Pediatric neurodevelopment, neural injury, and neuromodulation

The developing nervous system in children is highly dynamic and vulnerable, with neurodevelopmental processes intricately shaping cognitive, motor, and behavioral outcomes. Disruptions in these processes—whether due to genetic factors, perinatal complications, environmental insults, or acquired neural injury—can lead to long-term neurological deficits and functional impairments. Understanding the mechanisms underlying pediatric neurodevelopment, as well as the pathways leading to neural injury, is crucial for improving diagnosis, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies.

This Research Topic aims to bring together studies that explore the fundamental mechanisms of neurodevelopment, the pathophysiology of neural injury in childhood, and the emerging strategies for neuromodulation and therapeutic intervention. We welcome contributions from basic, translational, and clinical research, including studies using animal models, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and computational approaches.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: (i) the molecular and cellular mechanisms guiding pediatric neurodevelopment; (ii) the impact of perinatal and postnatal neural injury on cognitive and motor functions; (iii) neuroinflammation, glial responses, and repair mechanisms in the injured pediatric brain; (iv) advances in neuromodulation techniques, including pharmacological, electrical, and non-invasive brain stimulation approaches; and (v) innovative strategies for promoting neuroplasticity, functional recovery, and rehabilitation in children.

By assembling cutting-edge research across these areas, this collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future directions in pediatric neuroscience, bridging the gap between basic mechanisms and clinical application. We hope this collection will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and educators interested in understanding and improving neural development and recovery in children.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: neurodevelopment, neural injury, neuromodulation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.