Comms, Author at INFANT

New UCC Research Links Iron Deficiency in Mothers During Early Pregnancy to Lower Language and Motor Skills at Age Two

New UCC Research Links Iron Deficiency in Mothers During Early Pregnancy to Lower Language and Motor Skills at Age Two

By Comms|2025-12-17T13:13:23+00:00December 17th, 2025|

University College Cork (UCC) researchers have called for routine screening for iron deficiency in pregnant women, following new research that shows that iron deficiency in early pregnancy, even without anaemia, may be associated with lower language and motor development scores in children at two years of age.

The findings, published in The Journal of Nutrition, build on major research released last year which showed that four in five pregnant women in Ireland are iron deficient by the third trimester. This new study sheds light on how early in pregnancy this deficiency matters for a baby’s brain development and reinforces the importance of greater awareness, early screening and supporting women throughout pregnancy.

The latest findings are a result of research by the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at UCC and partners at the University of Minnesota and the Masonic Institute of the Developing Brain.

This study included 189 mother-child pairs, who participated in the IMPROvED and COMBINE cohort studies at the INFANT Research Centre, UCC.

The key findings:

Over 40% of women in the study had low iron stores by mid-pregnancy, despite being a generally healthy, low-risk group.
Babies born to mothers who were iron deficient early in pregnancy had lower iron stores at birth, indicating that maternal iron levels directly influence a baby’s iron status.
Children were assessed at two years of age, using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, a gold-standard, internationally recognised measure of child neurodevelopment.

The study found that iron deficiency in early pregnancy may be associated with lower motor and language developmental scores at age two.

Why This Matters

Iron is essential for brain development throughout pregnancy, but the critical window appears to be much earlier than previously understood.

Lead researcher Dr Elaine McCarthy, Lecturer in Nutrition at UCC’s School of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Lead Investigator at the INFANT Research Centre, explains:

“We have previously shown that iron deficiency is very common in pregnancy, even in high-resource, low-risk settings like Ireland. This new research provides an early indication of the lasting consequences of iron deficiency without anaemia in pregnancy, further emphasising the importance of adequate iron nutrition during pregnancy to protect the developing infant brain. These findings highlight the need for screening for iron deficiency in women during pregnancy, and trials to look at the benefit of targeted supplementation in women with low iron stores; not just focusing on anaemia in pregnancy.”

Prof Mairead Kiely, Professor of Human Nutrition at UCC adds:

“This data shows that without a diagnosis of anaemia, more than two in five women had low iron stores by mid-pregnancy, which was associated lower language and motor scores in childhood developmental assessments at 2 years. The widespread malnutrition of iron and other nutrients among women requires attention as malnutrition is intergenerational and has lasting effects which we are only starting to uncover now.”

Dr McCarthy also adds:

“Our aim is to support women. With the right information, dietary guidance and early screening, iron deficiency is something we can address effectively.”

New Free Guide: ‘A Guide on Iron During Pregnancy’

Following last year’s findings, the researchers at UCC and the Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate have developed a free, practical resource ‘A Guide on Iron During Pregnancy’ for expectant parents. Available to download here: https://www.infantcentre.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UCC-ISWID-A-Guide-on-Iron-During-Pregnancy-Final-PDF.pdf

It includes:

Clear information on the importance of iron in pregnancy
Practical tips for boosting iron intake
Simple, nourishing recipe ideas using accessible foods

Call for Updated Screening Practices

At present, routine screening for iron deficiency is not part of standard antenatal care in Ireland or many other countries, and there is no universally agreed definition for iron deficiency during pregnancy. The research team believes the evidence now strongly supports earlier pregnancy screening for iron deficiency, clearer diagnostic guidelines and greater awareness among healthcare providers and expectant parents.

This study sets the stage for opportunities for larger global collaborative research with the long-term goal of translating findings into policy change and clinical practice worldwide.

UCC researchers receive €6.2m to lead groundbreaking discoveries

By Comms|2026-01-26T12:50:22+00:00November 14th, 2025|

November 14^th 2025: Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, has today announced €34.5 million in funding to support 39 cutting-edge research projects.

