JUST PARENT is a European Union-funded research project focused on the legal protection of social parenthood and the recognition of family relationships across national borders. Coordinated through academic teams from the Universities of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Milano-Bicocca, Granada, and partner institutions, the project examines how laws respond to changing family forms and developments in reproductive technology.

Its research considers intentional and de facto parenting, including families formed through same-sex adoption, medically assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and posthumous reproduction. JUST PARENT addresses differences between national legal systems and the obstacles these can create for recognizing parent-child relationships and civil status across countries. Its goal is to build a foundation for greater legal harmonization while safeguarding children’s best interests and the effective circulation of family status.

The project shares its work through academic publications, news, events, multimedia, a podcast, a MOOC, workshops, and a moot court. Its website also provides a handbook and information about the research team, conferences, and project activities.