Pregnant women and young babies are being urged to participate in the World Health Organization's Global Scales for Early Development project.
It is the world's first development standard for children under the age of three, a key period for brain development.
Dr Ye Weiping (second left) from Putuo District Maternity and Infant Hospital checks on a pregnant woman.
Shanghai Children's Hospital and Putuo District Maternity and Infant Hospital are the city's two participating medical facilities in the research initiative. The research involves 12 countries in all.
Doctors have indicated that all children under 41 months, including expatriates, are welcome to participate.
If the babies participate, they will have four rounds of evaluation and tests. The babies will receive regular physical examinations and screenings, as well as advice on sleep and nutrition from professionals.
Pregnant women who plan to give birth at the Putuo Maternity Hospital can also participate, according to the hospital. Shanghai has implemented numerous efforts to improve pre-pregnancy care and provide pregnant women with individualized services.
In Putuo District, the maternity hospital is collaborating with 12 community health clinics and five maternity facilities to provide a full-service network, offering assistance to high-risk pregnant women and achieving a 100 percent rescue rate.