Events

UK Preterm Birth Conference

Advancing Health Across the Lifecourse Through Multidisciplinary Innovation

Multidisciplinary Conference Hosted by Queen Mary University of London

We are delighted to announce that Queen Mary University of London will host the UK Preterm Birth Conference 2027 on 18–19 January 2027 at the People's Palace in London.

This international two-day conference will bring together clinicians, scientists, engineers, midwives, healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry partners and patient representatives to address one of the most significant challenges in maternal and neonatal health: preterm birth.

The conference will feature 15 themed sessions, 15 keynote presentations, 4 plenary lectures, an awards ceremony, and an international symposium hosted in partnership with the Fetal Membrane Society, including participation from the Society's President. The programme will also include a Tommy's-led panel debate and opportunities for networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange across disciplines.

Conference Themes

The programme will explore emerging multidisciplinary approaches to preterm birth prevention, prediction and neonatal care, including:

• From AI Models to Clinically Trustworthy Tools
• Big Data and Systems Biology Across the Lifecourse
• Emerging 3D Models for Disease Research and Therapeutics
• Clinical Management of PPROM
• Fetal Therapy and Diagnostic Innovation
• Fetal Membrane Rupture, Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
• Climate Change and Pregnancy Health
• Microbiomes, Pregnancy and Preterm Birth
• Pollution and Pregnancy Health
• Voices of Lived Experience in Preterm Birth – Your Story
• Neonatal Care and Outcomes
• Midwifery in Preterm Birth: Fact and Evidence
• Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Digital Twins, Virtual Cities and Health Equity
• Translational Research into Clinical Practice

Clinical & Scientific Programme

The conference will showcase the latest advances in:

• Clinical management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
• Causes and mechanisms of preterm birth, including inflammation, fibroids and assisted reproduction
• Diagnostic approaches including cervical length assessment, fetal fibronectin and Actim Partus testing
• Prevention strategies such as cervical cerclage and progesterone therapy
• Management of threatened preterm labour using tocolytics, antenatal steroids and magnesium sulphate
• Decision-making surrounding the delivery and care of very preterm babies

There will be extensive opportunities for delegates, including midwives, healthcare professionals, trainees and students, to engage with leading researchers, clinicians and engineers through networking events, panel discussions and interactive sessions.

The final programme will be announced in autumn 2026, with registration open to national and international delegates.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the UK and around the world to East London for this exciting and important event.

Dr Tina Chowdhury
Chair, UK Preterm Birth Conference Committee