Born Very Preterm: A Natural Experiment of How Early Adversity and Social Environment affect Life Course Development (Preterm-Lifecourse)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: Psychology
Abstract
Developmental theories of origin of diseases propose that individual differences in development and longevity start in the womb. These pathogenetic theories predict that adversity to the body early in life may lead to disease and early mortality. In contrast, Life History theories propose that early childhood adversity change the speed of development with trade-offs such as earlier ageing. But how can developmental trajectories heading towards disease or trade-offs be altered? We propose VP birth (<32 weeks' gestation) as a natural experiment of how early adversity may nevertheless lead to developmental plasticity across the life course. I will use radically new approaches to study the core question: How does VP birth result in either long term maladaptation or alternatively, under the right environmental conditions, to adaptive development?
The first key challenge is to identify what are the right environmental conditions and what are the mechanisms of how they relate to early adversity? The second challenge is the study of whether risk or protective environments get into the brain and alter brain structure? Thirdly, can protective environments reduce accelerated brain, physiological, and epigenetic ageing? The fourth challenge is to investigate how early adversity affects the next generation. Do VP have lower reproductive success, a different sex-ratio (Trivers-Willard hypothesis), and do parents invest less in VP offspring? To address these questions, I will combine study of VP and term born from birth into adulthood across various cohorts with an intensive study of brain, environment, epigenetics and functional development within one cohort. I test alternative developmental models where they make different predictions of how the environment may interact with early adversity. The increased understanding of the mechanisms of how early childhood adversity and environment accounts for lifespan adaptations has implications for life course theory and interventions.
The first key challenge is to identify what are the right environmental conditions and what are the mechanisms of how they relate to early adversity? The second challenge is the study of whether risk or protective environments get into the brain and alter brain structure? Thirdly, can protective environments reduce accelerated brain, physiological, and epigenetic ageing? The fourth challenge is to investigate how early adversity affects the next generation. Do VP have lower reproductive success, a different sex-ratio (Trivers-Willard hypothesis), and do parents invest less in VP offspring? To address these questions, I will combine study of VP and term born from birth into adulthood across various cohorts with an intensive study of brain, environment, epigenetics and functional development within one cohort. I test alternative developmental models where they make different predictions of how the environment may interact with early adversity. The increased understanding of the mechanisms of how early childhood adversity and environment accounts for lifespan adaptations has implications for life course theory and interventions.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Dieter Wolke (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Alenius S
(2023)
School grades and educational attainments of adolescents and young adults born preterm.
in Scientific reports
Baumann N
(2024)
Harmonisation of assessments of attention, social, emotional, and behaviour problems using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
in International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research
Baumann N
(2024)
Preschool Mathematics and Literacy Skills and Educational Attainment in Adolescents Born Preterm and Full Term.
in The Journal of pediatrics
Bilgin A
(2024)
Early childhood multiple or persistent regulatory problems and diurnal salivary cortisol in young adulthood.
in Psychoneuroendocrinology
Elif Gonen
(2025)
Changes in social relationships from 26 to 34 years of age in adults born very preterm
in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
Eves R
(2023)
Association of Birth Weight Centiles and Gestational Age With Cognitive Performance at Age 5 Years.
in JAMA network open
Eves R
(2023)
Parents' life satisfaction prior to and following preterm birth
in Scientific Reports
Gaunt L
(2024)
Sibling and peer bullying victimization in adolescence: Masculinity, femininity, and the moderating role of sex and popularity.
in Journal of adolescence
Geiger I
(2024)
Reassessing and Extending the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health: How to Keep Reference Standards in Line with Current Evidence.
in Children (Basel, Switzerland)
Hollund IMH
(2024)
Mental health, pain and tiredness in adults born very preterm or with very low birthweight.
in Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
| Description | Champion Trust (New Zealand) Prematurity Position Paper |
| Geographic Reach | Australia |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| Impact | This important paper summarises the up-to-date research evidence that guides best practice for babies and children born prematurely. It also draws on the work of the Champion Centre's monitoring, assessment and intervention programme for children born premature and their families which provides support for baby/parent dyads as soon as possible after they leave the Neonatal Unit at hospital and continues until school entry for children born either less than 32 weeks gestational age or for those with other risks. |
| URL | https://www.championcentre.org.nz/our-news/paper-on-prematurity-launched |
| Description | Dieter Wolke Member of Data Safety and Monitoring Committee of DZPG, Freie Universität Berlin |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| URL | https://www.ewi-psy.fu-berlin.de/psychologie/arbeitsbereiche/klinische_psychotherapie/news/DZPG.html |
| Description | Dieter Wolke on Committee of EFCNI (European Foundation for the care of Newborn Infants) and involved in producing and maintaining European Standards of Newborn Health (ESCNH) |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Guidelines to educate practitioners in Europe on best practice are in circulation. 2025 Using ESCNH guidelines to project a self-assessment tool for healthcare providers https://newborn-health-standards.org/news/view/self-assessment-tool/ https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2024-003008 |
| URL | https://www.efcni.org/ |
| Description | Dieter Wolke ongoing association with HARL.E.KIN EV Organisation promoting aftercare in Bavaria |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Through the course of the Bavarian Longitudinal Study HARL.E.KIN EV (set up by the Munich Clinic Harlaching Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine) has promoted good practice in the aftercare of those born preterm both to practitioners and families. |
| URL | https://www.harlekin-verein.de/ |
| Description | Dieter Wolke was a Committee member on TNO Healthy Living KPA Audit Committee 2022, Leiden, Netherlands |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.tno.nl/en/ |
| Description | Dieter Wolke, member of COORDINATE SAB (Scientific Advisory Board) 2022 - 2024 |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| URL | https://www.coordinate-network.eu |
| Description | Evaluation and release of an App to help parents (prevention) to deal with crying, feeding or sleeping problems in the first two years. |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e41804 |
| Description | GLANCE Dieter Wolke, member of Chair Committee of a global network to represent the interests of babies born too soon, too small and too sick and their families. Member 2020 - present |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.glance-network.org/about-us/chair-committee/ |
| Description | Working together with the Bundesverband das Frühgeborene (Bonn) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | Increasing the awareness of the specific problems preterm born children and adults have in school, secondary education, finding adequate professions and jobs as well as long-standing health issues. |
| URL | https://www.fruehgeborene.de/index.htm |
| Description | Aurore Menegaux - Individual Research Grant |
| Amount | € 291,700 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | ME5894/2-1 Project number 505139976 |
| Organisation | German Research Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 06/2022 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Big Baby 2 Up trial |
| Amount | £502,443 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | UMRRH1030 supported by a legacy gift from a legacy gift from University of Warwick alumnus Jack Straw (BSc Mathematics and Economics, 1969-72). |
| Organisation | University of Warwick |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2026 |
| Description | Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial of a Service to Support the Mental Health and Coping of Parents with Excessively Crying Infants |
| Amount | £1,725,209 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NIHR131341 |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health and Care Research |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2021 |
| End | 08/2025 |
| Description | Commission for Clinical Research, Technical University of Munich (KKF 8700000811): Dr Benita Schmitz Koep |
| Amount | € 79,400 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | KKF 8700000811 |
| Organisation | Technical University of Munich |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 12/2024 |
| Description | Early Educational experiences as a foundation for academic success (MoBaEarlyEd) |
| Amount | kr 17,162 (NOK) |
| Funding ID | 315593-FORSKER20 |