Addressing biodiversity at Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve by combining modern mathematical methods, building computer models that better predict long-term outcomes for babies affected by birth-related oxygen loss, and the 3D printing of rechargeable batteries in any shape using sustainable materials are amongst the seven University College Cork (UCC) and Tyndall National Institute projects to receive a collective €6.2m funding under the Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme.

The Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme funds high-risk, high-reward research programmes and innovative, collaborative research with the potential to deliver economic and societal impact. This year’s Frontiers for the Future Programme was co-funded by Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today announced a total €34.5 million investment to support 39 cutting-edge research projects nationwide through the Programme.

Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: “We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years.”

Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation said: “We are immensely proud of our researchers at UCC who will lead these Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme awards. Aligning with several of our UCC Futures thematic areas, these projects will further strengthen UCC’s national and global leadership in delivering impactful research and finding innovative solutions to major scientific, societal and healthcare challenges.”

Among the new research projects totalling €6.2m that will be funded at University College Cork and Tyndall National Institute are:

School-age Outcome Prediction using radiomic imaging algorithm in Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (SOPHIE)
Funding Amount: €768,722

Leads: Professor Brian Walsh, INFANT Research Centre and Cork University Maternity Hospital and Professor Deirdre Murray, INFANT Research Centre and Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

This project will develop new computer models for the early newborn MRI, that look at both the initial injury and also how the brain will develop over time, to better predict outcomes. To do this, the researchers will perform repeat MRIs and outcome assessment at school-age and develop computer models linking the newborn and school-age information.

Adaptive dynamical network solutions to ecological restoration
Funding Amount: €1,225,836

Leads: Professor Sebastian Wieczorek and Dr. Serhiy Yanchuk, School of Mathematical Sciences.

This project addresses biodiversity loss by combining modern mathematical techniques of Network Science and Tipping Point Theory with real-world applications to specific ecological problems. The focus will be on modelling invasive species and ecological sleepers in Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve, with a view to extending the study to ecological restoration in other ecosystems in Ireland and Europe.

Unmanned marine Mapping and Monitoring to support Irelands offshore Development (DMAND)
Funding Amount: €1,221,660

Lead: Dr. Aaron Lim, Department of Geography, School of the Human Environment and Sustainability Institute

The DMAND project uses a swarm of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to map the seafloor from shallow coastal zones to deeper offshore areas (1–300 m). By developing smarter, more efficient methods for data collection and analysis, this research will help to make offshore renewable energy more affordable and environmentally responsible by revolutionising how we collect and use marine data.

Surface functionalisation of silicon devices for electrical detection of gas phase ammonia at atmospherically relevant concentrations (SUREDETECT)
Funding Amount: €809,219

Lead: Dr. Stig Hellebust, School of Chemistry.

This project will develop the science and technology to detect and quantify ammonia (an air pollutant) via new, low-cost, and mass-produced surface functionalised silicon devices. The technology has the potential to bring about a significant breakthrough in ammonia monitoring, improved control of ammonia emissions, new insights into atmospheric chemistry, enhance public awareness of air quality and enable more public engagement and citizen science.

Fully Recyclable 3D Printable Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries in Any Shape using Sustainable Resources
Funding Amount: €778,147

Lead: Professor Colm O’Dwyer, School of Chemistry.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, of rechargeable batteries can create new form-factor cells moulded to the shape of the device at design stage without compromising energy density at cell level. This project will use sustainable materials to 3D print rechargeable batteries in any shape, so they match the device design and function from the get-go, rather than the other way round. And when the batteries are no longer needed, the outer casings and inner battery materials can be completely recycled and recovered for reuse.

Tracking Recycling in Brain Cancer: The TRIBeCA Study
Funding Amount: €775,491

Lead: Dr. Andrew Lindsay, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology.

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain cancer in adults, and its incidence is rising due to an aging population. Remarkably, the survival rates for this cancer have not improved since the early 19th century. This project aims to discover new therapeutic targets by systematically analysing how a biological pathway, that we identified as being overactive in glioblastoma, contributes to the tumour’s aggressiveness.

High efficiency power conversion and delivery with light (Hilight)
Funding Amount: €584,513

Lead: Brian Corbett, Tyndall National Institute and School of Physics.

