The UK Preterm Birth Conference 2027 brings together internationally recognised leaders in maternal, fetal and neonatal health for two days of scientific exchange, multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation-driven discussion focused on reducing the global burden of preterm birth.

Hosted in East London at Queen Mary University of London, the conference will feature 15 keynote lectures, 4 plenary talks, scientific discussions, presentations and training workshops, uniting experts from medicine, engineering, public health, translational science, digital health, policy and industry.

Conference Themes

The 2027 programme explores major themes shaping the future of preterm birth prevention and care:

• Prediction & Diagnostics
• Prevention Strategies
• Neonatal Outcomes
• Health & Policy
• AI, Digital Twins & Virtual Healthcare Systems
• Translational Research

Complications arising from preterm birth remain one of the leading causes of death among children under five globally and are a major contributor to long-term childhood disability worldwide. This places significant emotional, societal and economic burdens on families and healthcare systems around the world.

The conference aims to accelerate dialogue and action across disciplines, connecting emerging research with clinical innovation and health policy in an increasingly digital and data-driven healthcare landscape.

The meeting will convene clinicians, scientists, engineers, healthcare leaders, policymakers and multidisciplinary specialists to examine the latest advances in prevention, prediction and optimisation of care for families affected by preterm birth.

East London is one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the world, yet significant health inequalities remain. Opening the conference, Colin Bailey, Principal of Queen Mary University of London, will discuss how partnership, innovation and collaboration across healthcare, research, education, industry and local communities can improve outcomes for families and create lasting impact in maternal and neonatal health.

Among the distinguished speakers is Sarah Brown, Chair of the Trustees of Theirworld and founder of the Global Maternal Mortality Campaign, internationally recognised for her advocacy in maternal and child health, education and global health equity.

Addressing the global challenge of preterm birth through science, innovation and collaboration, the conference seeks to strengthen international networks and advance multidisciplinary solutions in preterm birth prevention and neonatal care.

Multidisciplinary Learning & Networking

The conference will provide opportunities for healthcare professionals, midwives, researchers, engineers, trainees and students to engage in multidisciplinary networking and discussion throughout the meeting.

The programme will explore interdisciplinary approaches to preterm birth prevention and care, including:

• Clinical management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
• Emerging evidence on the causes of preterm birth, including inflammation, fibroids and assisted reproduction
• Advances in diagnostic testing, including cervical length assessment, fetal fibronectin and Actim Partus
• Prevention strategies such as cervical cerclage and progesterone
• Management of threatened preterm labour, including tocolytics, antenatal steroids and magnesium sulphate
• Decision-making surrounding the delivery of very preterm babies

We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the UK and around the world, and to sharing the final programme in autumn 2026.

Dr Tina Chowdhury
Chair, UK Preterm Birth Conference