International Scientific Conference:

Exploring the Intersection of Feeding, Child Development, and Neurodiversity

Connecting Nutrition, Growth and Inclusivity

Date: 25th October 2024 – 27th October 2024

Location: Golden Tulip Hotel, Varna, Bulgaria

Supported by the EU NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria

Project №BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02

Medical University - Varna is pleased to invite you to the international conference titled “Exploring the Intersection of Feeding, Child Development, and Neurodiversity,” organized under the MUVE-TEAM project. The event will take place from 25 to 27 October 2024 in Varna, at the Golden Tulip Hotel.

The conference, initiated by the  science group 3.1.3. NutriLect, will focus on key topics related to nutrition, growth, and inclusivity in children. Central discussions will address nutritional screening, communication and feeding disorders, innovations in therapeutic approaches to nutrition, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The psychological and social aspects of feeding in neurodiverse populations will also be explored through case studies.

Leading scholars from Bulgaria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Romania, the USA will participate in the event.

Subtopics and Speaker Alignment

1. Nutritional Screening and Strategies for Neurodiverse Children
2. Early Childhood Feeding and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
3. Innovative Therapeutic Approaches to Feeding
4. Communication and Feeding Disorders: Integration of Speech Therapy
5. Psychological and Social Aspects of Feeding in Neurodiverse Populations
6. Role of Organizations in Supporting Neurodiversity and Nutrition
7. Quality of Life and Stigma in Neurodiverse Conditions
8. Latest Research and Future Directions in Pediatric Nutrition
9. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Advocacy
10. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Nutrition and Child Development
11. Case Studies and Practical Interventions

Register: https://forms.gle/5WVLmZRfCeENW1mR9

Contact with organizing committee: nutrilect@googlegroups.com

Important Information

• Participation in the International Scientific Conference is free of charge.
• Language: English
• Venue capacity is limited to 120 participants.
• Upon registration, approved participants will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions and information for accommodation prices at Golden tulip hotel at preferential rates for the conference days.
• The registration covers conference materials, coffee breaks, lunch, and dinners.
• Poster session: Each accepted abstract will be presented during the Poster Session with a 5-minute oral presentation by the author. Abstracts will be published in an online Abstract book. Full manuscript can be published after the editorial decision in a special issue of the journal Biomedical Reviews.

Dates to Remember

• 25 September 2024: Abstract submission deadline
• 7 October 2024: Notification of abstract acceptance
• 10 October 2024: Final registration deadline

Organizing Committee

• Ruzha Pancheva (MU-Varna)
• Rositsa Chamova (MU-Varna)
• Silviya Nikolova (MU-Varna)
• Sevdzhihan Eyubova (University of Shumen)
• Nikoleta Yoncheva (Karin dom Foundation)
• Rozalina Braykova (MU-Varna)
• Albena Toneva (MU-Varna)
• Dimitar Marinov (MU-Varna)
• Stefka Tscvetanova (Karin dom Foundation)

Conference Program

For full preliminary program: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12BDAefrQk3VZ_6AH0KjfHZFdpFFTifx-eElVzfBSW6w/edit?usp=drive_link

Confirmed speakers:

Andrea Hathazi (Romania)

Bruna Menegassi (Spain)

Carmen Costea-Bărluțiu (Romania)

Daria Leonidovna Chivchibashi-Pavlova (Bulgaria)

George Bogdanov (Bulgaria)

Hristo Naydenov (Bulgaria)

Ivan Chavdarov (Bulgaria)

Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria)

Ivan Yankov (Bulgaria)

Karan Courtney Haag (USA)

Koen Huysentruyt (Belgium)

Konstantinos Gerasimidis (UK)

Manlio Vinciguerra (Italy)

Marco Fiore (Italy)

Nadya Koltcheva (Bulgaria)

Nikoleta Yoncheva (Bulgaria)

Nina Yordanova (Bulgaria)

Ruzha Pancheva (Bulgaria)

Sevdzhihan Eyubova (Bulgaria)

Silvia Nikolova (Bulgaria)

Stanka Fitneva (Canada)

Tena Niseteo (Croatia)

Virginia Stallings (USA)

Venue

Golden Tulip Hotel Varna
Varna, Bulgaria
Hotel Varna | Golden Tulip

About Varna

Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria, known as the maritime capital of the country and a popular seaside resort on the Black Sea coast. It boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a scenic coastline. The conference venue is located near Sea Garden, Varna’s most famous public park, offering stunning promenades, beach access, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

With its combination of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and beautiful natural scenery, Varna provides the perfect setting for both professional gatherings and leisure activities. The city is easily accessible, located just 11 km from Varna Airport, with a short 10-minute drive to the city center.

Visit our team in Facebook: NutriLect Mu - Varna

Updated Preliminary Program of the International Scientific Conference "Exploring the Intersection of Feeding Child Development and Neurodiversity"

Slogan: Connecting Nutrition, Growth and Inclusivity

Date: 25th October 2024 – 27th October 2024

Friday, 25th October 2024

• 13:00 - 14:00: Participant Registration
• 14:00 - 14:30: Conference Opening (Welcome and Introduction)
• 14:30 - 17:00: Session 1: Nutritional Screening and Strategies for Neurodiverse Children
• Koen Huysentruyt (Belgium) - Nutritional Screening and Strategies for Neurodiverse Children
• Konstantinos Gerasimidis (UK) - Micronutrient Assessment. 
• Daria Leonidovna Chivchibashi-Pavlova (Bulgaria) - Animal Modeling of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Challenges and Opportunities
• Manlio Vinciguerra (Italy)- Genetics and Epigenetics of Pediatric Fatty Liver