The project will develop effective ways of harvesting energy from light, creating innovative and efficient methods to transfer energy using light, resulting in new power converting devices. These will enable more efficient collection of energy from the sun and power delivery for difficult places such as high voltage environments and medical endoscopes.

The 39 Research Ireland funded initiatives span across the following 12 research institutions: Dublin City University, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Teagasc, Trinity College Dublin, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, and University of Limerick.

Neurobell’s Mark O’ Sullivan announced as “Founder of the Year” at Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-up Awards

Neurobell’s Mark O’ Sullivan announced as “Founder of the Year” at Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-up Awards

By Comms|2025-10-17T11:52:31+01:00October 17th, 2025|

Mark O’Sullivan, CEO and Co-founder of UCC and INFANT spin-out company NeuroBell was announced last night as “Founder of the Year 2025” at Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up Awards.

Founded in 2023, Neurobell aims to revolutionise seizure detection in newborns in NICUs, crucial for early intervention in brain injury cases like epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Its first product, Luna, is a pocket-sized wireless brain monitor that enables routine monitoring of babies across various hospital settings without the need for specialised expertise, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

The Enterprise Ireland Founder of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication of entrepreneurs and start-ups working to build world-class companies of the future. Five finalists were shortlisted for the 2025 Award, each nominated by their peers and actively engaged in Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founders Forum over the past year.

On receiving the award Mark O’Sullivan, CEO and Co-founder of NeuroBell said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, particularly as the nominees are selected by Founder peers. Enterprise Ireland has been with us on our start-up journey and we look forward to working them as we scale into the US and European markets. Luna allows healthcare workers in neonatal ICU’s to act quickly with the right information. Our ultimate aim is to grow the business globally, bringing Luna to all hospital settings for the benefit of critically ill infants and their families.”

Addressing the Awards ceremony, Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said: “The Founder of the Year Awards shine a spotlight on the ambition, innovation and resilience of Ireland’s start-up community. These awards are a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives high-potential start-ups to scale globally. With over 480 founders having participated in the HPSU Founders Forum to date, this initiative continues to be a powerful platform for peer learning, collaboration and growth.

Congratulating Mark O’ Sullivan on his award, Director of UCC Innovation Dr Sally Cudmore said: “Congratulations to Mark on being recognised as “Founder of the Year” by Enterprise Ireland. Mark took part in UCC’s SPRINT and IGNITE programmes to develop his spin-out idea and hone his commercial skills, and it has been fantastic to witness Mark and Neurobell go from strength to strength on their entrepreneurial journey, creating real-world impact from their expertise, research and creativity.”

Prof Geraldine Boylan, Director of INFANT Research Centre added: “We are immensely proud of Mark and his team. His journey from a PhD student at the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork to CEO of NeuroBell is a wonderful example of how world-class research and innovation can lead to real societal impact. His success is a testament to his vision and determination, and this recognition from Enterprise Ireland is richly deserved.”

Enterprise Ireland News: Mark O’Sullivan, NeuroBell announced as “Founder of the Year 2025” at Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up Awards | Enterprise Ireland
RTE News: O’Sullivan winner of EI’s Founder of the Year award

Early Clues to Autism Discovered in Newborn Cord Blood – UCC Study Finds

Early Clues to Autism Discovered in Newborn Cord Blood – UCC Study Finds

By Comms|2025-10-10T08:25:04+01:00October 12th, 2025|

Researchers at UCC’s Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and INFANT Research Centre have identified early biological signs of autism in the umbilical cord blood of newborns.
This study addresses the opportunity for blood-based biomarkers that can identify children with Autism much earlier in life opening possibilities for earlier detection and support for children and families.
Disclaimer: This was a discovery study involving a relatively small group of children followed from birth to ages 7–10 and is not an immediate diagnostic test.

A University College Cork (UCC) study has identified early biological signs of autism in the umbilical cord blood of newborns, opening up new possibilities for earlier detection and support for children and families.

The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, showed that children who were diagnosed with autism by the age of five had clear differences in their blood at birth, compared to neurotypical children.

