Research themes

 

 

Our research focuses on the following topics in vulnerable periods of human life. You can find more information on our current research projects on the pages of our research groups.

Short- and long-term implications of healthy and unhealthy pregnancy trajectories for maternal health

  • Understanding mechanisms and health impacts of various cardiometabolic conditions, such as maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to prevent pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risks
  • Examine pregnancy outcomes in women with rare diseases
  • Development and testing of interventions to improve health outcomes for mothers

Early life risk and protective factors for childhood obesity and associated cardiometabolic complications

  • Identify potential maternal and early-life risk factors that increase the risk of obesity and its associated comorbidities in offspring
  • Explore the effects of various maternal and childhood dietary patterns (e.g., plant-based diet) and other lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity) on children’s health outcomes
  • Develop and evaluate prenatal and early childhood interventions to promote children’s health and prevent obesity and associated cardiometabolic conditions.

Biological pathways, prevention, treatment, and quality of care in selected childhood diseases

  • Cutting edge development and testing of novel therapies and vaccines for children
  • Assess population screening and early detection strategies for autoimmune diseases, and develop primary and secondary interventions (e.g., enterovirus vaccines, immunological approaches, dietary interventions)
  • Researching allergic sensitization and its relationship with other atopic diseases, and the environmental determinants of atopic diseases and asthma such as early diet
  • Investigating the appropriateness of pediatric outpatient antibiotic prescriptions and whether practices align with clinical guidelines
  • Development and improvement of targeted therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Mental health, identity and well-being among children and adolescents in the contemporary society

  • Developing and testing new technologies and innovative solutions in the recognition, treatment and prevention of mental health conditions
  • Approaching the biological, psychological, cultural, and societal foundations behind gender dysphoria in children and adolescents
  • Exploring children’s and adolescents’ body image and stigma associated with overweight and obesity
  • Addressing health inequalities and socioeconomic health differences and their origins in childhood and adolescence
  • Investigating health behaviors in childhood and adolescence and their impact on health outcomes and educational success

Last updated on June 25, 2025