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PRFC 2026 Scientific Programme
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Day 1: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
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ScheduleSessionSpeakersPresentations
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16:00-16:10Opening CeremonyProf Petra Hüppi
European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR)
Professor of Pediatrics, Chief Division of Development & Growth
Department Chair, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland

Prof Lois K. Lee
Society for Pediatric Research (SPR)
Senior Faculty Advisor, Office and Health Equity & Inclusion; Senior Associate in Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States

Prof Ann Chahroudi
Society for Pediatric Research (SPR)
Barbara Stoll-Raymond Schinazi Distinguished Professor, Vice Chair for Basic Research and Career Development, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory School of Medicine
United States		Welcome by the chair and co-chairs.
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16:10-17:00Opening LectureProf Anna Lartey
Adjunct Professor of Nutrition, University of Ghana;
Former Director of Nutrition, Food and Agriculture Organization;
Former President, International Union of Nutritional Sciences, Ghana		Paediatric Research for the Future of Children: A Global Perspective.
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17:00-17:05Welcome WordsProf Serge Ferrari
Department of Medicine
Vice-Dean for Translational Research and Development
Faculty of Medicine
University of Geneva
Switzerland
Welcome by the Vice-Dean
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17:05-17:25Welcome AddressPierre Maudet
State Councillor of the Canton of Geneva, Department of Health and Mobility, Switzerland		Welcome by the State Councillor of the Canton of Geneva.
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17:25-19:00Welcome Reception & Poster Session
Theme 1: Precision Medicine & Novel Therapies
Theme 2: Big Data in Paediatric Research
Theme 5: Promoting Global Paediatric Research and Paediatric Clinician Scientists
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Day 2: Thursday, 12 February 2026
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ScheduleSessionMain speaker & Early career speakerPresentationsModeratorSession summary
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08:00-08:30Coffee & Pastries
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08:30-10:00Precision Medicine & Novel Therapies: Basic and Preclinical ResearchProf Diana Bianchi
Former Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health and Professor of Pediatrics Emerita, Tufts University School of Medicine.		Presentation Diana Bianchi
"The Earlier the Better: Opportunities for Antenatal Treatment of Genetic Conditions."

Abstract 1: Neil Hanchard (US):
"The Genetic Architecture of Childhood-Onset Essential Hypertension and the Promise for Precision Medicine."

Abstract 2: Lakshmi Srinivasan (US):
"Longitudinal whole genome sequencing of Staphylococcus aureus in the neonatal intensive care unit for precision surveillance and targeted infection prevention."

Abstract 3: Mourad Mseddi (CH):
"Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Virtual Twin Model for Fludarabine Dosing in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation."		Prof Eleanor Molloy
Professor and Chair of Paediatrics, Principal Investigator, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland		This session explores how precision medicine is transforming paediatric care through genomics, targeted therapies, and AI-driven diagnostics. From gene and cell therapies to personalised treatments and earlier interventions, these advances promise more accurate, less invasive care. Experts will highlight key breakthroughs and discuss future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
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10:00-10:30Networking Break
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10:30-12:00Precision Medicine & Novel Therapies: Clinical Trials and ImplementationProf Wendy Chung
Clinical and molecular geneticist
Chief of the Department of Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
United States

Dr Alban Ziegler
Medical Geneticist
Department of Medical Genetics at
University Hospital of Toulouse
France		Presentation Wendy Chung
"Genomic newborn screening to improve the next generations of population health."

Presentation Alban Ziegler
"Building the groundwork for personalized therapies through genetics."

Abstract 1: Miantong (Jerry) Zhang (US):
"Offline Reinforcement-Learning Agent for Pediatric Sepsis Triage and Early Action Using Synthetic ED EHR."

Abstract 2: Andy Bhattacharjee (US):
"Feasibility of Ultra Low-Cost Genomic Newborn Screening for Actionable Pediatric Disorders via DNA Pooling."