Key Findings

Researchers at UCC’s INFANT Research Centre and Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, UCC analysed cord blood samples from the Irish BASELINE Birth Cohort and discovered:

Biological differences at birth: Newborns who were later diagnosed with autism had lower levels of certain hormones, proteins and immune-related molecules in their cord blood.
By using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the researchers built a model that could help predict which babies might later be diagnosed with autism.
A number of proteins found altered at birth were persistently changed in blood in children with autism at ages 7-10.

Addressing an Opportunity for Early Detection of Autism

Autism can be typically diagnosed between the ages of three and four years, often later, after behavioural signs emerge. This delay means children often miss a critical window for early intervention, which is shown to improve outcomes. This study addresses the opportunity for blood-based biomarkers that can identify children with autism much earlier in life.

“A major aim of our research in Autism research has been to find a molecular signature that is present before behavioural signs of autism emerge,” explained senior author Dr. Jane English, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and the INFANT Research Centre at UCC.

“Our findings confirm that the complex biological underpinnings of autism are evident in infant blood at birth. While this is not yet a clinical test, it moves us closer to a future where infants with these early molecular signatures could receive enhanced developmental surveillance, allowing supportive interventions to begin much earlier.”

About the Study

This international collaborative study followed children from birth to mid-childhood, making it one of the most comprehensive of its kind. The cohort involved mother-infant pairs from the INFANT BASELINE Birth Cohort study and involved collaborative partners from University College Dublin, Aarhus University (Denmark), and the University of Toronto (Canada). State-of-the-art proteomics and metabolomics were used to analyse thousands of small molecules in neonatal cord blood.

A nested case-control study compared cord blood from 22 children with Autism and 44 neurotypical controls. A follow-up study (PIRAMID) also analysed blood samples from 24 children with Autism and 48 controls at age 7-10 years old.

“The longitudinal nature of this study, following children from birth to mid-childhood, is its key strength,” said Ms Aisling Noone, first author of the study, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and the INFANT Research Centre at UCC.

“Observing certain protein disruptions persisting into childhood suggests we are looking at a core systemic aspect of autism biology that begins before birth.” said Ms Noone.

Potential Impact

Earlier support: Infants showing early biological signs could receive enhanced developmental surveillance.
Improved understanding: Research into the biology of autism may help improve understanding of neurodevelopmental variation.
New research directions: Pathways such as could inform future approaches to supporting autistic people.

Researchers stress this is an important discovery study, not an immediate diagnostic test. Larger studies in international cohorts are ongoing.

The research was communicated in line with AIMS-2-TRIALS guidelines to ensure respectful and acceptable language for the autism community.

Affiliations and Support

This research was led by Researchers at the INFANT Research Centre and UCC’s Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and supported from the Irish Health Research Board (HRB) through an award to Dr Jane English.

The findings from this study have been published in Molecular Psychiatry, “Longitudinal multi-omics analysis of umbilical cord blood and childhood serum in Autism” https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03157-z

UCC launches Irelands first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for University staff

UCC launches Irelands first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for University staff

By Comms|2025-10-14T07:40:50+01:00October 10th, 2025|

The first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for staff in an Irish university was on Friday by University College Cork (UCC), marking a significant step forward in workplace wellbeing and inclusion.

The policy aims to provide employees with dedicated leave, resources and support they need following a pregnancy loss under 23 weeks. It outlines the entitlements, procedures and support mechanisms in place to assist both staff who are affected by pregnancy loss, and their partners. Staff are now entitled to ten leave days per 12 month calendar year should they experience pregnancy loss.

The policy was jointly developed by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, UCC People and Culture and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit and informed by the findings of the PLACES project report (2024) which was funded by the Department of Children, Equality and Disability.

Closing a Gap in Statutory Leave

Pregnancy loss affects approximately one in every four pregnancies. Currently, Irish law provides statutory maternity and paternity leave for pregnancy loss after 23 weeks (stillbirth or neonatal death), but no statutory entitlement exists for losses before this point.

The PLACES project—Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms—highlighted the need for better supports in these circumstances. The PLACES project is informing Government policy around statutory leave provision and is led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue with colleagues across University College Cork and the University of Galway.

