New publication
New research has used multi national cohorts to examine socioeconomic inequity in extreme outcomes within very pre-term and/or very low birthweight infants
…In remembrance of Barbara Ohrt (1933-2026)
Barbara Ohrt (b. 31/8/1933 d. 8/6/2026) was the co-founder of the Bavarian Longitudinal study alongside Professor Klaus Riegel in 1985. Barbara sadly passed away at the age of 92 on 8 June 2026. Her obituary was published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Details of obituary here: https://trauer.sueddeutsche.de/traueranzeige/barbara-ohrt
European Guidance for clinicians and mental Health Services
A new publication gives European guidance for clinicians and mental health services regarding child to adult mental health service transitions and managed discharge at the service boundary.
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bayerische_entwicklungsstudie.de relaunch
January 2026 – English language version now available – click on Union Jack top right. Bayerische-entwicklungstudie.de/en September 2025. Bayerische-Entwicklungstudie.de website relaunched.
House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee publishes report
Dieter Wolke talked about the long term effects of premature birth in the House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee report on Preterm Birth: Reducing Risks, and Improving Lives.
Baby Comfort Guide
Baby Comfort Guide published. Find out about the BABY COMFORT app here
New Publication
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers from the University of Warwick, led by Dr Elif Gönen and Professor Dieter Wolke, has found that the majority of adults born very preterm or with very low birth weight go on to lead positive and satisfying lives in adulthood.
Using data from the Bavarian Longitudinal Study, which followed participants from birth to age 34, the researchers found that while most adults born very preterm were functioning well across social, economic and relationship domains, around one in five experienced persistent challenges in employment, friendships and romantic relationships.
The study also identified childhood cognitive ability (IQ) as the strongest predictor of positive adult functioning, highlighting the importance of supporting cognitive development from an early age.
…New Publication
New findings from the Bavarian Longitudinal Study (birth–26 years) show that many adult outcomes linked to very preterm birth (<32 weeks) are shaped by childhood experiences. Supportive parenting, school support and achievement play a key role—highlighting targets to improve long-term outcomes for all children.
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News from Neopedia
Highlights of presentations to parents and healthcare professionals: The Incubator podcast (US) NICUnity podcast (US) Preemie Chats (Canada) – from min 43 Live launch event in Barcelona (Spain)
GFCNI – latest Newsletter
Read the latest Newsletter from GFCNI here. We highlight research that challenges long-standing perspectives – such as the growing understanding of fathers’ influence on pregnancy and child health. These insights help us advocate for more inclusive, informed care. And we are proud to mark ten years of “Strong Start for Little Heroes,” a campaign that…