Background and objectivesThe United Nations Population Fund estimates that 303,000 women died in 2015 due to causes related to pregnancy or childbirth; overall maternal and perinatal conditions contributed the seventh highest burden of disease globally. While improvements in maternal and newborn health have been achieved in the past two decades, clearly more needs to be done.The migration crisis shows no sign of abating in Europe or elsewhere, and this crisis hides another tragedy of unattended births in unsanitary conditions, limited or no access to medications or treatments for birthing complications, and a lack of follow-up after giving birth. There is a need to strengthen basic services, ensuring quality health services for pregnant women. The recent Valletta summit conclusions highlight the commitment of the European and African Heads of State and Government to this effect. Such actions will rekindle hope also for the youth.On 8 December 2015, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation organises a conference on "Together for the next generation: Research and innovation for maternal and newborn health". The event aims to assess the actions taken under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and to discuss the role that research and innovation can play in the field of maternal and newborn health under the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).At the end of the conference, participants will have a better understanding of some of the key research priorities in maternal and newborn health for the coming years. Participants will also have gained insight in some of the main innovations that are needed in research, in order to ensure that results better inform policy.The conference will take place in Square Meeting Centre, BrusselsWho should attend?We welcome participation from a wide array of stakeholders including: researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, research funders, advocates, and NGOs active in low- and middle-income countries.