About the Gravens Conference
Why Gravens Conference Exists
The Gravens Conference for the Physical and Developmental Environment of the High-Risk Infant is an international medical conference dedicated to holistically enhancing care in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We bring together scientists from developmental biology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, architecture, and anthropology alongside neonatologists, neonatal nurses, developmental therapists, and former NICU parents to facilitate and disseminate research findings. What makes our conference unique among medical meetings is its holistic focus—and the impact is profound. We exist to:
Advance knowledge about how hospital and NICU environments affect infant health, neurodevelopment, and family well-being.
Promote family-centered care, ensuring parents are partners in care rather than just visitors.
Integrate disciplines, bringing together not only neonatologists and nurses, but also architects, psychologists, developmental specialists, and parent advocates.
Set standards and influence design of NICUs worldwide, moving from large, open-bay nurseries toward single-family room models and environments that reduce stress, noise, and light exposure.
Foster collaboration.
Where Learning Meets Community
The Gravens Conference is more than sessions and speakers—it’s a vibrant professional community. Build relationships in both structured discussions and informal networking moments, and collaborate through committees and working groups advancing national and professional initiatives.
Presentations
Joint Meetings
w/Partner Organizations
and Committees
Abstract Poster
Presentations
Networking &
Socializing
Partner Organizations and Product Exhibits
Workshop Tracts
And, of course, lots of fun!
Fun Fact
Gravens Conference was named for Dr. Stan Graven and his wife Mavis, thus the name “Gravens” with an “s”.
The History
Since the 1980s, Gravens Conference has been a pioneering forum linking clinical care with rigorous, basic, and applied research. It has directly influenced NICU design, family engagement models, and neuroprotective care practices across institutions globally. Dr. Graven was a neonatologist who realized that there was a lack of standardization in neonatal practice and that high-risk infants needed not only advanced medical technology, but also carefully considered environments and caregiving approaches that support development, family bonding, and long-term health.
It started with Dr. Graven trying to get people together, come to the table and talk about their practice. ‘What are we doing that works, what are we doing that doesn’t work, how do we know, how do we even compare besides just anecdotes?’
And it’s grown from there.
Bobbie Rose, Planner of the First-Ever Gravens Conference
For more about Stan Graven, check out A personal tribute to “Uncle Stan” by Kari Graven and A Brief Biography and Profile of Dr. Stanley Graven’s Career and Accomplishments
Dr. Stan Graven
Practicing Neonatologist
Dr. Stanley Graven
(b. 1932. d. 2024)
Collaborating Organizations
Loma Linda Publishing Company
Neonatology Today