Abstract 3: Holger Michel (GER):
"Smart Echocardiography A Deep Learning Approach to detect Pulmonary Hypertension in Infants using 2D-Echocardiography Videos."		Prof Anne O'Donnell-Luria
Boston Children's Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard
Massachusetts General Hospital
United States		Precision medicine in paediatrics is advancing, with strong evidence of improved safety and outcomes in areas like rare diseases, neonatology, and oncology. This session highlights the journey from discovery to clinical application and examines barriers to broader adoption, especially for therapies outside standard models, while exploring strategies to embed precision approaches more widely in paediatric care.
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12:00-13:15Networking & Lunch Break
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13:15-14:45Big Data in Paediatric Research: Methodology & Hot ScienceProf Mary-Anne Hartley
Professor | Director of LiGHT,
based jointly at Yale, School of Medicine, EPFL School of Computer Science, and CMU-Africa School of Engineering

Dr David Sasu
Postdoctoral Research Scientist,
Technology Director of LiGHT, EPFL
School of Computer Science
Lausanne, Switzerland		Presentation Mary-Anne Hartley & David Sasu
"A Massive Open Online Validation and Evaluation Initiative (MOOVE): Calibrating Trust in medical AI with Evidence."

Abstract 1: Anne O'Donnell-Luria (US):
"Exploring incomplete penetrance of clinically relevant variants in large population and rare disease cohorts."

Abstract 2: Leon Bichmann (US):
"Multiyear longitudinal single immune cell profiling of developing children."

Abstract 3: Tyler Rice (US):
"Fetal and maternal immune cells in placental villi are reshaped dynamically across gestation."		Prof Urs Frey
Chair of Paediatrics and Medical Director at the University Children's Hospital in Basel, Switzerland		Big data and machine learning are transforming paediatric care by enabling earlier diagnosis, personalised treatment, and improved outcomes. This session explores how large-scale datasets, from health records to genomics and wearables, are driving innovation. Experts will highlight cutting-edge methods, real-world applications, and key challenges in integrating data-driven tools into practice to enhance care for children.
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14:45-16:15Big Data in Pediatric Research: Infrastructure & EthicsProf Lisa Askie
Scientist and Methods Lead within the Quality Norms and Standards Dept, Science Division, at WHO

Dr Emma Sinervo
PhD Candidate at Karolinska Institutet & Hospital,
Stockholm, Sweden

Prof Lene Seidler
Professor, Rostock University Medical Center
Rostock, Germany		Presentation Lisa Askie, Emma Sinervo, and Lene Seidler
 "Big data with integrity: advancing methodological rigor to shape reliable paediatric research."

Abstract 1: Rudolf Ascherl (GER):
"Differential Performance of the Oxygen Saturation Index in Invasive and Non-Invasive Ventilation Modes in the NICU."

Abstract 2: Assaf Landschaft (US):
"A Lightweight NLP Platform Enabling Predictable, Scalable Chart Review for Free-Text EHR Studies in Pediatrics and Patient Safety."

Abstract 3: Adam Dziorny (US):
"The PICU Data Collaborative Development, Harmonization and Data Science Applications."		Prof Jacqueline Grupp-Phelan
Chief and Vice Chair, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Pediatric Emergency Medicine Endowed Professor
United States		Building effective paediatric big data infrastructure requires secure storage, interoperability, advanced analytics, and collaboration. Unique challenges include growth-related changes and age-specific data interpretation. This session focuses on balancing ethical concerns like consent, privacy, and data sharing with research potential. Experts will discuss strategies to create trustworthy, ethical systems that drive innovation while protecting children’s rights and wellbeing.
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16:15-16:45Networking & Coffee Break
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16:45-17:45Panel Discussion 1Big data and precision medicine: Unanswered & future research questions
Prof Diana Bianchi
Prof Wendy Chung
Prof Mary-Anne Hartley
Prof Lisa Askie
Prof Willem de Boode
Professor of Neonatology
Radboud University Med. Center
Amalia Children's Hospital Nijmegen
Netherlands

