Laure Dombrecht

Laure Dombrecht is a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care. She obtained a double doctorate in Health Sciences (2020, Ghent University) and Social Health Sciences (2020, Vrije Universiteit Brussel) after her MSc in Experimental Psychology (2015).

• Education: MSc Experimental Psychology (2015), PhD Health Sciences (2020), PhD Social Health Sciences (2020)
• Affiliation: End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University Hospital

Her research specializes in end-of-life decisions and palliative care during the perinatal period, focusing on clinical practices, ethical frameworks, and family-centered approaches in Belgium. She has led studies on:

• Neonatal end-of-life decision-making processes
• Termination of viable pregnancies
• Perinatal palliative care components
• Psychological support in NICUs

Key trends in her 15 most recent publications (2018–2024) include Belgium healthcare policies, neonatal intensive care ethics, and palliative sedation practices.

Scientific Awards:

• 2019: Best abstract award in 'Children and Adolescents' category

She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across pediatrics, neonatology, and medical ethics, with significant contributions to:

• BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care (2024)
• Acta Paediatrica (2024)
• BMC Palliative Care (2023)