Saturday, 26th October 2024

• 08:00 - 9:30: Session 2: Early Childhood Feeding and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
• Virginia Stallings (USA) - Nutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy
• Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria) - Early Child Development Tracking
• Nadya Koltcheva (Bulgaria) - S/he Loves Me S/he Loves Me Not! Specifics of Parent-Child Relationships in Families with Children with Developmental Disabilities
• Stanka Fitneva, PhD (Canada) - Early Psychosocial Correlates of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Evidence from the Canadian National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth (Online)
• 9:30 - 10:00: Coffee Break
• 10:00 - 13:00: Session 3: Innovative Therapeutic Approaches to Feeding

• Konstantinos Gerasimidis (UK) Nutritional Screening Tools

• Virginia Stallings (USA) - Growth and Development in Children with Cerebral Palsy
• Tena Niseteo (Croatia) - Use of Blended Diets in Neurologically Impaired Children
• Ivan Yankov (Bulgaria) - Growth and Development of Children on Enteral Feeding: 7 Years of Experience in a Reference Center
• Ruzha Pancheva (Bulgaria) - Tools and Metrics for Tracking Progress in Nutritional Status of Children with CP and Autism
• Hristo Naydenov, Mila Baycheva (Bulgaria) - Nutritional Interventions in Hospitalized Patients with Severe Neurological Diseases

• 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch
• 14:00 - 15:30: Session 4: Communication and Feeding Disorders: Integration of Speech Therapy
• Nina Yordanova (Bulgaria) - Possibilities and Difficulties for Feeding Therapy in Patients with Cerebral Palsy and Autism
• Carmen Costea-Bărluțiu, Andrea Hathazi, Diana Botez (Romania) - Attachment Parental Behaviors and Selective Eating in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Andrea Hathazi, Carmen Costea-Bărluțiu (Romania) - Mealtime Routines in the Development of Communication Skills in Children with Multiple Disabilities
• Ivan Chavdarov (Bulgaria) - Neonatal Asymmetric Crying Facies (NACF): Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy, New Methods
• 15:30 - 16:00: Coffee Break
• 16:00 - 18:30: Roundtable Discussion: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Feeding and Neurodevelopmental Challenges
• Participants: All Lecturers 
• 16:00 – 18:30 Poster presentation:
• Participants: All attendees

Sunday, 27th October 2024

• 08:00 - 10:00: Session 6: Role of Organizations in Supporting Neurodiversity and Nutrition
• Silvia Nikolova (Bulgaria) - Needs Assessment and Quality of Life of Families with Children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism
• Tena Niseteo (Croatia) - The Role of DHA in Neurodevelopment in Children
• George Bogdanov (Bulgaria) - Advocacy for political reforms of the National Network for Children in the field of Child development, Nutrition, Growth, and Inclusivity
• Marco Fiore (Italy) - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Disorder of Neurodevelopmental Origin
• Nikoleta Yoncheva (Bulgaria) -  Assessment of Feeding and Creating Effective Feeding Plans as a Team: Parent-Doctor-Therapist
• 10:00 - 10:30: Coffee Break
• 10:30 - 12:00: Closing Session and Discussion: Future Directions and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Koen Huysentruyt (Belgium) - Case Studies and Practical Interventions

• Sevdzhihan Eyubova (Bulgaria) - Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Interplay and Impact on Social and Emotional Functioning
• Bruna Menegassi (Spain) - Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) in Children's Diets
• Karan Courtney Haag (USA) - Social Aspects of Nutrition

12:00: Conference Closing (Summary and Appreciation)

Black Sea Symposium for Young Scientists in Biomedicine

21-24 NOVEMBER 2024

BSYSB WEBSITE

Important information:

The participation at the Black Sea Symposium for Young Scientists in Biomedicine will require a participation fee of 40lv BGN both for active and passive participants.

Registration for Active participants covers: presenting their work either by an oral presentation or a poster presentation, attendance of the keynote lectures, two workshops, conference materials and gift bags, coffee breaks, welcome cocktail and gala dinner.

Registration for Passive participants covers, attendance of the keynote lectures, two workshops, conference materials and gift bags, coffee breaks, welcome cocktail and gala dinner.

*All students of Medical University of Varna are welcome to attend our keynote lectures without registration and respectively without paying the participation fee of 40lv BGN. Disclaimer: If not registered as active or passive participant, one would NOT receive a certificate of attendance. 

Payment of the participation fee to the MU-Varna account for participation

in congress:

If you choose to pay the fees by bank transfer and visit a bank branch, you attach the

the registration form the document you received. If you have selected pay on

fees through online banking, you need to take a screenshot (snapshot

on the screen of your device) of the completed translation and attach it to

the registration form.

Transfer to the bank account of MU-Varna in: 

Bank DSK EAD, Branch Varna

Банка ДСК ЕАД, Клон Варна 

BIC: STSABGSF 

IBAN: BG24STSA93003100040700

It is a mandatory condition that the fees be transferred in the name of the participant and/or that the full name appears in the payment order.

Reasons for payment:

Fee for participation in BSYSB 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

27th OCTOBER 2024 Registration and abstract submission closes

8th NOVEMBER 2024 Presentation and Poster submission closes

CONTACTS

The final program for our upcoming event, complete with a lineup of engaging lectures, interactive workshops, and exciting social events, will be available soon! Stay tuned as we finalize the details and prepare to share the full schedule with you. We can’t wait to unveil the enriching experiences that await you at our event