Role/Position:
Professor and Lecturer, Senior Consultant (Oberärztin), Neonatologist, Senior Scientist, Head of the Neonatal Neurology Research Group. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neonatal Neurology
- Neonatal Neurophysiology
- Clinical Neuromonitoring
- Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Short Biography:
Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Senior Member of the Neonatal Neurology Research Group at the Medical University of Vienna. Her clinical and scientific work focuses on neuromonitoring and neurodevelopment in preterm and term infants, with special expertise in conventional EEG and amplitude-integrated EEG analysis. She leads and contributes to multiple national and European multicenter studies and is actively involved in teaching and training in neonatal neurology and neurophysiology.
Memberships:
- Austrian Society of Perinatal Medicine
- European Society for Pediatric Research (ESPR)
- German Society of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI)
Awards:
- 2015 Otto Thalhammer Award, Austrian Society of Perinatal Medicine
Grants (selected):
- EpoRepair (Erythropoietin for the Repair of Cerebral Injury in Preterm Infants) — Local PI, European multicenter trial
- ALBINO Project — National Coordinator and Work Package Leader (Biomarker aEEG)
Effect of Allopurinol in addition to hypothermia for hypoxic–ischemic brain injury on neurocognitive outcome (Horizon 2020, European multicenter trial) - Early development of sleep–wake cycles in premature infants and its impact on neurodevelopmental outcome(FWF – Austrian Science Fund)
- The effect of stimulating substances on brain activity measured by amplitude-integrated EEG and neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants born below 30 weeks of gestation (Jubiläumsfonds der OeNB)
Contact:
katrin.klebermass-schrehof@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0001-5387-6602
Role/Position:
Professor and Lecturer, Senior Consultant (Oberärztin), Neonatologist, Senior Scientist, Head of the Neonatal Brain Injury Research Group and Neonatal Hemodynamics Group. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neonatal Brain Injury: IVH and PHVD
- Neuroimaging and Biomarkers for Neonatal Brain Disorders
- Neurophysiological Monitoring in Neonatal Intensive Care
- Neonatal Hemodynamics and Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Short Biography:
Katharina Goeral is a specialist in neonatal neuroimaging and brain injury research, serving as Head of the Neonatal Brain Injury Research Group at the Medical University of Vienna. As a recognized expert in MRI-based investigations of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD), she has substantially contributed to advancing neonatal brain injury diagnostics and prognosis. Her interdisciplinary work integrates imaging, neurophysiology, and biomarker research to improve early detection and intervention strategies in neonatal intensive care.
Memberships :
- European Society for Pediatric Research (ESPR)
- German Society of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI)
- Newborn Brain Society (NBS)
Awards (selected):
- 2022 Science Award, 48th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI)
- 2019 Otto Thalhammer Award, Austrian Society of Pre- and Perinatal Medicine
- 2018 Researcher of the Month, Medical University of Vienna
Grants (selected):
- When to intervene in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus? — a prospective study using aEEG, VEPs, and NIRS (Jubiläumsfonds der OeNB)
- PIMIENTO – PrecIsion Medicine in IntravENTricular hemorrhage for Outcome prediction (WWTF)
Contact:
katharina.goeral@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0002-5209-6169
Role/Position:
Professor and Lecturer, Senior Scientist, Cognitive Neuropsychologist, Clinical Neuroscience, Head of Research Group Neonatal Developmental Neuroscience. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Pain and sedation assessment in neonates admitted to the NICU
- Bonding and mother–child bio-behavioral coupling
- Machine learning for automatic EEG interpretation
- NICU noise environment and management
- Neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born preterm
Short Biography:
Vito Giordano is a passionate and resilient Clinical Neuroscientist and Cognitive Neuropsychologist specializing in neonatal neurophysiology, eye tracking, and fNIRS methods. His research explores brain and behavioral development in preterm infants, focusing on neurophysiological markers of cognition and emotion. He holds a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience from the Medical University of Vienna, where he serves as Professor and Senior Mentor in the CLINS Doctoral Program. He is committed to advancing interdisciplinary neonatal care and open science.
