The UK Newborn Screening Laboratory Network Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 will bring together national and international experts to present updates, innovations and research developments in newborn bloodspot screening, including international experience of SMA screening, proposals for a rolling programme of in service evaluations, second‑tier testing strategies, pre-analytical quality, and clinical outcome reassessment.

TOPICS COVERED

The Meeting will be a full day scientific meeting showcasing current developments and emerging evidence in newborn bloodspot screening, with contributions from experts across the UK and Europe.
The morning programme will focus on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) screening, beginning with an update from Scotland on SMA implementation progress, followed by overviews from Ireland and France on their experiences of delivering SMA and SCID screening. These sessions will be followed by a presentation on the EQUIPOISE proposals, outlining a rolling programme of in service evaluations designed to generate UK specific evidence to support future screening programme expansion.
The afternoon programme will highlight developments and best practice within UK laboratories. Topics will include universal second tier testing strategies, insights into how pre analytical factors influence newborn bloodspot results, and approaches to improving the collection of clinical outcome data for screen positive babies.
Throughout the day, attendees will also have opportunities to network with colleagues, engage with sponsors, and share learning across the UK newborn screening community.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The event is suitable for anyone involved in newborn screening, including clinical and biomedical scientists, chemical pathologists, programme leads and commissioners. It will also be valuable for those working outside newborn screening who are interested in developments in laboratory innovation and the future direction of the UK newborn screening programme.

SPEAKERS

• Sarah Smith – Consultant Clinical Scientist and Director of the Scottish Newborn Screening Laboratory.
• Loretta O’Grady – Chief Medical Scientist, National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory, Ireland.
• Nadège Calmels – Hospital Practitioner, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
• Graham Shortland – Vice Chair, UK National Screening Committee.
• Stuart Moat – Consultant Clinical Biochemist and Director, Wales Newborn Screening Laboratory.
• Nick Flynn – Clinical Scientist, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
• Leanne Wherrett – Clinical Scientist, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.