Breastfeeding Research Center

About the Center

 

The Breastfeeding Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), is a leading academic center dedicated to advancing maternal, infant, and child health through high-quality research, education, and knowledge translation. The Center's mission is to generate evidence that supports optimal breastfeeding practices, maternal nutrition, and early-life health, while contributing to national and international policies that improve maternal and child well-being. The Center conducts multidisciplinary research spanning breastfeeding promotion and support, human milk composition, maternal and infant nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, growth and development, neonatal nutrition, reproductive health, and preventive health strategies. Its research portfolio includes epidemiological studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and implementation research, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and public health impact. A key strength of the Center is its integration of research, clinical expertise, and policy engagement through collaborations with healthcare providers, academic institutions, and national health authorities. By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and translating research findings into clinical practice and health policy, the Breastfeeding Research Center continues to serve as a national center of excellence in maternal and child nutrition and supports initiatives that promote healthy beginnings across the life course.

 

Research Focus Area

 

• Breastfeeding Research
• Human Milk Science
• Maternal Nutrition
• Infant and Young Child Nutrition
• Neonatal Nutrition
• Micronutrient Nutrition
• Maternal and Child Health
• Reproductive Nutrition
• Nutrition Epidemiology
• Evidence-Based Nutrition

 

Expertise, Facilities & Research Services

 

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Human Milk Bank
• Neurodevelopment Assessment Center
• Nutrition and Breastfeeding Counseling Clinic
• Systematic Review and Evidence Synthesis Unit
• Biostatistics and Epidemiology Support

 

Collaboration Opportunities

 

The Breastfeeding Research Center welcomes collaborations with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, research centers, and industry partners at both national and international levels. We actively seek partnerships in multidisciplinary research on maternal, neonatal, and child nutrition, breastfeeding, human milk science, reproductive nutrition, and early-life health. Opportunities for collaboration include joint research projects, multicenter clinical studies, systematic reviews and evidence synthesis, research capacity building, student and faculty exchange, visiting scholar programs, and co-supervision of graduate students. The Center also supports collaborative grant applications, knowledge translation initiatives, and the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines and public health policies. Through strong interdisciplinary networks and a commitment to scientific excellence, we aim to advance innovative research that improves maternal and child health outcomes and contribute to global efforts in promoting optimal 3 nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.

 

Director & Key Researchers

 

Director: Dr. Parvaneh Sadeghimoghadam
Deputy Director: Dr. Pantea Nazeri
Research Center Website: bfc.tums.ac.ir
Faculty Members: Faculty profiles and additional information are available on the Research Center website: bfc.tums.ac.ir

 

Selected Achievements

 

• Established one of the leading Human Milk Banks in Iran, supporting optimal nutrition for preterm and high-risk infants.
• Conducted high-impact research in breastfeeding, human milk, maternal and infant nutrition, with publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
• Contributed to national evidence generation and the development of policies and clinical recommendations related to breastfeeding and maternal–child nutrition.
• Successfully implemented multidisciplinary research projects and clinical studies in collaboration with hospitals, universities, and national health organizations.
• Promoted research capacity through the supervision of graduate students, organization of scientific 4 workshops, and participation in national and international research collaborations.

 

Why Collaborate with Us?

 

The Breastfeeding Research Center offers a unique platform for multidisciplinary research in maternal, neonatal, and child nutrition. Through close collaboration with tertiary referral hospitals, the Center provides access to diverse maternal–infant populations, including preterm and high-risk newborns. Its integrated research infrastructure—including a Human Milk Bank, NICU, and Neurodevelopment Assessment Center—supports high-quality clinical and translational research. The Center has extensive expertise in breastfeeding, human milk science, micronutrient nutrition, and evidence synthesis, and is committed to fostering international collaborations that generate impactful research and improve maternal and child health outcomes.

 

Contact Information

 

• Official Name: Breastfeeding Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)
• Postal Address: Breastfeeding Research Center, 2nd Floor, Building No. 1, Vali-Asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, End of Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran 1419733141, Iran
• Telephone: +98 21 61192357, +98 21 665913165
• Fax: +98 21 66591315
• Email: bfrc@tums.ac.ir
• Website: bfc.tums.ac.ir