| Organisation | Norwegian Institute of Public Health |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Norway |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 04/2024 |
| Description | Horizon Europe Guarantee: Risk and Resilience in Developmental Diversity and Mental Health (R2D2-MH) |
| Amount | € 7,856,503 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 10037942 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 08/2027 |
| Description | Hosting Bavarian Longitudinal Study (BLS) website. |
| Amount | € 500 (EUR) |
| Organisation | University Hospital Bonn |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 04/2023 |
| End | 12/2027 |
| Description | IMPROVing lifElong health and development for children and adults born very PRETERM - observational studies to enhance randomised trials for comparative effectiveness research |
| Amount | € 7,668,747 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | IMPROVE PRETERM Grant agreement ID: 101156325 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 12/2025 |
| End | 12/2028 |
| Description | Research Impact Services "Deep Dive" Impact fund |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Warwick |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2025 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| Description | Resilience In PreTerm Infants during DEvelopment (RIPTIDE) |
| Amount | £237,975 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/X02105X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | Travel grants for Researchers at Technical University Munich (TUM) |
| Amount | € 5,900 (EUR) |
| Organisation | Frauenklinik der Technischen Universität München |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 06/2023 |
| End | 10/2024 |
| Description | Technical University Munich responsible for collecting data across 3 domains including an MRI examination and analysis of MRI data. |
| Organisation | Klinikum der Universität München |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Intellectual input from Dieter Wolke (PI). Dr Ahuti Das-Friebel (Research Fellow) and Kate Evans (Data Manager) written Operations Manual for overall study protocol and coordination, including data collection, storage and analysis and set up Qualtrics Questionnaires. Research Fellow responsible for monitoring standards of TRAB reliability tests and training of examiners for TRAB assessments. Data Manager organises data transfer and data entry checks. Administrative support running Teams channel, supporting bi-weekly partnership meetings. PI input at Pilot testing weekend. Physical transfer of MRI data. |
| Collaborator Contribution | I) General To provide at Warwick's requests timely submission of project reports including financial reports. Upload TUM internal meeting minutes to Teams folder to record, share and communicate decision-making processes made outside of joint team meetings. Provide content as needed by Bonn to include in participant newsletters. II) Data collection Responsible for Ethics proposal regarding data collection at TUM. The data collection period is preliminarily scheduled between 1 May June 2023 and 30 November 2025. Responsible for study execution: Preparation of study material for data collection, including paper masks, data dictionaries, assessment manuals and the overall standard operation procedure (i.e., detailed procedure followed on day of assessment, including the sequence of assessments). Contacting participants prior to assessment day to confirm attendance (to be done on the Monday prior to the examination day). Obtaining all informed consents and securely store and send electronic copies to Warwick for safe keeping via data node. Conducting examinations in the following domains: Physiology (incl. Questionnaire block on Qualtrics: (e.g. Health Utility Index, Brief Resilience Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Highly Sensitive Person Scale, Sleep Quality)., MRI and Cognitive assessments. and a Questionnaire block on Qualtrics (e.g. Health Utility Index, Brief Resilience Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Highly Sensitive Person Scale). Conduct quality control and regular reliability assessments and reporting, to ensure that a standard protocol is followed. Develop a detailed biobanking and monitoring system. This includes documenting, step by step, the location and progress of each participant's probe. E.g., collected: Yes/No, sent to lab: Yes/No and Date & Time and Examiner ID, retrieval procedures and future access for further analysis by the Study Centre Warwick or collaborators (TUM, UKB) Develop a detailed proposal for biobanking of all biomaterial. Coordinate with Bonn regarding participant information, including , sharing of examination dates and exact timeslots via the Joint Calendar. i.e., whether participants coming to TUM have any cognitive or physical disabilities. To make sure that the information exchange that is within the project team is data secure. III) Data Management: Develop a data management plan at TUM (incl. secure data storage) and transfer of all data to the coordinating centre in Warwick; this includes organising, if required, data transfer agreements (for data related to photographs, consent forms, bloods). IV) Research Output: Lead the publication plan and data analysis of MRI data. |
