About IETS

The International Embryo Technology Society (formerly the International Embryo Transfer Society) was formed in 1974 in Denver, Colorado, USA, to serve as a professional forum for the exchange of information among practitioners, scientists, educators, regulatory officials, livestock breeders, suppliers of drugs and equipment, and students. The purpose of the IETS is to further the science of animal embryo technology by promoting more effective research, disseminating scientific and educational information, fostering high standards of education, maintaining high standards of ethics, and cooperating with other organizations that have similar objectives.

Members of the Society are engaged in the practice of embryo transfer in a variety of species, and in research on embryo production, transgenesis and cloning, on mechanisms regulating embryo development, and on development following embryo transfer. Species studied include domesticated and laboratory animals, and endangered species.

The mission of IETS is to bring together scientists and practitioners with the latest knowledge impacting the research, development and application of embryo and related technologies through educational and networking activities, regulatory guidance, and scientific publications while promoting responsible development and use of animal reproduction technologies.

To be the world’s leading scientific and technical reference on animal assisted reproduction technologies.

The International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) supports genome engineering, including gene editing, as it provides invaluable advances in basic research, animal welfare, sustainable agriculture and safer food production, and human medicine. Genetically engineered products are highly regulated and must pass rigorous safety reviews for humans, agriculture, and the environment. The International Embryo Technology Society will continue to (1) support its members to lead and conduct genome engineering research, (2) provide expertise to regulatory agencies, and (3) engage with the general public for science education.

The Board of Governors of the IETS
April 13, 2021

Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) is an efficient way to improve genetics, making it possible to rapidly breed and multiply genetically superior or endangered animals and alleviate infertility in humans. ART is a toolbox of medical and technical procedures resulting in efficient and safe reproduction of mammalian species when used judiciously. Millions of animals, including cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs, among others, as well as human babies have been born over the last half a century, demonstrating the importance of the role of ART and the safety of such procedures. IETS was founded, witnessed and has been the natural home for the development of ART in livestock, companion animals, non-domestic and endangered species. IETS will continue to endorse, promote, and support through its members conducting research in and utilizing ART for the advancement of human and animal health and welfare and food security. IETS will continue to provide to institutions, agencies and governments its expert, independent advice for the assessment of the safety, efficacy and related regulatory decision-making surrounding current and future ART where needed.

The Board of Governors of the IETS
March 12, 2021

Position Statement of the IETS

Based on the scientific evidence, and based on the conclusion of the European Food Safety Agency and the US FDA that there is no scientifically proven safety concern for food derived from clones and offspring of clones and their products, there is no necessity to label products from clones or offspring of clones.

The Board of Governors of the IETS
January 10, 2012

Position Statement of the IETS

The International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) encourages and strongly supports freedom to conduct research on animal "cloning" by somatic cell nuclear transfer and related techniques using embryonic, fetal, and adult animal cells. The IETS believes that such research will provide avenues to improved understanding of the genetic regulation of development and should ultimately result in improved health, welfare, and reproductive efficiency of animals.

The Board of Governors of the IETS
March 7, 2003
Reaffirmed on January 5, 2007