Memberships:
- Austrian Society for Pediatrics (ÖGKJ)
- Society for Pediatric Research (ESPR)
Awards:
- Vera-Weiss-Preice Foundation
- Austrian Patient Safety Awards (Team award)
Grants:
- Assessment of attentional deficits in former preterm infants and their correlation to behavioral problems and school performance (Karl Kahane Stiftung - Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof Senior Coordinator)
- EEG-based Machine Learning for Sedation Detection in Neonates (FWF – Austrian Science Fund)
- Pre-SenS/Baby Face Reader (Eurostar)
Contact:
vito.giordano@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0002-2094-8523
Role/Position:
Senior Consultant (Oberärztin), Lecturer, Epileptologist, PhD Candidate, Pediatrician specialised in Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neonatal Neurology
- EEG and Sleep Diagnostics in Newborns
- Pediatric Epilepsy
- Early Detection of Brain Function in Neonates
Short Biography:
Lisa Oberdorfer is a paediatrician specialised in neonatology and intensive care, currently training in neuropediatrics and pursuing a PhD at the Medical University of Vienna. Her clinical and research focus lies on neonatal neurology, EEG and sleep diagnostics, and pediatric epilepsy. She is committed to interdisciplinary projects that link clinical care with scientific innovation to improve early brain-function assessment in newborns.
Memberships:
- Newborn Brain Society (NBS)
- European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS)
- International League against Epilepsy (ILAE)
Contact:
lisa.oberdorfer@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0000-4519-3780
Role/Position:
PhD Researcher, Senior Consultant (Oberärztin), Physician and Clinical Researcher,
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neonatal Brain Injury (Cerebellar hemorrhage and IVH)
- Neuroimaging and Biomarkers for Neonatal Brain Pathologies
- Neurophysiological Monitoring in Neonatal Intensive Care
Short Biography:
After completing her medical degree in Graz, Austria, Julia Buchmayer joined the Division of Neonatology at the Medical University of Vienna in 2020 as a physician and clinical researcher. Her research focuses on the neurological development of extremely preterm infants, with a particular emphasis on advanced neuroimaging, neurophysiological assessments, and biomarkers to improve prognostic prediction. She also investigates the influence of clinical and perinatal factors on neurodevelopmental outcomes in this high-risk population, aiming to enhance early risk stratification, parental counseling, and long-term outcomes.
Memberships:
- European Society for Pediatric Research (ESPR)
- German Society of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI)
- Newborn Brain Society (NBS)
Awards:
- 2025 Science Award, 51st Annual Meeting of the Society for Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI)
- 2024 Oral Abstract Award, 50th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI) in Munich, Germany
- 2024 Otto Thalhammer Award, Austrian Society of Pre- and Perinatal Medicine
Contact:
julia.buchmayer@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0001-5473-4155
Role/Position:
PhD Candidate, Senior Consultant (Oberärztin), Physician and Clinical Researcher, Co-Head of the Neonatal Hemodynamics Group.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna.
Main Research Areas:
- Prematurity and Neurocognitive Development
- Parental Integration in Neonatal Intensive Care
- NICU Environment and its Influence on Brain Development
- Early Interventions to Promote Neurological Outcomes
- Neonatal Hemodynamics and Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Short Biography:
Sophie Stummer completed both her secondary education and medical studies in Salzburg, Austria. Since 2020, she has been working as a physician at the Division of Neonatology, Medical University of Vienna. Her research focuses on factors influencing neurological development in preterm infants and strategies to promote brain maturation. She investigates how the NICU environment and parental integration affect short- and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, aiming to develop evidence-based concepts for optimizing clinical environments and supporting early brain development in preterm infants.
Memberships:
- Newborn Brain Society (NBS)
Contact:
sophie.stummer@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0003-4002-3023
Role/Position:
PhD Candidate, Senior Consultant (Oberarzt), Physician and Clinical Researcher, Priv-Doz.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neonatal Pain and Sedation
- Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm and Term Infants
- Objective Pain Assessment Tools
- Novel Analgesic and Pharmacological Strategies in Neonatal Care
- Neonatal Simulation and Education Technologies
Short Biography:
Philipp Steinbauer graduated in Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna in 2019 and has been working as a resident at the Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neuropediatrics since 2020. During his studies, he gained early clinical and research experience in neonatal medicine. Since October 2020, he has been pursuing a PhD in Clinical Neurosciences under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Vito Giordano, focusing on pain and sedation in term and preterm neonates. His work aims to improve neonatal pain assessment and management through innovative, evidence-based methods.
