Evaluative and Clinical Perinatal Research Unit (URCEP)
IRNPQEO – The Integrated Research Network in Perinatology of Quebec and Eastern Ontario
There are important knowledge gaps concerning the long-term impact of various adverse prenatal risk factors (social, behavioral, environmental and genetic) on the health of future generations. This is in part due to the lack of prospective clinical research on large cohorts, transcending pregnancy and extending to the neonatal period and the pediatric years. To untangle the complex casual pathways and identify potential effective preventive measures for many adverse birth outcomes, these gaps must be bridged.
Our proposed network-based clinical research program is poised to rise to these unmet challenges, addressing the intrauterine determinants of important perinatal health outcomes. Reproductive health issues are critically important public health concerns to Canadians: they create long-term societal and family burdens and have major cost implications. Our program, which spans the CIHR's four pillars, will promote knowledge transfer from the basic sciences to clinical research, culminating in evidence-based practice guidelines and public policy.
The IRNPQEO will transfer much needed new knowledge to legislators, policy makers, clinicians and consumers so that policy decisions will result in improved health and well-being for all Canadians.
French-language website: www.irnpqeo.ca/