Why Parent Voices Matter: Introducing the UPRISE Parent Advisory Board
At UPRISE, we are committed to understanding how environmental exposures - such as ultrafine particles (UFPs) and micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) - may influence preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. To ensure that our research truly reflects the lived experiences of the families most affected, we have established our Parent Advisory Board (PAB). By integrating parent perspectives from the very beginning, we aim to make our work more relevant, accessible, and impactful for communities across Europe.
What Is the Parent Advisory Board?
The PAB brings together representatives from parent organizations with personal experience of preterm birth. Their role is to ensure that:
Research activities reflect the real needs and challenges of families.
Communication materials are clear, supportive, and accessible.
Scientific findings translate into meaningful recommendations for clinical practice and policy.
By integrating parent voices, UPRISE strengthens its participatory approach and ensures that its outcomes are relevant, trustworthy, and impactful for those most affected.
Why Parents Are Central to UPRISE
Parents are key partners in newborn care as well as long-term follow-up. Their insights help bridge gaps between scientific research and everyday reality - especially when addressing complex issues such as air pollution exposure during pregnancy and its potential links to preterm birth, low birth weight, and later-life health challenges.
Through the UPRISE Parent Advisory Board (PAB), parents actively contribute to shaping research questions, interpreting findings, and supporting awareness-raising efforts.
As a consortium member of UPRISE, the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (GFCNI) plays a central role in coordinating this representation.
Who Is Involved? Meet the PAB Members
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Founder of Noah’s Ark Belgium, Michel became an advocate after the loss of his extremely premature son, Noah. With a background in law and marketing, he now dedicates his work to promoting Zero Separation, ethical care, and family-integrated practices across neonatal units in Europe.
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As Communications Coordinator at Kevyt, Mirva represents a national network providing peer support to families of premature infants across Finland. She brings hands-on experience with communication strategies and family support systems.
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A pulmonologist with more than 30 years of teaching experience, Dr. Vavouraki is the aunt of triplets born at 26 weeks and co-founded Ilitominon in 2011. She brings deep expertise in neonatal advocacy, medical education, and family support, and is an active member of several national and international advisory groups.
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Founder and president of Som Prematurs and mother of premature twins, Elisabet is deeply engaged in co-creation processes across healthcare institutions. She contributes to clinical committees, innovation hubs, and family councils, driving improvements in neonatal and pediatric care throughout Catalonia.
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An educator and mother of a daughter born at 26 weeks, Maria joined Som Prematurs after experiencing the challenges of neonatal care followed by the isolation of pandemic lockdown. Motivated by the support she received, she now works to ensure other families experience the same guidance and empathy.
As we move forward, we are excited to work closely with the Parent Advisory Board and to learn from their invaluable expertise. Their experiences, perspectives, and commitment will help guide UPRISE in shaping research that truly reflects the needs of families. Together, we aim to strengthen the impact of our work, raise awareness, and contribute to policies that better protect pregnant women, newborns, and future generations.
