During the first 1000 days, the brain undergoes extensive network construction and remodeling in response to interactions with the environment, that in turn endows the capacity to successfully live in that environment. For example: a child’s postnatal nutrition influences the health of circuit formation; their physical exploration is key to development of sensorimotor skills; and their social interactions with caregivers are central to language and emotional development. But we lack tools and models that are predictive of the influence and dependency of these factors on individual network development. Without them, we cannot optimise the key ingredients necessary for promoting healthy brain development, nor identify those at risk of being underdeveloped. Timing is critical – because developmental windows are narrow. For example, previously neglected children admitted into foster care before 24 months old versus those admitted after 26 months show significant differences in their ability to regain aspects of cognitive function by adolescence. And the results can be dramatic – if we could accurately predict and improve EF outcomes by 20% in 80% of children before age 3, we could reduce the risk of childhood obesity by nearly 20%, reduce the risk of accelerated ageing by about 12% and potentially reduce the risk of encounters of crime by over 20%.

If we could develop accurate, scalable, early screening methods to predict EF outcomes, risk-stratify children, and predict responses to interventions in the first 1000 days, we could help ensure a healthy and productive life for millions globally. Importantly, this goal may now be within our reach.