On Thursday, 3rd July, the five-day World Congress in Fetal Medicine concluded in Prague, welcoming 3,000 experts from over 100 countries.
The capital of the Czech Republic hosted the 22nd World Congress in Fetal Medicine organised by the Fetal Medicine Foundation. For the first time in its history, the Congress was held in a landlocked location, bringing together 3,000 physicians and specialists in maternal-fetal medicine from more than 100 countries. It is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind, and bringing it to the Czech Republic was a prestigious achievement in science, healthcare, and international collaboration. The Congress also brought concrete findings that could influence the care of pregnant women in the Czech Republic.
“The Congress transformed Prague into a hub for cutting-edge knowledge in prenatal diagnostics, fetal surgery, and maternal care. The key person of the congress was Professor Kypros Nicolaides, widely regarded as the father of modern fetal medicine. His life and groundbreaking work were, among other things, featured in an episode of the Netflix documentary series The Surgeon’s Cut. This expert gathering delivered not only top-tier science and interdisciplinary innovation to the Czech Republic but also a significant economic boost to the capital city and the country as a whole. In addition to the doctors and specialists, many brought their families, bringing the total attendance close to 10,000,” adds Prof. MUDr. Pavel Calda, head of the Fetal Medicine Centre at the Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague.
According to estimates by the Prague Convention Bureau, the city’s official meeting industry representative, the economic impact of the Congress reached approximately CZK 200 million. “Large-scale international events like this significantly impact not only the city’s scientific prestige but also its economy, especially in hospitality, gastronomy, transport, and services. They generate job opportunities and enhance Prague’s image as a prime destination for expert meetings. Additionally, congress delegates do not overcrowd the city centre during peak hours, as they spend most of their time attending scientific programmes and typically stay near congress centres rather than in the historical core,” noted Roman Muška, Director of the Prague Convention Bureau.
Over five days, more than 200 expert lectures were delivered, highlighting the latest trends. Topics included new developments in preeclampsia research using novel biochemical markers for screening, and the potential of artificial intelligence to increase the efficiency of preterm birth screening and help physicians detect fetal anomalies. A dedicated session on assisted reproduction pointed to the growing proportion of pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilisation (IVF), which now stands at around 8 per cent in the Czech Republic. However, it was also noted that some IVF techniques may increase the risk of complications such as preeclampsia.
“One of the programme’s standout moments was a lecture by Professor Ben Mol, which strongly resonated with experts. His talk focused on interpreting meta-analyses in the era of ‘fake news.’ Professor Mol highlighted the disturbing reality that even prestigious scientific journals sometimes publish studies with manipulated, copied, or entirely fabricated data. These papers can then become the foundation for clinical guidelines issued by leading professional societies,” said Congress participant MUDr. Hana Belošovičová.
Alongside the scientific program held at the Prague Congress Centre, the Congress also featured a rich social and cultural agenda that introduced participants and their families to the beauty of Prague. “I’m pleased that both the experts and their companions embraced Prague with enthusiasm. The congress hall with excellent acoustics and facilities, the high level of organisation, and the attractive accompanying events, such as the gala dinner at Forum Karlín or the evening boat cruise on the Vltava with a reception at Občanská Plovárna, were highly praised. Feedback from more than 3,000 participants was overwhelmingly positive, and Prague has earned its place in history as a city that confidently stood among the global capitals of fetal medicine,” concludes Professor Calda.