Research informing action

“Our mission within the Pregnancy Loss Research Group is to lead national research which is relevant, and which can influence policy and practice regarding all forms of pregnancy loss, to ultimately enhance people’s experiences and outcomes. We are proud that our own university has developed this pregnancy loss support policy, informed by findings from the PLACES project, and that it is leading the way for other higher education institutions and other organisations within Ireland, and beyond, to do similar”, stated Professor Keelin O’Donoghue.

“In UCC our research informs our thinking and our actions. This landmark policy is intended to be a much-needed support for any staff member affected by pregnancy loss and will assist them in such a difficult time. We as a UCC community must work together to continue to ensure the wellbeing of all our staff UCC is firmly committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as set out in our UCC Strategic Plan,” states Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC.

Supporting Staff and Leading Change

Research has shown that implementation supports are key to ensuring these policies are effective and UCC will be rolling out a comprehensive toolkit and training for managers to help them respond effectively and sensitively to employees affected by pregnancy loss.

“This important new policy arose following consultation with staff as part of our Athena Swan gender equality review process. We are delighted that this new policy is now in place and will provide dedicated and much needed support to colleagues who experience pregnancy loss. We hope that other universities will also adopt similar policies and benefit from our learnings here in UCC” stated Dr Avril Hutch, Director of EDI, UCC.

“This policy is part of a suite of family friendly and reproductive health policies which are offered to UCC staff. A broad range of supports are available to anyone who experiences pregnancy loss and their managers through our Staff Wellbeing and Development team. As People and Culture, we recognise the vital need to support staff and we believe this policy will greatly benefit our colleagues here in UCC” states Ashley Flaherty, Chief People and Culture Officer, UCC.

Tara Woulfe, Parent Advocate, Pregnancy Loss Research Group at the UCC INFANT Research Centre said: “The launch of a dedicated pregnancy loss support policy sends a powerful message of support and compassion to the women of UCC and their partners. It calls for an end to any stigma or silent suffering following pregnancy loss. It’s fantastic to see UCC paving the way and hopefully other universities and workplaces in Ireland will follow suit. Workplace support helps normalise conversations around pregnancy loss, which in turn helps people to feel less alone.”

Photo: Launching UCC’s Pregnancy Loss Policy are (l-r) Tara Woulfe, Parent Advocate, Pregnancy Loss Research Group at the UCC INFANT Research Centre, Dr Avril Hutch, Director of EDI at UCC, Prof. John O’Halloran, UCC President, Dr Marita Hennessy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Pregnancy Loss Research Group and Prof. Keelin O’Donoghue, INFANT Principal Investigator, Consultant Obstetrician/Senior Lecturer at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) and UCC. (Photograph by Provision)

College of Medicine and Health Research Conference

College of Medicine and Health Research Conference

By Comms|2026-01-19T14:03:54+00:00September 19th, 2025|

Dr Simon Woodworth, Lead Investigator delivering a keynote lecture on the LINDA-FAMILIA project at the College of Medicine and Health Research Conference in UCC in September 2025

UCC-led digital health project awarded almost €5m to save lives of mothers and babies in Africa

UCC-led digital health project awarded almost €5m to save lives of mothers and babies in Africa

By Comms|2026-01-19T14:05:28+00:00August 19th, 2025|

A new digital health project has been awarded €4.9 million funding to help protect mothers and children in East Africa by using smart digital tools to fight infectious diseases and save lives.

A University College Cork (UCC) led project, LINDA-FAMILIA, meaning “Protect the Family” in Swahili, has been funded under the Horizon Europe Programme to revolutionise maternal and child health in East Africa.

Led by the INFANT Research Centre at UCC, the initiative will deploy scalable, interoperable digital health systems to track infectious diseases and support health services in pregnancy, postpartum, and childhood care.

Transforming Maternal and Child Health Through Digital Innovation

LINDA-FAMILIA will implement an open source, integrated digital health information system to replace paper-based records in four priority regions: Addis Ababa – Ethiopia, Eastern Province – Rwanda, Kilimanjaro Region – Tanzania, Lango Sub-region – Uganda.

