Research MR Scanner for Generation R

The Generation R Study is a prospective cohort study from fetal life until young adulthood in a multi-ethnic urban population in the Netherlands. The study is designed to identify early environmental and genetic causes of normal and abnormal growth, development and health from fetal life until young adulthood. In total, 9778 mothers with a delivery date from April 2002 until January 2006 were enrolled in the study. Extensive data have been collected during pregnancy and children are being followed at set ages after birth. Eventually, results forthcoming from the Generation R Study have to contribute to the development of strategies for optimizing health and healthcare for pregnant women and children. An important recent breakthrough is that funding has been completed to start building an MRI suite for an MRI scanner dedicated to the Generation R project. This will enable the acquisition of advanced brain (including functional MRI) and cardiac MRI data in all children. This will generate an important and unique contribution to the already impressive Generation R study project.