Media reports about research from our network

Robert Böhm in the university media portal, 08.05.2025: "Reactions to rules""

Whether it's a smoking ban, speed limits or sugar taxes, many people are initially opposed to such measures. However, they can help tackle social problems such as climate change and health crises. A new study led by the University of Vienna and the Technical University of Munich shows that the greatest resistance to systemic interventions arises before they are introduced. Once implemented, however, opposition declines significantly. The researchers have uncovered the underlying mechanism, providing important insights for communicating such measures effectively. The study results have recently been published in the renowned journal PNAS.

Veronika Siegl on Ö1, 02.04.2025: "Taboo egg donation"

(Radio interview in German; translated summary)

 

Although egg donation is allowed in Austria, many people are unable to access eggs. Single women are not allowed to use donated eggs, and fertility centres report that it is generally difficult to find donors. They therefore recommend going abroad. In neighbouring countries such as the Czech Republic or Slovakia, anonymous egg donation is allowed and is often the only option for those who cannot have children.

 

This is how part of the global reproductive network becomes visible, fulfilling the desire to have children across borders and laws. The global egg trade flourishes in open, grey and black markets. If rules or circumstances change in one country, the business changes. In India, foreigners are no longer allowed to hire surrogate mothers (which also requires donated eggs). The war in Ukraine has restricted fertility tourism there. Parents who want children are now seeking help in Greece instead of India, in Argentina instead of Ukraine.

 

Ova travel across borders and oceans, while people travel long distances. Transnational companies are active that make money from the desire of others to have children. What does this mean for some of the most vulnerable parts of the reproductive network, the parents who want children? And what happens when companies profit financially from the human desire for a family?