Prof Ann Chahroudi
Barbara Stoll-Raymond Schinazi Distinguished Professor
Vice Chair for Basic Research and Career Development
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory School of Medicine		Q&A with the audience.
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17:45-19:00Poster Session 2 (51 posters from themes 3, 4, 5)
Theme 3: Child Mental Health and Development
Theme 4: Early Life Determinants of Health and Disease
Theme 5: Promoting Global Paediatric Research and Paediatric Clinician Scientists
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Day 3: Friday, 13 February 2026
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ScheduleSessionMain speaker & Early career speakerPresentationsModeratorSession summary
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07:45-08:00Coffee & Pastries
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08:00-9:30Early Life Determinants of Health & Disease: Basic ResearchProf Petter Brodin
Professor of Pediatric Immunology, Imperial College London
Physician/scientist at the department of pediatrics at the Karolinska University Hospital
United Kingdom/Sweden

Dr Aron Arzoomand
PhD Student at Department of Women's
and Children's Health at
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, Sweden		Presentation Petter Brodin
"Making Sense of Human Immunity by Systems Immunology."

Presentation Aron Arzoomand
"A Seeding Reaction to Colonizing Microbes in Human Newborns."

Abstract 1: Ivy Autumn (US):
"Brain epigenetic mechanisms underlying cognitive consequences of early life adversity and exercise intervention."

Abstract 2: Cynthia Bearer (US):
"Choline, an essential nutrient, mitigates the negative impact of ethanol on respiratory drive which is expected to improve."

Abstract 3: Eduardo Sanches (CH):
"Early life swimming as a preventive intervention for cerebral palsy motor dysfunction in a rodent model of cerebral palsy."		Prof David Mc Culley
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Neonatology
University of California, San Diego &
Rady Children's Hospital
SPR Ambassador to the North American Regional Societies, United States		The prenatal and early childhood periods critically influence lifelong health. This session explores how factors like epigenetics, maternal health, and early exposures shape disease risk. Emphasizing basic science and prevention, experts will discuss how understanding these early mechanisms can guide interventions to improve long-term health outcomes from life’s very beginning.
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09:30-11:00Early Life Determinants of Health & Disease: Clinical Research and ApplicationProf Vincent Jaddoe
Pediatrician, Professor of Pediatrics- Epidemiology at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Prof Romy Gaillard
Pediatrician, Associate Professor
Developmental Epidemiology at
Department of Pediatrics at
Erasmus University Medical Center
Rotterdam, The Netherlands		Presentation Vincent Jaddoe
"Preconception Origins of Later Course Health and Disease."

Presentation Romy Gaillard
"Embryonic Obesogenic Environment and Childhood Outcomes."

Abstract 1: Jonathan Litt (US):
"Adolescent Multimorbidity is Associated with Premature Aging Phenotype Independent of Birth Weight."

Abstract 2: Kinkini Bhadra (CH):
"Toward a New Soundscape in the NICU Neural and Autonomic Responses to Maternal Singing and Music in Preterm Infants."		Prof Cynthia Bearer
Chief of the Division of Neonatology
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland,
United States		Early-life exposures like nutrition, stress, infections, and toxins shape brain, immune, and metabolic development. Longitudinal studies identify critical intervention periods, guiding effective prevention. This session explores how understanding these determinants can inform clinical practice and public health policies to reduce non-communicable diseases across generations, targeting vulnerable windows to improve lifelong health and break cycles of inherited illness.
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11:00-11:30Networking Break
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11:30-12:30Promoting Global Pediatric Research and Pediatric Clinician Scientists Prof Urs Frey
Chair of Paediatrics and Medical Director at the University Children's Hospital in Basel (UKBB)
Switzerland

Prof Sallie Permar
Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine
Pediatrician-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital
United States

Prof Kathryn Maitland
Professor of Paediatric Tropical Infectious
Imperial College
United Kingdom		Presentation Urs Frey
"Air Pollution and Functional Lung Development: An Area of Future Research."

Presentation Sallie Permar
"Pediatrician Scientist Development: Growing Workforce that is Key to a Healthy Future."

