Mijna Hadders-Algra is Professor of Developmental Neurology at the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen. Her main lines of research are (1) the early detection of developmental disabilities (cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, minor neurological dysfunction, learning and behavioural problems), and (2) paediatric neuromotor habilitation (early intervention in children with neurological developmental disabilities). In the latter line she advocates a dual approach consisting of the unravelling of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying developmental disorders, on the basis of which (physiotherapeutical) treatment programmes are developed and evaluated. Dr Hadders-Algra is an internationally recognised expert in the field of child development and childhood disability. She has published more than 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals, is regularly invited to present at international meetings, and is or has been a member of the board of the European Academy of Childhood Disability, the Committee of Research and Awards of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and the Working Group on Variability and Uncertainty in Toxicology of the British Government. Dr Hadders-Algra co-edited Postural Control: A Key Issue In Developmental Disorders (Clinics in Developmental Medicine no. 179), also published by Mac Keith Press.