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INFANT’s Annual Study Day 2025 – The Highlights

INFANT’s Annual Study Day 2025 – The Highlights

By Comms|2026-02-11T09:12:22+00:00December 18th, 2025|

The INFANT Research Centre at UCC welcomed over 100 guests to its annual INFANT Study Day, which was held in the Aula Maxima on UCC’s campus – now home to portraits of 11 trailblazing women from, or with links to, the Munster region. The Study Day welcomed members of the INFANT multidisciplinary team from across a wide range of disciplines, including Neonatology, Public Health, Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nutrition, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Physiology, AI, Pharmacology, Psychology and Health Information Systems (&more). We also welcomed colleagues from across UCC central services, and INFANT’s Strategic Advisory Board who support all the work we do, as well as those interested in learning more about INFANT’s research.

It was a full-day event, showcasing ongoing research at all stages, highlighting what lies ahead, and providing insight into the vision for UCC Futures Children. The day also showcased our students who presented posters on the day.

Professor Geraldine Boylan, Director of the INFANT Research Centre and UCC Futures Children, opened the Study Day with a welcome address and a recap of the highlights for 2025. She spoke about the Centre’s progress over the past 12 months in terms of funding, team expansion, support from central services, ongoing research studies, international conferences, spin-out updates, publications, awards, and what is coming up on the horizon. She also noted that INFANT is featured in UCC’s 180 Years exhibition in the Boole Library. We are proud to be part of UCC’s history, which has been a driving force in research and innovation, transforming lives through bold thinking and real-world solutions.

This was followed by a presentation from INFANT’s Communications and Public Engagement Manager, Michelle Dorgan, on Engaged Research Programme at INFANT including Communications, Education and Public Engagement (EPE) and Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) activities. She emphasised the importance of incorporating meaningful engagement from study design through to dissemination, ensuring research remains relevant, inclusive and informed by those it supports. She also showcased the media highlights and reflected on a busy year of public engagement, including science fairs, school visits, and the updates of the work that colleagues in In4Kids/CHI do with the Young Person Advisory Group.

We had some fantastic speakers lined up throughout the day, in the morning session, which chaired by Prof Boylan included:

The Future of Paediatrics in Cork

Professor Colin Hawkes, INFANT PI, Clinical Director, Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, and Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, UCC, delivered “The Future of Paediatrics in Cork.” His talk provided insights into the evolving landscape of paediatric services in the region, including planned developments such as the new Children’s Hospital in Cork and what these changes mean for care delivery in the coming years.

From Evidence to Action: Making Research Matter

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, INFANT PI, Lead of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG), Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UCC, and Consultant Obstetrician, CUMH, showcased the pioneering work of the PLRG, which is continually dedicated to translating research into practice. She highlighted how involving key stakeholders throughout the research process has helped inform national policy, toolkits and clinical guidelines, improving outcomes and influencing change at a national level.

Translating Research into Clinical Trials

We were delighted to welcome former Fulbright Scholar Professor A. Reghan Foley back to UCC. She presented “Translating Promising Therapeutic Approaches to Clinical Trials in the Congenital Muscular Dystrophies and the Role of Disease-Specific Biomarker Signatures.” Professor Foley is an Adjunct Professor at the UCC School of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health, and Senior Research Physician in the Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section at the National Institutes of Health.

There were multiple opportunities throughout the day to view student posters and learn about their ongoing research.

The mid-morning session was chaired by INFANT PI Prof Mairead Kiely and included:

Predicting Infant Neurodevelopmental Vulnerability; A Precision Perinatal and Multi-Omics Framework

Dr Jane A. English, INFANT PI, Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator, Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, UCC, discussed her recent research findings, which address the potential for blood-based biomarkers to identify children with autism much earlier in life, opening possibilities for earlier detection and support for children and families. She also spoke about the ongoing review of larger international datasets to demonstrate how precision perinatal approaches can support early identification of neurodevelopmental vulnerability.

The ELEVATE Programme: step by step to improve outcome in Cerebral Palsy

Professor Deirdre Murray, INFANT PI, Professor of Paediatrics and Chair of Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, UCC, provided an in-depth overview of the ELEVATE Programme. She outlined progress to date, ongoing studies, the key impact of PPI involvement and future plans which are aimed at improving outcomes for children with CP, their families and caregivers.

From Computer to Cot Side: Lessons Learned

In “From Computer to Cot Side: Lessons Learned,” Professor Liam Marnane, INFANT PI and Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, UCC, reflected on the evolution of engineering over the last two decades. He shared key lessons from his career, noting that one of the key metrics he values most is the students he has worked with along the way, the contributions they made during their time at UCC, and the impact they are now making in senior roles across the globe.