| Impact | 1. Data agreement in place 8/5/23 Ethics in place 8/3/23 2. Data collection phase started May 2023 3. Publications https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14320 4. Funding dissemination: Dr Benita Schmitz-Koep and Dr Aurore Menegaux travel grants |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | UKBonn department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine partner running the Lifecourse Interviews, Saliva sample collection and booking of appointments for Clinical tests at TUM |
| Organisation | University Hospital Bonn |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Intellectual input from Dieter Wolke (PI). Dr Ahuti Das Friebel (Research Fellow) and Kate Evans (Data Manager) written Operations Manual for overall study protocol and coordination, including data collection, storage and analysis, and set up Qualtrics Questionnaires. Data Manager organises data transfer and data entry checks. Administrative support running Teams channel, supporting bi-weekly partnership meetings and maintaining Bayerische.entwicklungstudie.de website. |
| Collaborator Contribution | 1. Responsible for maintaining contact to BLS participants and update address data base and contact details. 2. Provide regular Newsletters (content from all partners) and birthday/Christmas cards (to 593 subjects and 574 parents). 3. BLS website (www.bayerische-entwicklungsstudie.de) Bavarian Longitudinal Studay (BLS) updated with new look November 2023. Rebranded to reflect ERC/UKRI funding. 4. Responsible for invitations for BLS assessments at TUM, including sending appointment letters once appointments have been booked. . 5. Coordinate all invitations and the data collection for a. Saliva collection and coordination of genotyping b. Life Course Interview (LCI) and life quality interviews (Qualtrics) for those not coming to Munich by telephone. c. Coordination of appointments with TUM for Munich assessments. 6. Responsible for triaging with TUM regarding participant information, including communication of cognitively and physically disabled participants to allow TUM to adequately accommodate their needs and know what to expect. 7. Data collection: i. Develop Ethical proposal and consent for: a. Saliva collection for genotyping b. Life course and life quality (Qualtrics) data collection c. To allow contact on TUM to contact participants prior to the study and on the study the day as required. by TUM ii. Responsible for preparation of study material including paper masks, data dictionaries, assessment manuals and the overall standard operation procedure for the telephone interviews and triaging participants.). iii. Responsible for data collection related to the LCI and life quality (Qualtrics) interviews.. iv. Conduct Quality control of LCI data collection. v. Responsible for collection of saliva samples, and secure storage and transfer of same and all coordination with the Life & Brain centre for timely delivery of genotyping results to the Study centre in Warwick (Life & Brain to send data directly to UoW via PLINKS). vi. Data Management: a. Develop a data management plan at Bonn (incl. secure storage of data, consent forms etc.) and transfer of all data to the coordinating centre in Warwick; this includes the organisation of permissions to allow data sharing across Universities. b. Organise transfer to saliva samples to Life and Brain and coordinate analysis of genetic data with them. vii) Research Output: Participation and review of publications. |
| Impact | 1. Data agreement in place 15/3/24 Ethics in place 11/5/23 2. Data collection phase started May 2023 3. Website updated to reflect UKRI funding, publication outputs and Partners on grants 4. Participant newsletter and Christmas cards circulated December 2023 (and posted on website) to BLS cohort distribution list. 5. Professor Peter Bartmann, Keynote speaker, at 30 Jahre Neonatologie, 4/10/23 |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | APIC (Adults Born Preterm International Collaboration) - contributions related to grant from team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 17/10/24 A presentation by Elif Gönen (PhD candidate) on OSF: Preregistration of Secondary Data 18/10/24 to a wide international academic audience on the benefits of Preregistration of secondary data to encourage rigorous methodology in research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Alumni event 29/2/24: It takes a village: the support needed for early child development |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Event organised by University of Warwick for Alumni publicising expertise and work in the area of Early Years development at the institution. Dieter Wolke one of the expert panel sharing their experience and work in this area. Aim - share knowledge with Alumni interested in working in this field. Publicised to 20k staff in in house Insite Newsletter 'It takes a village' - webinar recording: Warwick experts - including alumna Vivien Waterfield CBE, Deputy CEO for Home-Start UK - discuss the support needed for early child development. 809 views. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKu1MJ464uw |
