Maternal and child health are intimately linked to one another. Epidemiology, genetic and clinical studies have provided important insights into this relationship, but much remains to be learnt about many aspects of maternal and child health, as well as early child development. This conference will bring together investigators interested in understanding this crucial phase of human development and will facilitate discussion of current challenges that clinicians are facing to improve maternal and child health, from conception to early years. During the meeting, we shall explore the lessons learned from longitudinal studies, we will discuss the clinical importance of maternal foetal interactions such as nutritional impacts on health and metabolism, transmission of infectious diseases and the role of microbiomes. Finally, we will explore new approaches to the study and treatment of developmental disorders in the era of precision medicine.