INFANT Director Professor Boylan took a moment to recognise Professor Marnane’s contribution to INFANT and UCC and how he has transformed the Centre’s ability to utilise technology, AI and machine learning to support decision making and data driven research. In recognition of this, Professor Marnane was presented with an award, “In Recognition of Your Outstanding Contribution to Maternal and Child Health Research in UCC,” by UCC’s Vice President for Research & Innovation, Professor John Cryan.

Securing the Future of Children Through Research Excellence

The afternoon session, chaired by INFANT PI Professor Eugene Dempsey, welcomed a guest speaker, Professor John Cryan, Vice President for Research & Innovation at University College Cork. He delivered “UCC Futures – Securing the Future of Children Through Research Excellence,” outlining the strategic direction of UCC Futures, particularly UCC Futures Children, and the important role the INFANT Research Centre plays in laying the foundation for this prioritised research area.

Translational Innovation Case Study

The Study Day concluded with a very insightful talk from Dr Ann-Marie Brennan, Clinical Specialist Neonatal Dietitian, CUMH, and Co-Investigator at the INFANT Research Centre. She presented “From Concept to Cotside: PremSmart as a Translational Innovation Case Study,” highlighting the success of PremSmart, the National Model of Care for Preterm Standardised Parenteral Nutrition, which is now implemented in 95% of services nationwide, and discussed opportunities to further scale this innovation.

The INFANT Study Day is an important opportunity to bring the team together to learn from one another, showcase ongoing research, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. It provides a valuable space to offer support, create networking opportunities and importantly, to recognise and thank all of the team whose collective expertise and commitment continue to drive innovation in maternal and child health research at UCC.

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.

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.

INFANT, UCC Researcher Amongst New Fulbright Awardees

INFANT, UCC Researcher Amongst New Fulbright Awardees

By Comms|2025-08-06T08:55:18+01:00July 25th, 2025|

Friday, 25^th July, 2025: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the Embassy of the United States of America in Dublin are pleased to announce 18 Fulbright Irish Awardees for 2025-2026. Recipients were presented with Awards at a ceremony in the U.S. Embassy last night.

Founded in 1946, the Fulbright bilateral exchange programme has served to strengthen international relations by facilitating academic and cultural exchanges globally for over 79 years. The Fulbright Program in Ireland has awarded grants to more than 2,500 Irish and American citizens since 1957, contributing to enduring Ireland-U.S. relations and a global culture of understanding.

Fulbright alumni include 44 current or former heads of state, 62 Nobel Laureates, 90 Pulitzer Prize-winners, and 82 MacArthur Foundation Fellows. Each year, talented and remarkable candidates from across Ireland are selected to research, study and teach with leading experts at top institutions across the U.S. in disciplines ranging from business, law, health and technology to culture, heritage, the arts, and the Irish language.

From August 2025 to August 2026, Fulbright Irish Scholars, Students and Professionals will attend institutions ranging from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Kansas to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Maxine Greene Institute, and the University of Colorado Boulder. Awardees will research, innovate and collaborate across a diverse range of fields including multimedia arts, philosophy, medicine, agriculture, education, art history, AI technology in medicine, AI technology in education, visual arts, and health.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) will teach the Irish language and attend Irish language Immersion weekends at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Our Lady of the Elms, University of Montana, and the University of Notre Dame.

Awardees serve as cultural ambassadors during their time in the U.S. and share their knowledge, ideas and experience upon their return, creating lasting impacts for society. Fulbright awardees, inspired by the mission, ethos and legacy of the Fulbright Program of creating a global culture of mutual understanding, continue the important work of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Ireland and advancing much needed empathy in today’s increasingly divided world.

The Fulbright Irish Awards will open on 28^th August 2025. Interested candidates should visit www.fulbright.ie for more information.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S. Walsh, said…

“The Fulbright Program plays a crucial role in strengthening ties between the United States and Ireland. Through educational and cultural exchanges, Fulbright awardees work toward fostering mutual understanding and finding solutions to global issues, ensuring that our extraordinary transatlantic relationship continues to flourish. I congratulate this year’s awardees on their success.”

