Pregnancy Complications
Infant- and Family-Centered Developmental Care
Respiratory Infections
Neonatal Eye Health
Hygiene
Rare Diseases
Partner with GFCNI to turn evidence into action.
Impactful research begins and ends with families. From study design to dissemination, we support research that is inclusive, patient-informed, and clinically meaningful. Whether through recruitment, stakeholder engagement, or knowledge translation, we help ensure your findings reach the people who need them most – delivering real-world impact.
We collaborate end-to-end with academic, clinical, and patient partners to ensure studies are scientifically robust and socially relevant.
Our work includes:
Designing and implementing research from concept to results.
Ensuring inclusive participation of families, professionals, and civil society.
Applying qualitative and quantitative expertise focused on what matters to families.
Measuring quality of life and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) to capture lived experience and long-term impact.
Our collaborations demonstrate how inclusive research can generate evidence that informs practice, strengthens advocacy, and improves lives.
BronQ Family: Multilingual parent-reported outcomes on BPD’s impact on families across seven countries.
ResQ Family: European RSV family impact study (2022–2023), with publications and collaboration across ESPR, ReSViNET, UENPS.
HOPE Study: Global study on neonatal hospitalization and parental experiences; preparatory phase with opportunities for sponsors and partners (contact: research@gfcni.org)
BronQ Family is an international research project investigating how Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) affects the quality of life of children and their families over time. Running until December 2026, the study uses a multilingual online survey across seven countries to collect parent-reported outcomes. It is conducted in close collaboration with patient organizations, clinical specialists, and research experts.
Collaborating Partners:
European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR), European Respiratory Society (ERS), Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies (UENPS)
The project is also featured on our Awareness & Communication page, where we highlight GFCNI’s role in outreach and engagement – including the project’s communication strategy, branding, and multilingual participant recruitment.
GFCNI received a research grant from Chiesi in support of this independent study. All content was developed and verified independently by GFCNI and its scientific advisors.
ResQ Family explores how hospitalization due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) impacts families with children under 24 months. Conducted during the 2022–2023 RSV season, the study collected multilingual, caregiver-reported data across several European countries. The project brought together patient organizations, clinical and research specialists to generate real-world insights that inform care and policy.
Publications:
Collaborating Partners:
European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR), Respiratory Syncytial Virus Foundation (ReSViNET), Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies (UENPS)
GFCNI received a research grant from Sanofi in support of this independent study. All content was developed and verified independently by GFCNI and its scientific advisors.
The HOPE Study (Global Study on Newborn HOspitalization and Parental Experiences) examines parents’ and caregivers’ experiences during and after neonatal hospitalization. Focusing on infant- and family-centred developmental care (IFCDC) and systems of support, it gathers data through a multilingual survey and collaboration with over 80 international experts.
The study identifies barriers, challenges, and transferable care models to inform policy and improve family support globally.
The HOPE Study is currently in its preparatory phase, with open opportunities for sponsors and partners to support its next steps. For collaboration inquiries, contact research(at)gfcni.org.
Zero Separation examined how COVID-19 restrictions affected infant- and family-centered developmental care (IFCDC) in neonatal units worldwide. Perspectives from more than 2,100 parents across 56 countries revealed how disruptions to parental presence and communication affected mental health, bonding, and infant nutrition – supporting calls for zero separation policies, even in times of crisis.
Publications:
Collaborating Partners:
Council of International Nurses (COINN), European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR), nidcap FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL, Union of European Neonatal & Perinatal Societies (UENPS)
An earmarked donation from Novartis Pharma AG supported the implementation of the study. All content - including survey design, data interpretation, and publications - was developed independently and free from third-party influence.
We partner with academic institutions, clinical experts, parent and patient organizations, and industry partners to advance research that truly reflects the lived experiences of families.
Whether you’re interested in participatory, patient-centered studies or broad, multi-stakeholder collaborations, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our research initiatives often intersect with Education & Training, Consulting & Networking, and Awareness & Communication – ensuring that scientific insights inform education, advocacy, and public engagement worldwide.
If you’d like to learn more about collaborating with GFCNI in research, I’d be happy to hear from you.
Christina Tischer, Head of Scientific Affairs and Research
christina.tischer(at)gfcni.org
GFCNI is the first global organization and network to unite patients, families, healthcare professionals,
medical staff, and scientists from different disciplines, fields,
and countries – all with the joint goal of advancing the health and quality of care for newborns and their families across the globe.
GFCNI is a non-profit organization established under German public law. Tax Reference Number: 143/235/22619
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