(Vienna, 31 October 2024) Nadine Pointner, a psychologist and PhD candidate in the CLINS clinical neuroscience program of the Medical University of Vienna, has been honored with the Young Investigator Award at this year’s European Academy of Paediatrics (EAPS) Congress held in Vienna last week. This recognition underscores her innovative research efforts in understanding the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants, an area of great clinical importance.
Nadine Pointner’s PhD project, supervised by Vito Giordano and Angelika Berger, and funded by the FWF - Gottfried and Vera Weiss Foundation, focuses on the neurophysiological mechanisms of pain and sedation in preterm infants. Her commitment to research goes beyond this specific domain, as her broader scientific interest lies in improving the long-term developmental trajectories of these vulnerable infants.
Her award-winning study, titled "Predicting Language Development Trajectories in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Study", is a significant contribution to the field. Conducted with Renate Fuiko, an expert in neonatal follow-up programs, and in collaboration with David Steyrl from the University of Vienna, the research aims to unravel the medical and psychosocial risk factors that influence language development in preterm children. This study provides valuable insights not only into the early identification of risks but also into the organization of targeted screening and intervention programs for this sensitive population.
The European Academy of Paediatrics (EAPS) Congress serves as one of the most prestigious platforms for emerging paediatric researchers to present groundbreaking work, and Nadine Pointner’s recognition at this event highlights the importance of addressing long-term developmental outcomes in preterm populations. Her work not only sheds light on the complex interactions between biological and environmental factors but also guides future strategies for improving the quality of life of these infants.