Grants (selected):
- Impact of a respiratory function monitor on cognitive workload during neonatal resuscitation: A randomized crossover study (CCP Starter Grant)
- CARTOON: CoronAviRus educaTional prOgram fOr childreN to promote knowledge and hygiene measures and dispel fear during the COVID-19 pandemic(Medical-Scientific Fund of the Mayor of Vienn
- Development and implementation of VIRTUAL (VIrtual RealiTy edUcAtional pLatform) IMED (CCP Starter Grant)
Memberships:
- Austrian Society for Pediatrics (ÖGKJ)
- International Pediatric Simulation Society (IPSS)
Awards:
- Austrian Patient Safety Awards (Team)
- INSPIRE Innovation Award
- Wiener Gesundheitspreis (Vienna Price for Heathcare)
- Otto Thalhammer Price – Neonatologie
Contact:
philipp.steinbauer@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0001-7961-327X
Role/Position:
Clinical Psychologist in Training, PhD Researcher
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Preterm Birth and Bio-Behavioral Long-Term Outcome
- Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
- Neurophysiological Pain Processing
- Cortisol Awakening Response
- Developmental Neuropsychology in Early Life
Short Biography:
Nadine Pointner is a clinical psychologist in training and PhD researcher. Her research focuses on the long-term bio-behavioral development of preterm infants, particularly those born before 32 weeks of gestation. By bridging neonatal care and developmental psychology, she investigates how early life experiences influence cognitive, biological, and behavioral outcomes. Her goal is to improve understanding of the challenges faced by preterm children and to support their long-term development.
Memberships:
- International Congress on Infant Studies (ICIS)
- European Academy of Pediatrics (EAP)
Awards:
- 2024 Graduate Travel Award (International Congress on Infant Studies)
- 2024 EAP Young Investigator Award (European Academy of Pediatrics)
Contact:
nadine.pointner@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0000-3191-9368
Role/Position:
PhD Candidate, Researcher in Neonatal Neurophysiology
Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Functional Brain Maturation in Preterm Infants
- EEG Analysis and Signal Processing in Neonates
- Algorithm Development and Programming
- Deep Learning and Big Data Management
Short Biography:
With a long-standing interest in logic and complex problem-solving, Johannes Mader studied Technical Mathematics at TU Vienna, completing an MSc in 2021 with a focus on quantum physics and singular differential equations. Since 2022, has been applying analytical and computational skills at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Medical University of Vienna while pursuing a PhD in collaboration with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). His research focuses on EEG analysis and the functional brain maturation of preterm infants.
Contact:
Johannes.mader@muv.ac.at
Johannes.mader@ait.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0001-2079-0404
Role/Position:
PhD Candidate in Neuroscience
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Preterm Infants and Neurodevelopment
- Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
- Posthemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation (PHVD)
- Neurophysiology (aEEG, NIRS)
- Outcome Prediction and Personalized Medicine
Short Biography:
With a background in Biochemistry (BSc) and Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc), she developed a strong interest in neurological disorders and translational medicine, leading to a PhD in Neuroscience at the Medical University of Vienna. Her research focuses on neurophysiological data from preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD). The overarching goal of her work is to improve neurodevelopmental outcome prediction and contribute to more personalized treatment approaches for this vulnerable patient population.
Contact:
Julia.elis@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0000-0002-5934-3230
Role/Position:
Resident Physician in Neonatology, PhD Student in Clinical Neuroscience
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neonatal Neurology and Neonatology
- Neuroimaging and MRI in Preterm Infants
- Brain and Lung Development after pPROM
- Perinatal Risk Factors and Neonatal Outcomes
Short Biography:
Lisa Klein is a PhD student in Clinical Neuroscience and a resident physician in neonatology at the Medical University of Vienna. Her doctoral research focuses on brain and lung development in preterm infants after preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM), using advanced MRI-based neuroimaging methods. She also contributes to research on intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants, focusing on MRI-based analyses. Her overarching goal is to understand how early risk factors influence neonatal development and long-term outcomes.