Using the free and open source DHIS2 platform, the world’s largest health information system, the project will integrate 11 World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) to create country specific eRegistries. These systems will capture individual level health data on infectious diseases and vaccinations, enabling improved clinical care, disease surveillance, and public health research, at lower cost than existing systems. DHIS2 is especially suited to the LINDA-FAMILIA project as it is designed for use in low resources settings where internet coverage is unreliable. It makes use of technology freely available in sub-Saharan Africa.

The initiative brings together 11 global partner consortiums from Ireland, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Norway and the UK and is coordinated by UCC, under the leadership of Ali Khashan, Professor in Perinatal Epidemiology, School of Public Health and INFANT Research Centre at UCC.

“This project addresses a fundamental gap in health systems: access to reliable, timely data,” said Prof. Ali Khashan, Project Lead. “By combining global scientific expertise with deep local knowledge, we’re building sustainable digital tools that not only improve health data systems but also support clinical decision-making in maternal and child health.”

Why this work matters: A Region Burdened by Preventable Deaths

While many countries, face challenges with outdated and fragmented digital health infrastructures, the LINDA-FAMILIA research team chose to focus on East Africa because of the urgent public health need and a strong regional momentum toward digital transformation.

Sub Saharan Africa continues to face disproportionately high rates of maternal and child mortality. In 2020 alone, the region accounted for 70% of maternal deaths worldwide, with infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, hepatitis B, syphilis, TB, and sepsis as leading contributors. These are preventable conditions – but health systems are hindered by fragmented, siloed, and paper-based data systems.

LINDA-FAMILIA aims to correct that by enabling real time data use for evidence-based care, empowering both healthcare providers and policy makers with the information they need to deliver timely interventions:

“We see firsthand the urgent need for stronger health data systems across East Africa. By replacing fragmented, paper-based records with a scalable and integrated digital system, we can dramatically improve how care is delivered and ultimately, save lives,” says Prof. Blandina Mmbaga, Project Scientific Coordinator and Director Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute.

Dr Simon Woodworth, the project’s Information Systems Lead said: “The LINDA-FAMILIA system is designed not only to capture reliable data but also to empower local health workers – and in turn pregnant women – with the information they need to make safer choices. By strengthening digital systems and making them accessible and relevant at community level, we are creating solutions that will remain practical and sustainable long after the project ends.”

Built on a Legacy of Innovation

The project builds on the ULTRA Project, a collaboration between UCC, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), and the Global Pregnancy Collaboration (CoLab). ULTRA successfully developed and implemented an eRegistry system in maternal and child health units across Tanzania, transforming how health data is captured and used. The ULTRA project was funded by an IRC Coalesce grant.

This work also honours the memory of the late Professor Christopher Redman (1941–2024) A great inspirer, mentor, scientist, and collaborator who made giant clinical steps forward in the field of maternal and newborn health and who contributed significantly to the early stages of this work. His inspiration and dedication live on in this project.

By building institutional capacity and ensuring integration with national health systems, the LINDA-FAMILIA project supports long-term sustainability. It aims to serve as a model for how digital health systems can contribute to universal health coverage, improved epidemic preparedness, and equitable healthcare across low-resource settings:

“This is impressive and as one of the partners we are looking forward to a successful implementation which will enable us to draw best practices for scale up,” says Dr Grace Magembe, Chief Medical Officer, Tanzania.

In the News:

https://www.corkindependent.com/2025/08/28/ucc-led-project-to-revolutionise-maternal-and-child-health-in-east-africa/
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41692419.html
https://www.cubsucc.com/news/ucc-researchers-awarded–4-9m-funding-for-digital-health-solutions-for-maternal-and-child-health-in-africa/
https://www.ucc.ie/en/med-health/news/ucc-led-digital-health-project-awarded-almost-5m-.html

ROAR for Research: Families Explore Science at Fota Wildlife Park

ROAR for Research: Families Explore Science at Fota Wildlife Park

By Comms|2025-08-14T09:54:27+01:00August 14th, 2025|

The INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC) hosted a Family Fun Science Fair on Saturday, 9th August 2025 at Fota Wildlife Park’s Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC) which welcomed over 530 visitors across the day including children with CP, their families, carers, and the general public attending Fota Wildlife Park on the day.

