6th International Neonatal Intensive Care Update (Neo-CUP): A Global Exchange to Improve Care for Newborns

The 6th International Meeting on Neonatal Intensive Care Update (Neo-CUP) brought together clinicians, researchers, and young investigators from across the world for a full day of learning, discussion, and scientific exchange. Led by Presidents Gianluca Terrin and Giuseppe Rizzo, this international congress is dedicated entirely to neonatal intensive care, with a strong focus on preterm infants, perinatal asphyxia, and translating evidence into everyday clinical practice.

Neo-CUP is known for fostering open discussion around clinical uncertainties, emerging evidence, and the future directions of neonatal care. The meeting also supports early-career researchers through a competitive Young Investigators Research Session, culminating in the University of La Sapienza Scholarship.

A Collaborative Program Focused on Improving Newborn Outcomes

The agenda featured a broad range of high-impact topics delivered by respected experts from around the world, including leaders from the Società Italiana di Neonatologia (SIN), the Union of Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS), and the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA).

Core Themes Included:

• Fetal asphyxia and fetal monitoring during labor

• Mild and moderate–severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

• Therapeutic hypothermia updates

• Brain monitoring and neurologic follow-up

• Real-world clinical outcomes

• Antibiotic stewardship in neonatal intensive care

• Research presentations from Young Investigators

My Presentation: Hypothermia in Mild HIE

I was honoured and excited to be invited again to present at Neo-CUP, having previously spoken at the 5th Neo-CUP meeting. Being invited back for a second time was a privilege, particularly given the strong international lineup and the collaborative spirit of the event.

Lecture Title:

“Hypothermia in Mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy”

My talk discussed:

• What current evidence tells us about mild HIE

• The growing recognition that some infants with mild HIE still develop significant brain injury

• The strengths and uncertainties of cooling therapy in this population

• Emerging research gaps and ongoing clinical trials

This topic generated thoughtful discussion among colleagues, alongside many other excellent presentations delivered throughout the day.

Scientific Highlights From Across the Meeting

Section 1 — Perinatal Asphyxia and Fetal Monitoring

Lectures and original research addressed fetal asphyxia in labor, fetal heart rate interpretation, and intrapartum decision-making.

Section 2 — Therapeutic Hypothermia & Clinical Practice

This section included my invited lecture as well as insightful presentations from centers across Italy and Belgium on antibiotic use and real-world cooling data.

Section 3 — Brain Monitoring and Outcomes

Speakers presented advances in neonatal brain monitoring and predictors of neurodevelopment after HIE.

Section 4 — Young Investigator Session

A highlight of Neo-CUP each year, this session showcased innovative research from early-career scientists and concluded with the announcement of the Neo-CUP Young Investigator Award.

Looking Ahead

Neo-CUP continues to be an inspiring and highly collaborative meeting—one that brings together diverse perspectives to improve neonatal care globally. I am grateful to the organizers for the invitation to contribute again this year and to be part of such a dedicated and forward-thinking neonatal community.

The discussions, evidence, and ideas exchanged at Neo-CUP will help shape innovations in neonatal intensive care for years to come.