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Dr. Thomas Jansson Honored with March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award

On January 15, 2026, March of Dimes, a leading organization in maternal and infant health research, proudly announced that Dr. Thomas Jansson has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Agnes Higgins Award for his remarkable contributions to maternal-fetal nutrition and placental research. This prestigious recognition highlights Dr. Jansson's work, which has fundamentally transformed the understanding of placental function and its critical role in fetal growth and development. The award ceremony is slated for April 25, taking place at the annual Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meeting in Boston.

Dr. Jansson, currently the Vice President of Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado and head of the Division of Reproductive Sciences, has defined the placenta as the primary regulator of fetal growth. His extensive research has illuminated the placenta's role as a signaling center that reacts to maternal nutritional status and metabolism, orchestrating the complex process of fetal development. This pivotal research has not only reshaped the understanding of maternal-fetal biology but has also illustrated how these factors affect short-term outcomes for infants and their long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health.

At the core of Dr. Jansson's scientific achievements is a protein signaling hub known as mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin). This pivotal element resides in all human cells, including placental cells. His persistent inquiries have established that placental mTOR serves as a crucial regulator of fetal growth, responding dynamically to maternal health signals. This hub integrates various information such as dietary nutrients, hormones, oxygen supply, and blood flow, adjusting its activity to maintain homeostasis based on maternal conditions.

One of Dr. Jansson's groundbreaking findings revealed that active placental mTOR leads to fetal overgrowth, while its inhibition results in restricted fetal growth. Moreover, maintaining mTOR activity at proper levels correlates with optimal birth weight. These insights are crucial, as both insufficient and excessive fetal growth are associated with pregnancy complications and increased risks of developing diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases later in life.

Dr. Emre Seli, Chief Scientific Advisor at March of Dimes, expressed, "Dr. Jansson's lifelong work is transformative and translational, advancing knowledge of the complexities of fetal growth and inspiring several mTOR-related therapies currently in development, including genetic interventions aimed at placing at-risk babies on a better trajectory." His contributions have cemented him as an undeniable pioneer in the fields of placental science and fetal growth.

Challenging long-held assumptions, Dr. Jansson's research debunks the belief that the fetus independently regulates nutrient transfer through the placenta. Instead, he posits that the placenta is the key regulatory organ dictating fetal growth based on maternal health. For instance, during maternal starvation—when nutrients and oxygen are scarce—the placental mTOR inhibits the transport of these essential resources to the fetus. This evolutionary adaptation is vital for the fetus's survival. In contrast, when placental mTOR detects an overabundance of nutrients, especially in cases of maternal obesity or gestational diabetes, it triggers mechanisms that can lead to excessive fetal growth.

In his 2017 research, Dr. Jansson identified folate as a critical nutrient influencing placental mTOR, providing insights into why low folate intake is linked with restricted fetal growth. Additionally, he discovered that adiponectin—a hormone released from maternal fat—acts as a significant messenger for placental mTOR concerning maternal nutrition and metabolism. This hormone increases in undernourished mothers but decreases in those dealing with gestational diabetes or obesity. His influential studies using animal models demonstrated that supplementing adiponectin in obese mothers could normalize mTOR signaling, promote proper fetal growth, and prevent obesity and insulin resistance in adult offspring.

Recently, Dr. Jansson has made groundbreaking discoveries regarding placental proteins secreted into the fetal circulation. Identified in the blood of early premature infants, these proteins are crucial for organ development, particularly in the lungs and brain, although they vanish shortly after birth. Preliminary research in relevant model organisms indicates that these proteins may save the lives of premature newborns, setting the stage for future studies aimed at validation and potential use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

"The placenta is a complex, powerful, and fascinating organ that holds the keys to prenatal, maternal, fetal, and adult health. Unraveling its role in fetal growth and development has been tremendously rewarding," Dr. Jansson stated. "Being recognized for this work by the March of Dimes is a true honor, shining a spotlight on the intersection of maternal nutrition, placental function, and fetal health, and igniting new studies by peers worldwide, ultimately leading to the development of supplements, therapies, and dietary protocols that aim to pave a healthier path for more babies."

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes has been at the forefront of advocating for the health of mothers and babies since 1938. The organization supports research, education, advocacy, and provides programs and services to ensure every family gets the best possible start. For further information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find them on Facebook and follow them with #marchofdimes and @marchofdimes.