| Description | Canadian Premature Babies Foundation: Premmie Chats 9/8/24 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | 09/08/2024 https://www.cpbf-fbpc.org/videos A series of Podcasts by the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation aimed at Parents and carers giving them the opportunity to connect with top-notch experts, researchers, and parents from around the globe. Dieter Wolke gave talk on Longterm Outcomes in VP and VLBW babies. On August 9th we have a new chat with Dr. Wolke as he explores the long-term outcomes of very preterm birth. c300 views Professor Wolke will delve into the major functional outcomes-motor skills, cognition, academic achievement, mental health, and quality of life-faced by individuals born very preterm (32 weeks gestation or less) as they progress into adulthood. He will also discuss the latest data on how these early starts impact social relationships, romantic involvements, parenting, and economic status later in life. Are adults who were born very preterm catching up by their 30s? Dr. Wolke will highlight the factors that may help predict why some preterm children and adults fare better than expected. What are the protective or promotive elements that contribute to their resilience? Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of those born preterm as they navigate adulthood. Talk shared with Lithuanian Premature Babies Association 13/11/2024 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsrxRS7F2c8 |
| Description | Contribution by Dieter Wolke to article in Die Zeit: A lifetime of prematurity Even extremely prematurely born children can survive today thanks to high-tech medicine. But what happens when they grow up? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Contributed to article in German National newspaper Die Zeit (reach 602,047) on the long term effects of premature births based on research of Bavarian Longitudinal Study, looking at the outcomes for these premature children as adults by Hanna Grabbe and Martin Spiewak. Resulted in request for Neocast interview. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.zeit.de/wq/2023-44#ein-leben-lang-fruehchen |
| Description | DW expertise used in dissemination events around Horizon Europe grants and Deep Dive Impact at University of Warwick |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 30/1/24 Panel member for mock ERC interview arranged by Research Impact Services for ERC Advanced Grant (4 hours). 7/2/24 Presented to 20 potential ERC applicants, sharing experience of process and running a large grant. Encouraging new applications. Presentation shared with University of Kent 16/7/24 Expert panellist at UOW Deep Dive Impact event. Shared Pre-term organisation contacts to Departmental Impact database. 25/2/25 Panel member for mock ERC Advanced Grant for history professor (4 hours) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/services/ris/researchstrategy/horizon-europe/ |
| Description | Daily Mirror article: 'Baby's birth weight could help predict the child's future IQ' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Newspapers article in Daily Mirror entitled 'Baby's birth weight could help predict the child's future IQ' Dr Miriam Stoppard looked at new research into the impact a baby's birth weight has on cognitive performance, and finds that while results show a heavier weight is good for IQ, a more subtle approach to development may be required. Part of national debate on the affects of Pre-term birth (eg House of Lords Pre-term Committee). Based on research by Rob Eves, Dieter Wolke et al (2023) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48582-8 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/babys-birth-weight-could-help-31258761 |
| Description | Dieter Wolke hosting High profile external speakers in the research area of the Grant at the University of Warwick |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 17/1/24 University of Warwick Guest Seminar hosted by Dieter Wolke publicised to the whole University by Professor Katri Räikkönen, University of Helsinki on Prenatal Programming of psychological development and mental health. Received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Warwick, recognising international contributions to research in this field. Impact: 52 in-person attendees from across the University. 19/2/24 Psychology Guest Seminar by Dr Tyler Watts and Emma Hart, Columbia University, Using Meta-Analytic Data to Understand why Educational RCT Impacts Persist and Fade Policymakers (on-line 30 attendees. Department of Psychology and other Warwick Depts) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/psych/events/kraikkonen |