The event was filled with fun, discovery, creativity, and education, with a special focus on Cerebral Palsy (CP) research from the ELEVATE Research Programme.

ELEVATE, led by INFANT at UCC is a five-year research programme that aims to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of early brain injury and cerebral palsy (CP) in Ireland. CP is the most common lifelong physical disability, it is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to parts of the brain. The severity of CP and the extent of the symptoms depend on both the extent of the damage or abnormalities and where they occur in the brain.

ELEVATE has been funded under the Research Ireland Strategic Partnership Programme, with co-funding partner The Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF). INFANT, UCC is partnered with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and all the tertiary-level maternity hospitals in Ireland.

The science fair gave families the opportunity to meet researchers, connect with others in the CP community, and learn more about the work being done through the ELEVATE Programme.

A Day Where Science Meets Exploration

From the moment the doors opened at 12pm, the ECRC was buzzing with excitement. Families took part in hands-on demonstrations and inclusive interactive exhibits, including:

🧬 CP Research & Awareness Zone – Showcasing ELEVATE research studies, sharing progress to date, and looking ahead to what’s next. Visitors enjoyed bite-sized talks from project leads explaining the background to the research and an overview of the programme. They also heard a powerful perspective from a parent of a child with CP, who is an active member of INFANT’s CP-focused Parent Advisory Group (CP PAG), highlighting the importance of lived experience in shaping research to improve outcomes.

🐾 Meet the Wild Scientists – Researchers involved in ELEVATE from UCC, TCD, and RCSI chatted to families about their work. The team included project and work package leads, PhD students, nurses, neurophysiologists, data scientists, engineers, physiotherapists, research fellows, research support staff, and others!

🤖 AI & the Brain – Our neurophysiologist demonstrated brain monitoring by analysing his own brain activity live on a portable EEG machine, highlighting our work in newborn brain monitoring. Visitors also enjoyed an interactive AI game where both they and a computer guessed animals based on various clues.

👀 Vision & Eye Monitoring Activities – Interactive games illustrated different visual experiences and how they can affect daily life.

🎨 Creative Learning Activities – Arts, crafts designed for all ages and areas to unwind took place in the chill out zone!

🧪 The Bloody Detective Workshop – Mini-sessions exploring what’s in your blood, why it’s important, and how it helps doctors make key medical decisions.

🧱 Bricks 4 Kidz Workshop – Bricks 4 Kidz hosted a hands-on STEM workshop using LEGO®, Technic, and Robotics to inspire building and problem-solving skills.

We were delighted to be joined by some of our collaborators including In4kids (HRB’s national children’s clinical trial network), Cork University Foundation (sharing giving opportunities to support research at UCC), and The Cerebral Palsy Foundation (co-funder of the ELEVATE Programme).This science fair forms part of ELEVATE’s Education and Public Engagement Programme.

“Events like this let us share our research in a way that’s fun, interactive, inclusive and accessible. It’s also a way for families to see the faces behind the research and for us to hear directly from the CP community. Engaging families throughout the research process has always been integral to our work at the INFANT Research Centre, and these events shows how important it really is.”

Prof. Geraldine Boylan, INFANT UCC Director

For more information on the ELEVATE programme, visit: https://www.infantcentre.ie/research/elevate/

Photography by Joleen Cronin

In4kids Marks International Youth Day by Celebrating Young Voices in Paediatric Research

In4kids Marks International Youth Day by Celebrating Young Voices in Paediatric Research

By Comms|2025-08-14T09:50:11+01:00August 12th, 2025|

On this International Youth Day, In4kids, Ireland’s national paediatric clinical trials network, hosted at the INFANT Research Centre in University College Cork, is shining a light on the essential role that young people play in shaping the future of healthcare. Observed globally on August 12th, the day celebrates young people’s engagement as a driving force behind more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking communities—and, in the case of In4kids, more effective and patient-centred research.

A core part of this commitment is the National Young Persons’ Advisory Group (YPAG), an initiative co-developed by In4kids and the Children’s Health Ireland Clinical Research Centre (CHI-CRC), with support from the Health Research Board. The YPAG empowers young people aged 12–18 to contribute directly to the planning and design of paediatric clinical trials, research studies and healthcare innovation projects from across Ireland.