Memberships:
- Newborn Brain Society (Junior Membership)
Contact:
lisa.klein@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0000-7427-1063
Role/Position:
Resident Physician in Neonatology, Researcher in Neonatal Neurology
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Kangaroo Care and Brain Maturation in Preterm Infants
- Amplitude-Integrated EEG (aEEG)
- Neonatal Seizures
Short Biography:
Naomi Acquah completed her medical degree at the Medical University of Vienna in 2023. During her studies, she developed a strong interest in neonatology and joined the scientific working group for neonatal neurology, where she worked on her diploma thesis exploring the influence of kangaroo care on brain maturation in extremely preterm infants. Since 2024, she has been a resident physician at the Division of Neonatology at the Medical University of Vienna, continuing her research in neonatal neurology and neurophysiology.
Memberships:
- Newborn Brain Society (Junior Membership)
Contact:
naomi.acquah@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0008-5362-8914
Role/Position:
Resident Physician in Pediatrics, PhD Candidate in Clinical Neuroscience
Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Cerebral and cerebellar ultrasound
- Prediction of neurological outcome in preterms
- Outcome of extremely preterm infants
- Outcome of neonates with extremely low birthweight
- Pediatric ultrasound
Short Biography:
Raphaela Pichler studied medicine at the Medical University of Vienna and is now enrolled in the PhD programme Clinical Neuroscience. Her research focuses on the prognostic value of cranial ultrasound in extremely preterm infants with and without neurological complications combining clinical data with neuroimaging techniques. In addition, she completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Medical Law in 2026.
She is a pediatric resident at Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics. She is also clinically specialized in ultrasound techniques, particularly cranial ultrasound through various acoustic windows.
Memberships:
- European Society for Pediatric Research (ESPR)
- German Society of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care (GNPI)
Contact:
raphaela.jernej@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0004-3021-6555
Role/Position:
Music Therapist and Senior Scientist
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- NICU Music Therapy
- Parent–Infant Bonding and Dyadic Regulation
- Neurological Development in Preterm Infants
- Family-Centered and Developmental Care
Short Biography:
Ji Sun Kim is a dedicated, evidence-driven music therapist and researcher specialising in neonatal intensive care, with a particular focus on family-centred support for preterm infants and their parents. Since 2024, she has served in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Medical University of Vienna as a board-certified music therapist registered with the Austrian Federal Ministry. She holds a degree in Music Therapy from IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences and completed advanced training in Music as Therapy in Neonatal Intensive Care at the Zurich University of the Arts. She completed a PhD in Cultural Studies and Cultural Management at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the University of Vienna, with a major in Education. Additional qualifications include degrees in Instrumental Performance and in Instrumental and Vocal Music Education (IGP) from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. For twelve years, she served as a lecturer and research associate at the University of Vienna. Her further academic and professional training includes studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, a Postgraduate Artist Diploma from McGill University in Canada, and completion of the Digital Health programme at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Business School.
Memberships & Collaborations:
- ÖBM - Österreichischer Berufsverband für Musiktherapie
- Fachkreis Musiktherapie Neonatologie
Role/Position:
Medical Student and Research Assistant in Neonatology
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna
Main Research Areas:
- Neurophysiology
- Amplitude-Integrated EEG (aEEG)
- Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
- Brain Development and Sleep in Newborns
Short Biography:
Simon Knoll is a medical student at the Medical University of Vienna and has been working as a research assistant in the Department of Neonatology for over two years. His research focuses on neonatal neurophysiology, particularly the use of aEEG and NIRS to study brain development and sleep in preterm and term infants. Passionate about clinical neonatology, he enjoys working directly with newborns and contributing to improving neonatal care. He will begin his residency in neonatology next year to continue pursuing his dedication to neonatal medicine.
Contact:
simon.knoll@meduniwien.ac.at
ORCID: 0009-0000-4049-666X