Shaping the research agenda of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition: The proposal from a SIGENP expert groups

: The Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) recognized the need to define research priorities and identify knowledge gaps to guide future investigations in pediatric digestive health. Following international examples, SIGENP aimed to provide a structured framework that aligns scientific innovation with clinical relevance and patient-centered outcomes. This narrative review represents the consensus output of SIGENP's thematic working groups (WGs) in key fields-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Hepatology, Nutrition and Intestinal Failure, Functional and Motility Disorders, and Allergy and Immunity. Each WG conducted a focused review of recent literature, national activities, and registry data, identifying unmet needs and defining strategic objectives. Draft reports were refined through plenary discussions and finalized by consensus during dedicated SIGENP meetings. Across all areas, shared priorities emerged: advancing precision and personalized medicine, integrating multi-omics and digital tools, and promoting pediatric-specific evidence through multicenter collaboration and harmonized registries. Disease-specific gaps include early diagnosis and biomarker discovery in IBD and liver disease, standardization of pediatric endoscopy and motility diagnostics, optimization of nutritional interventions and intestinal failure management, and the exploration of organoid and immune models in celiac disease and food allergy. This review outlines a comprehensive research agenda in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition developed through a structured SIGENP expert process. It provides a strategic framework to guide future research initiatives, foster collaboration, and ultimately improve outcomes for children with gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders.