2026 – European DOHaD Conference

WELCOME

As President of the European DOHaD Society, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to our upcoming conference in Munich this September.

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework continues to transform how we understand the lifelong impact of early-life environments on health and wellbeing.
Across Europe and beyond, our community is generating innovative insights spanning molecular mechanisms, clinical research, population science, and policy translation. This meeting will provide a vibrant platform to share new discoveries, foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and strengthen collaborations that advance prevention across the life course.

Munich offers an inspiring setting for scientific exchange, where tradition meets innovation at the heart of Europe. I warmly invite researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, policymakers, and early-career scientists to join us for what promises to be an engaging and forward-looking conference.
I look forward to welcoming you personally and to the stimulating discussions that will shape the future of DOHaD research and its impact on global health.

Melanie Conrad, PhD
President of the European DOHaD Society

PROGRAM

The full program will be announced soon!

Confirmed Speakers

Prof. Keith Godfrey

Prof. Christine Heim

Prof. Tim Nawrot

Dr. Michael Penkler

Prof. Fatimi Crispi

Prof. Petter Brodin

Prof. Luca Chiapperino

 

NameSessionCountry
Prof. Keith GodfreyKeynote lecture United Kingdom
Prof. Christine HeimAdverse childhood experiences, neurodevelopment and life course healthGermany
Prof. Tim NawrotEnvironmental pollutants, toxins, and climate change: Impact on disease susceptibility.Belgium
Dr. Michael PenklerSocial, cultural and political aspects: Implications for DOHaD researchAustria
Prof. Fatimi CrispiPregnancy disorders and placentation in the context of maternal and offspring health. Spain
Prof. Petter BrodinEvidence from the life sciences: What can we learn about DOHaD mechanisms?Sweden
Prof. Luca ChiapperinoThe relationship between DOHaD, public health and health policy.Switzerland

Sessions:

  • Session 1 – Adverse childhood experiences, neurodevelopment and life course health.
  • Session 2 – Environmental pollutants, toxins, and climate change: Impact on disease susceptibility.
  • Session 3 – Social, cultural and political aspects: Implications for DOHaD research.
  • Session 4 – Sex and gender differences in early life and adolescence.
  • Session 5 – Pregnancy disorders and placentation in the context of maternal and offspring health.
  • Session 6 – Evidence from the life sciences: What can we learn about DOHaD mechanisms?
  • Session 7 – Modifiable factors and interventions for improving long term health.
  • Session 8 – The relationship between DOHaD, public health and health policy.

Extra-activities:

ECRs Science Communication pre-conference workshop : Sunday September 13th from 16:00-18:00
ECR Networking: Sunday September 13th from 19:00

ABSTRACTS

Abstract submission is open for the 1st European DOHaD Conference, 14-16 September 2026, in Munich (Germany).
We invite participants to submit abstracts for talks and posters.

Key dates:

31 May 2026: Abstract submission deadline

31 May 2026: ECRs* travel award application deadline

15 July 2026: Abstract decision announcement

15 July 2026: Travel award decision announcement

31 May 2026: Early-bird registration deadline; all presenters must be registered and paid

21 August 2026: Final registration deadline

*ECRs are students and researchers up to 7 years after completing a PhD program.

Important:

• All abstracts are required to be submitted through the online submission system.

• The abstract text must not exceed 300 words and include background, aims, methods, results, and conclusions. Tables or figures are not permitted.

REGISTRATION

The registration fee covers access to the conference venue and the full scientific program, the welcome reception, catering during coffee breaks, and daily lunches.

Hotel accommodation is not included and must be arranged independently. During registration, participants may also book optional activities, including the conference dinner, workshops or Early Career Researchers* events. For more information on optional activities, please see this LINK.

Abstract submission is handled separately from conference registration. For details on abstract submission, please see this LINK. 

Early Bird (until May 31, 2026)Regular (from June 1, 2026)
 European and French DOHaD Society MembersNon-Members European and French DOHaD Society MembersNon-Members
Early career researcher (ECR)*175 EUR250 EUREarly career researcher (ECR)*275 EUR350 EUR
Senior250 EUR400 EURSenior350 EUR500 EUR

*ECRs are students and researchers up to 7 years after completing a PhD program 

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Clarissa Prazeres da Costa

Clarissa Prazeres da Costa

Fabian B. Fahlbusch

Fabian B. Fahlbusch

Melanie Conrad

Melanie Conrad

Marlou de Kroon

Amanda-Sferruzzi Perri

Amanda-Sferruzzi Perri

Julie Nihouarn-Sigurdardottir

Julie Nihouarn-Sigurdardottir

Hani Harb

Hani Harb

Jorge Lopez-Tello

Magdalena Klimek

LOCATION

Location

Travel to Munich: Munich is easily accessible from all major international and European destinations. Munich International Airport (MUC) offers numerous direct flights worldwide and is efficiently connected to the city center by suburban train (S-Bahn), with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes.

For those traveling by rail, Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) provides high-speed and direct connections to cities across Germany and Europe. Munich is also well connected by an extensive motorway network, ensuring convenient access by car.

AccommodationSince Octoberfest starts on September 19th, we suggest that you book your accommodation early!

  • VENUE

    Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich (Germany)

  • TRAVEL TO MUNICH

    Munich is easily accessible from all major international and European destinations.
    Munich International Airport (MUC) offers numerous direct flights worldwide and is
    efficiently connected to the city center by suburban train (S-Bahn), with a travel time
    of approximately 40 minutes.
    For those traveling by rail, Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) provides high-
    speed and direct connections to cities across Germany and Europe. Munich is also
    well connected by an extensive motorway network, ensuring convenient access by
    car.

  • ACCOMMODATION

    Since Octoberfest starts on September 19th, we suggest that you book your
    accommodation early!

Recommended Hotels in Munich

  • Hotel Adria München
    Address: Liebigstrasse 8a, 80538 München
    Email: reception@adria-muenchen.de
    Phone: 089 2421170
    Website: https://adria-muenchen.de/en/
  • Novotel München City

    Address: Hochstrasse 11, 81669 München
    Email: H3280@accor.com
    Phone: 089 – 66 10 70

Website: https://www.novotel-munich.com/

  • mk hotel münchen max-weber-platz

    Address: Einsteinstraße 34, 81675 München
    Phone: 8723978712200
  • Hotel München Palace

    Address: Trogerstraße 21, 81675 München
    Phone: 89419710
  • JAMS Music Hotel Munich

    Address: Stubenvollstraße 2, 81667 München
    Phone: 89458450
  • Marias Platzl

    Address: Mariahilfpl. 4, 81541 München
    Phone: 896223370

CONTACT

Regional European Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Society e.V.
Universitätsklinikum Augsburg Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine Section Translational Neonatology
Working Group Stenglinstr. 2 86156 Augsburg, Deutschland
Questions may be directed to: eds.info@dohadsoc.org
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