Heike Rabe

Professor Heike Rabe serves as Professor of Perinatal Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, with dual institutional affiliations at University of Sussex and University of Brighton. She also holds the position of Honorary Consultant Neonatologist and Divisional Co-Director for Research and Innovation in Child Health at University Hospitals Sussex, based at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital. Her work bridges clinical practice, research leadership, and academic education in neonatology.

Professor Rabe's research interests center on neonatal haematology, circulation, non-invasive diagnostics, and neonatal pharmaceutical studies. She is internationally recognized as a leading expert on placental transfusion at birth through optimal management of the umbilical cord. Her work on non-invasive monitoring devices and family integrated care models has significant implications for improving neonatal outcomes globally. She has built an international research consortium (NEO-CIRC) funded by the European Commission and leads the H2020 MSCA funded RISEinFAMILY consortium.

Her recent publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions to neonatal medicine, with multiple articles in top journals including The Lancet. Her research spans clinical trials, systematic reviews, implementation science, and translational studies focused on improving neonatal care practices. The articles reflect a strategic research program addressing critical gaps in neonatal transition, monitoring, and family-centered care.

• President of the International Pediatric Research Foundation
• Vice-President of the European Society for Paediatric Research
• Founding board member of the European School for Neonatology
• Current Principal Investigator on multiple EU-funded research projects
• International speaker and advisor on neonatal cord management practices

Professor Rabe actively supervises students at various levels, from undergraduate research projects to doctoral candidates. She has secured substantial research funding including grants from the European Union, Swedish Research Council, and University of Sussex. Her collaborative approach extends to partnerships with multiple universities across Europe and the US, creating extensive opportunities for training and research collaboration in neonatal medicine.

Her leadership extends to developing the pan-European Master's Curriculum in neonatology and producing educational resources including a short film explaining placental transfusion research findings. She maintains active clinical practice alongside her research and academic responsibilities, ensuring her work remains grounded in real-world neonatal care challenges.