Through the YPAG, young people collaborate with clinicians and researchers to offer feedback that helps make studies more relevant, and reflective of young patients’ real-world experiences. Their insights help guide research that is not only scientifically robust but also shaped by those it aims to serve.

Elevating Young People’s Participation in Research

Since its launch in August 2024, the YPAG has grown into a vibrant and diverse group of over 30 members from all over the country. The group has met in person in Dublin and Cork and continues to hold regular online meetings, ensuring that young people from different regions and backgrounds have flexible, meaningful opportunities to engage.

YPAG members have contributed to several research projects already, in collaboration with hospitals, and academic partners nationwide. Whether reviewing study materials, advising on recruitment strategies, improving methodology or helping to shape project priorities, the group is actively improving how paediatric research is performed and implemented in Ireland and making it more relevant for children and young people.

Children must have the same access to high quality, evidence-based medication and health care services as adults

This principle lies at the heart of In4kids activities and the YPAG’s continued achievements and growth will ensure this becomes standard across the healthcare landscape. By involving young people at every stage of the research journey, In4kids alongside CHI-CRC, is building a more responsive clinical research environment where the needs and voices of children and adolescents are placed front and centre.

As we mark International Youth Day, In4kids celebrates the passion, insight, and leadership of these young contributors. Their involvement is helping to ensure that paediatric research in Ireland is more inclusive, impactful, and attuned to the needs of its youngest patients.

To learn more about the National YPAG or how to get involved, please contact in4kids@ucc.ie

Now Recruiting New Research Study: ENIGMA Study

Now Recruiting New Research Study: ENIGMA Study

By Comms|2025-08-06T08:42:45+01:00August 6th, 2025|

Overview of the ENIGMA Study

Children diagnosed with Autism often experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, low mood, and depression but it’s not clear what triggers these challenges. The ENIGMA research study aims to understand how various factors like environment, diet, stress, and activity levels affect the mental health of autistic children. By examining these factors, the researchers hope to develop strategies and alert systems to support children and their families better when triggers occur.

Aim of the study:

‘ENIGMA’ is an acronym for ‘Environmental influence on mental illness via modifications of genomes and metabolomes in adolescents with Autism’

The aim of the study is to observe the daily lives of up to 400 autistic children aged 11-15 years across Europe. This study is funded by Horizon Europe, which is the research funding body of the European Union.

Who is it for?

Adolescents clinically diagnosed with Autism.
Must be able to interact verbally.
Willingness to attend all study visits and wear a provided skin patch for 3-5 days, every month, at home for 6 months.
Access to and ability to operate a smartphone.

Exclusion Criteria

Adolescents with severe motor impairments or schizophrenia.
Complex medical conditions, as determined by the research psychologist.
Intellectual disability and not attending mainstream school.

What’s Involved:

Baseline Visit

Discussion of study overview.
Eligibility confirmation.
Obtain Consent and Assent.
Completion of baseline demographic questionnaire.
Receive download and login details for phone app.
Receive a pack with the Vivalink wearable device (the skin patch), instructional videos, phone app instructions, and urine/stool collection kit.
Instructions on what to complete before Visit 1 including questionnaires.

There will be five study visits (including the baseline visit) over a six-month period and may include:

Collection of stool and urine samples that were obtained at home (samples kits & instructions provided)
Completion of assessments using various scales and tests.
Checking physical measurements (e.g., Oral swab/blood pressure/height/weight).
Checking multiple questionnaires were completed by parents/guardians (72 hrs prior to visits)

What will happen to the results of this study?

Results of this research study may be published in medical journals and presented at scientific meetings. Following completion of the study the anonymised data collected will be made available to researchers in an open access repository to aid future research work. However, your child will never be identified individually during these presentations/in this repository and will not be revealed in any reports or publications.

Where can I get more information?

If you have any further questions regarding this study, please contact the ENIGMA Research Team at ENIGMA@ucc.ie or (086) 143-6020

Conclusion

The study aims to deepen the researchers understanding of the factors influencing the mental health of autistic children. By involving families, conducting assessments and completing questionnaires, the study seeks to develop effective support systems for these children in the future.

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