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Diverse new thinking born from Preconception Health Research Showcase
A Scottish Preconception Health Research Showcase which took place in Stirling last Thursday (26 March) successfully attracted key stakeholders from a wide variety of organisations
The free event brought together nearly 40 attendees including representatives of the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, Public Health Scotland, various universities, ASH Scotland, and members of the public.
Organisers the Scottish Preconception Health Research Network (SPHRN) hosted the showcase at Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling, to explore the latest developments in preconception health research and exchange knowledge.
With a strong element of patient and public involvement (PPI) in evidence, the diverse and inclusive gathering — funded by a research collaboration grant from The Royal Society of Edinburgh — delved into the latest findings while helping to shape priorities across Scotland for the future of health before pregnancy.
The all day, in-person event included presentations to showcase a small selection of the high-quality spectrum of preconception health research going on across Scotland, while an interactive afternoon workshop helped to collaboratively develop research ideas.
Attendees received presentations from a wide range of speakers including:
- A welcome from NHS Research Scotland Management Board member, NHS Grampian Director of Research and Development, and Director of the Grampian Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), Professor Seshadri Vasan
- Emma Brough, PhD student and Nutritionist, of Abertay University who spoke on ‘Understanding Pregnancy Planning and Preconception Health in Scotland’
- Dr Abi Johnston of NHS Lothian who placed a focus on ‘Assessing the Preconception Health Need in an NHS Board: Lothian’s Approach’
- Shivali Lakhani, PhD student of Robert Gordon University, who presented ‘Strengthening Preconception Care through Community Pharmacy’
- Dr Robyn Parkins, Clinical Research Fellow of Aberdeen Fertility Centre who discussed ‘Preconception Optimisation in Fertility Patients’
- Beth Rose, Development Officer at ASH Scotland, who spoke on ‘Nicotine Use, Pre and During Pregnancy’
The afternoon session, hosted by experienced facilitator Zoe Jarvis Ducasse, produced a dynamic and inclusive discussion with some clear research project and priorities produced.
Dr Sinéad Currie, Lead for SPHRN — a multidisciplinary team working under the umbrella of the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Reproductive Health and Childbirth Specialty Group — was delighted with the gathering.
She said: “The event was a great success with unique insights and inspiring success stories being shared, new connections made, and exciting projects explored.
“Attendees reported that it was well-organised and executed, with great enthusiasm expressed by the community in ensuring that the day’s developed research questions would be explored further.”
Dr Currie and the SPHRN team will now combine the event’s insights with a research prioritisation project and submit a summary journal article for publication before moving forward with planning the related research projects.
As well as project plans developed on the day, Dr Currie said that talented artist Emma Scott-Smith “captured the essence of the event” with a creative piece of art.
Sinéad, an executive committee member of the UK Preconception Partnership, added: “We now have much to take forward, learn from, and ensure we support better health before pregnancy for women and partners.”
Preconception health is considered crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes by addressing existing conditions, managing risks, and optimising physical and mental health, with research targeting interventions that support healthier pregnancies and child health.
Publication date: 1st April 2026