| Description | EFCNI Blog: Exploring the difference in life satisfaction of parents with term born and preterm infants |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | The blog was intended to inform both patients and professionals about the different parent life satisfaction experiences of those with term born and preterm infants. Based on research by Rob Eves, Dieter Wolke et al (2023) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48582-8 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.efcni.org/news/life-satisfaction-parents-preterm-infants/ |
| Description | Followup Care in Ukraine UNICEF, EFCNI, Ukranian Health Department |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 6 May 2024 Presentation at a meeting to help develop systematic follow-up of at risk neonates in the Ukraine as lead of the EFCNI (European) initiative of Standards of Care in partnership with UNICEF, Ukraine Health Department and Charities. Talk focussing on Tools to be used for measurement, with Q&A session covering: What should follow up service should consist of? What kind of team should be involved? And in case of lack of personnel? Where should follow up up be provided in warzones? In special premises of the hospital, department or a separate building? How to calculate the needs? who needs the service? What is the role of doctors and how are these roles distributed? Audience: Politicians, neonatalogists, neonatal nurses, neurologists, rehabilitation services providers, administrations of the hospitals that provide follow up services, anesthesiologists, psychologists, other supporting specializations. Organised by The Association of Parents of Prematurely Born Children "Early Birds" is a public association founded in 2016 in Kyiv. https://ranniptashky.org/en/about/ Further funding secured for work in Ukraine: successfully secured a grant of £100,000 from Crown Agents to purchase 16 Bayley IV assessment kits, licenses, and provide training for 32 doctors in 16 perinatal centers in Ukraine, as well as to cover translation costs. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://ranniptashky.org/en/about/ |
| Description | Neocast (podcast) interview with Dieter Wolke on Long-term development in premature infants |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dieter Wolke is interviewed by Professor Dr. Mario Rüdiger. the long-term Development in premature infants in The Neocast: neonatology update podcast of the DSKN (German Foundation for Sick Newborns). The Podcast is aimed at disseminating new findings from the past two years, and promote forthcoming research, make literature recommendations and give tips for clinical work to professionals working in the field. Impact: invitation to do interview in English March 2024 (reaching UK as well as German audiences). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://der-neocast.podigee.io/23-langfristige_entwicklung |
| Description | Participant Newsletter December 2023 and 2024 and distribution of Christmas cards to keep in touch with participants and parents UK Bonn |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | 2023 and 2024 Newsletter and Christmas cards sent to 593 subjects and 574 parents (participants of the Bavarian Longitudinal Study (BLS) informing participants of progress of latest phase of study at 38 years. 2023 Online Newsletter viewed 324 (4/3/24) https://www.bayerische-entwicklungsstudie.de/newsletter-december-2023/ UKBonn reported increase willingness of participants to join study. 2024 Online Newsletter https://www.bayerische-entwicklungsstudie.de/newsletter-dezember-2024/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.bayerische-entwicklungsstudie.de/newsletter-dezember-2024/ |
| Description | Submission of written evidence to House of Lords Committee Preterm Birth Committee's inquiry, Preterm Birth submitted 22/3/24 published 14/11/2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee was established in January 2024 to "consider the prevention, and consequences, of preterm birth."52 These terms of reference reflect the two principal questions that guided our work: first, how the overall incidence of preterm birth in England could be reduced; and secondly, how outcomes for babies, parents and families could be improved when preterm birth cannot be avoided. The evidence .. convinces us that there is scope for improvements that will deliver lasting benefits for preterm babies and their families. We hope that this report will be of value to the Government as it shapes its policy in this important area, and that the many charities and organisations that gave evidence will work collectively to ensure that our recommendations to improve care and outcomes are taken forward. The Committee "hopes that this report will be of value to the Government as it shapes its policy in this important area, and that the many charities and organisations that gave evidence will work collectively to ensure that our recommendations to improve care and outcomes are taken forward." Full report here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ldselect/ldpreterm/30/3002.htm Report featured on Women's Hour 14/11/2024 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0024x0j "Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal death in the UK. Today the House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee have published a report calling on the government to do more to reduce the risks of babies being born prematurely and to improve the lives of those families who are affected. Anita Rani discusses proposed changes with Nadia Leake, who gave birth to twins eleven years ago at just 22 weeks and author of 'Surviving Prematurity,' Caroline Lee-Davey, CEO of the charity Bliss, which supports parents and families of premature or sick babies, and Baroness Laura Wyld, a member of the Preterm Birth Committee." |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/128946/html/ |
