Houston, TX (July 16, 2025) – The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) and the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) are pleased to announce the inaugural Paediatric Research for the Future of Children (PRFC), a global forum. This biannual forum is designed to bring together a select group of global thought leaders — senior experts and emerging scholars alike — to explore the future of pediatric science. PRFC seeks to chart the course for global leadership in pediatric research by examining future trends and fostering innovation on a global scale.

PRFC 2026 will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, February 11-13, 2026. The scientific program features keynote speeches from world-renowned experts, engaging panel discussions, and interactive poster sessions. Participation at PRFC 2026 will be limited to 300 scholars. This exclusive setting offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, collaborate across disciplines, and help lay the foundation for the next wave of innovation in pediatric research.

Highlights of PRFC 2026:

• Engage directly with global leaders in pediatric science, healthcare, and innovation.
• Experience a world-class venue at Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland — a leading hub for scientific collaboration, home to the University of Geneva, EPFL, the Campus Biotech Foundation, the Wyss Center, and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG).
• Play a key role in shaping the future of pediatric research and the development of new therapies that improve the lives of children worldwide.

PRFC 2026 is dedicated to creating a bias-free space. This forum is driven entirely by science, where open, honest, and forward-thinking discussion can thrive, without the influence of commercial agendas.

The call for abstracts is now open through July 31, 2025. Submissions must present original, unpublished work and align with one the PRFC 2025 research themes:

• Precision Medicine & Novel Therapies in Pediatrics: Focusing on the customization of medical care, this theme explores cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment strategies tailored to each child’s unique genetic, molecular, and developmental profile.
• Big Data in Pediatric Research: This theme delves into how vast, complex data sets from genomics, electronic health records, wearable sensors, to environmental and social determinants can be harnessed to generate actionable insights.
• Child Mental Health and Development: With a spotlight on emotional, behavioral, and cognitive well-being, this theme examines the developmental trajectories that shape mental health from childhood through adolescence.
• Early Life Determinants of Health and Disease: This area highlights the critical window of early life (including the prenatal and early childhood periods) and its long-lasting effects on lifelong health.
• Promoting Global Pediatric Research and Pediatric Clinician Scientists: This theme supports the building of a stronger international pediatric research ecosystem.

There are no fees to submit an abstract. Selected abstracts will be featured in oral or poster sessions. Visit http://www.prfc-forum.org/ for additional details.

 

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About the Society for Pediatric Research

The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) encourages and supports pediatric research endeavors by creating a multidisciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. Collaboration among SPR members creates meaningful progress for the future of children’s health. For more information, please visit www.societyforpediatricresearch.org, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky.

About the European Society for Paediatric Research

The European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) has been at the forefront of paediatric medical care and innovation since 1958. As one of the oldest and most prolific Paediatric research societies in Europe, its mission is to develop and apply research to improve newborn and child health.