Newborn screening programmes (NBS) play a vital role in improving health by enabling the early diagnosis and treatment of inherited conditions. With over 60 years of history, NBS is widely regarded as one of the most successful forms of secondary prevention. However, understanding its long‑term impact remains complex. In the talk, Professor Ulrike Mütze explores how registry‑based observational studies help reveal the real‑world benefits and challenges of newborn screening, shedding light on long‑term outcomes, clinical decision‑making, and how evidence gathered over time can inform and improve future screening strategies.