Keynote Lecture: Anqi Qiu, PhD

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 

Fetal Programming of Maternal Psychological Stress: Implications for Early Brain Development and Mental Health

This talk explores the profound influence of fetal programming, where in-utero experiences shape long-term neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes. We will examine how maternal psychological stress during pregnancy alters fetal brain development, increasing susceptibility to psychopathology across the lifespan. Drawing from our comprehensive longitudinal cohort study, we will highlight the intricate relationship between maternal mental health and child brain development, emphasizing the role of early-life environmental exposures. Additionally, we will discuss how genetic factors interact with prenatal and postnatal environments to modulate neurodevelopmental trajectories. Finally, we will introduce advances in AI-driven predictive models for early identification of mental health risks and explore potential intervention strategies aimed at fostering resilience and improving child mental health outcomes.