’s student |  email

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Master’s student in Psychology of Justice and Deviance.

Her research focuses on:

  • The psychological impact of being conceived through gamete donation

  • The role of coping strategies and social support in psychosocial adjustment

Daniela Parchão

Master’s student |  email

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Electra Costa

HR Lead

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Master’s student in Psychology of Education and Human Development. His work focuses on:

  • The role of attachment in reproductive health

  • Identity development in relation to early relational experiences

Pedro Silva

Master’s student |  email

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Master’s student in Psychology. Her research focuses on:

  • Emotional support and care pathways for donor-conceived adults

  • Perspectives of donor-conceived individuals, parents, donors, and professionals

Petra Fernandes

Master’s student |  email

Institutional Partners

Advancing our mission alongside these leading institutions

This project is funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT; ref. 2023.14465.PEX).

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