Presentation Kathryn Maitland
"Pediatric Research in Resource Low Settings."		Prof Wanda Barfield
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University
United States
International collaboration is essential to advancing paediatric research and ensuring all children benefit from innovation. This session highlights successful global partnerships, efforts to support clinician-scientists, and initiatives promoting equity in research. Speakers will explore how to sustain progress and translate discoveries into real-world impact, especially for children in under-resourced settings.
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12:30-13:30Networking & Lunch Break
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13:30-15:00Child Mental Health & Development: Research Dr Kirsty Donald
Deputy Director Neuroscience Institute
Early Childhood Development Researcher
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
University of Cape Town, South Africa

Dr Jessica Ellen Ringshaw
PhD Fellow, Neuropsychologist at
University of Cape Town,
King's College London,
United Kingdom		Presentation Kirsty Donald
"Context Matters: Understanding Risk and Resilience in Early Child Brain Health and Development."

Presentation Jessica Ellen Ringshaw
"From Pregnancy to Paediatrics: Investigating the Impact of Maternal and Infant Anaemia on Child Brain Development in Early Life."

Abstract 1: Amanuel Samago (CA, ETH):
"Assessing the Impact of Early Childhood Undernutrition on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Ethiopian Children."

Abstract 2: Jessica Messier (US):
"Dependent Changes in Subplate Neuron and Cortical Plate Response Timing Illuminate Sensory Circuit Maturation."		Prof Lina Chalak
Professor, William Buchanan Chair in Pediatrics
Division Chief, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Director, Fetal and Neonatal Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NeuroNICU)& Fellowship Program
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States
Early identification and intervention are key to supporting children’s neurodevelopment and mental health. This session highlights advances in understanding genetic, environmental, and social factors behind conditions like autism and ADHD. Experts will showcase targeted interventions that improve long-term outcomes by integrating multidisciplinary insights to enhance cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development, promoting lifelong mental wellbeing.
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15:00-16:30Child Mental Health & Development: ImplementationProf John Constantino
Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist
Chief of behavioral and mental Health at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine
United States

Prof Laura Blackwell
Senior Neuropsychologist
Associate Professor at Department of
Pediatrics at Emory University School of
Medicine, Co-Director, Pediatric
Neuropsychology Fellowship Program
Georgia, USA		Presentation John Constantino
"Health System Transformation to Offset Risks Associated with Maternal Depression, Adolescent Addiction, and Youth Suicide."

Presentation Laura Blackwell
"Transforming Care for Pediatric Concussion: A Focus on Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes."

Abstract 1: Scott Hadland (US):
"Disparities in Treatment for US Publicly Insured Youth with Opioid Use Disorder."

Abstract 2: Thomas Wallach (US):
"Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents With Obesity and MASLD Treated With GLP-1."

Abstract 3: Marguerite Leoni (UK):
"Dynamic functional activity during implicit negative emotion processing in very preterm born children."		Prof Hannah Glass
UCSF Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics and Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, United States		Mental and behavioural health issues affect one in five adolescents, with suicide a leading cause of death. This session explores how implementation science can bridge the gap between research and practice in paediatric mental health. Focusing on effective adoption of evidence-based interventions, it aims to improve care delivery, reduce mental illness burden, and enhance outcomes for children and adolescents.
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16:30-17:30Panel Discussion 2The Future of Paediatric Research
Prof Petter Brodin
Prof Vincent Jaddoe
Prof Kristy Donald
Prof John Constantino
Prof Urs Frey
Prof Sallie Permar
Prof Kathryn Maitland
Mr Sylvain Melis		Prof Lois K. Lee
Senior Faculty Advisor, Office and Health Equity & Inclusion; Senior Associate in Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States

Prof Sven Wellmann
Medical Director of the Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Regensburg at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Germany		Q&A with the audience.
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17:30-18:00Closing Ceremony Prof Petra Hüppi
Professor of Pediatrics
Chief Division of Development & Growth
Department Chair, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine
University Hospitals of Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland		Closing Remarks
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