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris T.D., said…

“I warmly congratulate the Fulbright Irish Awardees for 2025-2026. The Fulbright Program – spanning 14 presidential administrations – has been an important initiative in sustaining the unique and special relationship that Ireland and the United States share. At the dawn of the age of artificial intelligence, there is still no substitution for the personal engagement, which sustains our deep and rich people-to-people connections. As such, Fulbright Awardees serve as cultural ambassadors for Ireland in the United States, sharing their knowledge, expertise and learnings upon return. I am proud that my Government has supported Fulbright to maintain and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Ireland and build on our transatlantic academic and cultural connections. I want to wish the Fulbright Irish Awardees 2025-2026 every success as they embark on this exciting journey.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Chair of the Fulbright Commission Ireland Board, Professor Paul Donnelly, said…

“On behalf of the Fulbright Commission Ireland Board, I am delighted to congratulate the 18 Fulbright Irish Awardees on their success. At a time of global change and uncertainty, the mission, values and legacy of the Fulbright Program of leadership, empathy, understanding, and collaboration endure, embodied by a new cohort of excellent Fulbright awardees embarking on academic and cultural exchanges in the United States. We take pride in their achievement and wish the awardees a rich and rewarding experience.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, Dr Dara FitzGerald, said…

“As Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, it is gratifying to see a new cohort of thriving Fulbright Irish Awardees embark on Fulbright awards to the United States. Awardees join a growing global network of Fulbright alumni, friends and colleagues who have achieved accolades across all disciplines. While the Fulbright Program is synonymous with cutting edge research, innovation, teaching and academic excellence, it is equally known for its important role in strengthening international relations and fostering mutual understanding through cultural exchange. As Senator J. Fulbright said, ‘The Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs.’

I would like to highlight the ongoing and sterling support of our partners, the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.

We are deeply grateful to our Irish award sponsors and partners: Research Ireland, the Health Research Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, Geological Survey Ireland, National University of Ireland, Teagasc, the Creative Ireland Programme, the Heritage Council and notable U.S. Institutions such as the Exploratorium, the Smithsonian, the Harry Ransom Center, Florida Polytechnic University, the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School; and Irish institutions such as University College Cork, Technological University of the Shannon, Technological University of Dublin, AMBER Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin City University, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Maynooth University, University of Limerick and the Kemmy Business School, Atlantic Technological University, and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies.”

There is 1 Fulbright UCC Awardee this year – from INFANT Research Centre:

Dr Lisa Kiely MD is a Dermatology Specialist Registrar and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellow at the INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork. She holds an honours BSc in Physiology from the University of Galway, a postgraduate medical degree from the University of Limerick, and a Master’s in Clinical Education from Queen’s University Belfast. Currently pursuing a PhD, her research focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to improve detection and monitoring of disease activity in morphea, a rare inflammatory skin condition. Her work aims to improve how this condition is monitored and managed in clinical practice. As a Fulbright Irish Student Awardee, Lisa will travel to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she will collaborate with Professor Heidi Jacobe, a global leader in morphea research. Lisa is excited at the opportunity to foster long-term transatlantic collaboration in morphea research.

🌍 World Brain Day 2025 🧠

By Comms|2025-07-24T12:31:27+01:00July 22nd, 2025|

Today, on World Brain Day, we’re proud to shine a light on the work we do at the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC).

The theme for World Brain Day 2025 is “Brain Health for All Ages,” continuing global efforts to promote brain health as a lifelong priority.

The day aims to raise awareness about brain health and promote neurological research. Established by the World Federation of Neurology, World Brain Day highlights the importance of brain health and the ongoing need for research, education, and innovation to combat neurological disorders. It also serves as an inspiration for young minds to explore the complexities of the human brain and contribute to advancements in neuroscience.

The INFANT Research Centre is a hub of world-leading research and innovation, dedicated to improving outcomes during pregnancy, the newborn period, and early childhood.

A core focus of our research is the newborn brain, understanding it, protecting it, and ensuring the best possible start for every child.

We have achieved a number of milestones in Brain Health over the years and continue to do so, here are some of the highlights:

Developed innovative technologies to detect brain injuries in newborns.
Translated our innovative research into spin-out companies focusing on newborn brain health, including Cergenx and NeuroBell and continue to develop new technologies.
Collaborated on international studies, including the Baby BRAiN Project, which aimed to improve our understanding of newborn brain injury in Uganda and examined the impacts of events around the time of birth on both the baby’s brain and the child’s longer-term outcomes.

INFANT conducts a number of research projects prioritising newborn brain health, one particular project is called ELEVATE, a five-year research programme which is focused on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of brain injury and cerebral palsy in infants, particularly during the critical window of neuroplasticity (up to 2 years of age). INFANT is leading this programme in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin(TCD), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Ireland’s tertiary-level maternity hospitals. It’s funded under a Strategic Partnership Programme by Research Ireland and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF).