| Description | Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazin 9/1/25 contribution to article by Lea Mohr |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazin has 11% of the German National Audience. Dieter Wolke contributed to an article on the effects of bullying. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://sz-magazin.sueddeutsche.de/leben-und-gesellschaft/mobbing-94697?reduced=true |
| Description | Talk to NHS Practitioners, Dudley on Long term Outcome after VPT/VLBW birth |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 24/07/23 Talk to Neonatologists organised by Paediatric consultant Muhammad Salman Khurshid, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Clinical service lead neonatal Group, Russell Hall Hospital, on Long term Outcome after VPT/VLBW birth |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Two WRD-5 Radio interviews: 30/10/23 and 14/5/24 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 30/10/2023 Radio interview with the German national broadcasting station WDR-5 - spoken word programming with a focus on present-day culture and society reaching an audience of the general public on the topic of "sibling bullying" which affects pre-term children as much as those born term. https://interview03.wdr.de/caller/?t=2sBsKZkixWZPq0mQ&p=8082&l=1&a=0 14/5/2024 WDR-5 Once a premature baby, always a premature baby. Regine Haunch interviews Dieter Wolke (in german) for the WDR5 Quarks - Science and more Programme 14.5.24 51:45 mins into broadcast. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://dieterwolke.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3116906_57389229-D-Wolke-WDR5_Quarks-interview-140... |
| Description | Video to explain study and encourage participation in Phase VI of the Bavarian Longitudinal Study: BEST38 study video for participants UOW |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | BEST 38 video commissioned from POsH creative www.poshcreative.co.uk (in English and German) to explain the BLS study to participants and encourage participation. Video also used to promote study methods to the wider academic community at conferences. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/psych/research/lifespan/preterm-lifecourse/p4596_university_of_warwick... |
| Description | Warwick Impact Services website engagement use of Dieter Wolke projects/research as examples of Impact/successful grant applications UOW |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Impact cases featuring pre-term research used as examples for Warwick Academics: Horizon Europe case study: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/ris/researchstrategy/horizon-europe/horizon-awards/preterm/ REF story: https://warwick.ac.uk/research/ref/stories/lifelong-effects-premature-birth/ Impact story: Premature birth https://warwick.ac.uk/research/impact/science/psychology/lifelong-effects-premature-birth |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/services/ris/researchstrategy/horizon-europe/horizon-awards/preterm/ |
| Description | Youtube interview with Dieter Wolke celebrating World Prematurity Day 17 November 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Interview: Mental Health and Cognitive Outcome after Preterm Birth. To celebrate World Prematurity Day on 17 November 2023, Dieter finds out from Natascha how premature birth affects the life of a young adult. Posted by Chiesi GmbH (338 2023), (497 2024) industry subscribers) viewed by (6.8k 2023), (10k 2024) viewers. Posted on the Federal Association "The Premature Child" e.V. website Erwachsene Frühgeborene - Bundesverband "Das frühgeborene Kind" e.V. (fruehgeborene.de) https://www.fruehgeborene.de/familie/erwachsene-fruehgeborene.htm |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlf8osMcfHc&list=PLGdetEEQ50CqARyatvRYbYVUjtYOOOWuR&index=15&t=37s |
| Description | ZDF Volle Kane prime-time morning show interview with Dieter Wolke providing expert commentary on the effects of pre-term birth |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 15/11/2024 ZDF Volle Kanne has broadcast a 6 minute interview on the outcomes of pre-term birth featuring expert commentary from Professor Dieter Wolke. 01:04 into programme. Audience reach 750k |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/psych/research/lifespan/preterm-lifecourse/volle_kanne/ |