ELEVATE aims to establish Ireland as a world-leading hub for CP research and innovation.

Together, we are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary collaboration to transform the landscape of CP research and care.

The goal: to improve outcomes and quality of life for children with CP, their families and carers in Ireland and globally.

➡️ Learn more about the programme: https://www.infantcentre.ie/research/elevate/

➡️ Read an Interview with Prof Deirdre Murray, the CPF Chair of Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy: (10) Cerebral Palsy Foundation Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy: Professor Deirdre Murray, One Year On – 6th Oct 2024 | LinkedIn

💡 Why It Matters

This World Brain Day, we recognise our incredible researchers, clinicians, and collaborators who are working every day to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.

Through science, innovation, and collaboration, we continue to advance the field of brain health, starting at the very beginning.

60% of Pregnant Women in Irish Study Show Signs of Iodine Deficiency, UCC Research Finds

60% of Pregnant Women in Irish Study Show Signs of Iodine Deficiency, UCC Research Finds

By Comms|2025-06-30T16:14:56+01:00June 30th, 2025|

60% of pregnant women in a study group in Ireland show signs of iodine deficiency, according to new UCC research.
Iodine is essential for baby brain development, and requirements increase by 50% during pregnancy but can’t be produced by our bodies.
Even some women who reported taking pregnancy supplements were affected, indicating a potential opportunity to enhance awareness and adherence to existing recommendations for iodine during pregnancy.
Ireland does not have national iodine supplementation, salt iodisation or iodine food fortification policies, prompting calls for review.

A new study by researchers at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland found that 60% of pregnant women had suboptimal iodine status, highlighting a need for increased nutritional awareness to support maternal and child health.

Published recently in the European Journal of Nutrition, the IMPROvED study evaluated iodine levels in over 1,500 women who were pregnant with their first baby at Cork University Maternity Hospital. The research was led by Dr Áine Hennessy from the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) and the Cork Centre for Vitamin D & Nutrition Research at the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences.

Key Findings:

60% of participants had insufficient iodine intake.
The average urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 125µg/L, below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended level of 150µg/L for pregnancy.
Women who were younger, had a higher BMI, lower education levels, or were not taking iodine containing supplements were more likely to be deficient.
Seasonal variation played a role, with lower iodine levels during the summer months.
This study highlights the first large scale assessment of iodine status in pregnant women in Ireland.

Why This Matters

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, which supports a baby’s brain development during pregnancy. A woman’s iodine requirement increases by 50% during pregnancy, making adequate intake from our diet essential. Our bodies cannot make iodine, so we must get it from our diet. Deficiency can lead to adverse outcomes, including impaired neurodevelopment in children.

“Iodine deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, there is little public awareness of the important role that iodine plays in brain development during pregnancy” said Dr Áine Hennessy, lead researcher.

“Our findings are particularly concerning as most women in the study were considered healthy and low risk and two thirds reported taking pregnancy supplements containing iodine. This suggests that additional public health measures may need to be addressed”

Public Health Implications

Ireland does not currently have a policy for salt iodisation or iodine food fortification. While National Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend prioritising iodine intake from foods, and supplement use where intake from food is not adequate, the level of awareness of the importance of iodine during pregnancy is low. This research reveals a need for policy review and nutrition education for women of childbearing age.

Dr Hennessy advises: “Women planning a pregnancy should ensure adequate iodine intake through diet – including two or more servings of milk or yoghurt daily and eating white fish once a week is recommended by the HSE. For those following vegan or predominantly plant-based diets, it’s important to choose iodine fortified alternatives. We do not recommend kelp or seaweed supplements, as they can contain very high levels of iodine that can cause issues for the thyroid”

This study was a secondary analysis of the IMPROvED Study, funded by a Science Foundation Ireland (Research Ireland) Starting Investigator Research Grant to lead investigator, Dr Áine Hennessy.

These findings serve as an important first step in informing and guiding public health nutrition policies.

ENDS.

Notes to the Editor:

The IMPROvED study recruited 1,509 women who were pregnant with their first baby at Cork University Maternity Hospital. The women answered health questionnaires and provided urine samples, which were later measured for urinary iodine concentration (UIC).
The findings from this study have been published in the European Journal of Nutrition
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-025-03692-z

About INFANT Research Centre, UCC

The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), hosted at University College Cork, is the hub of world-leading research and innovation, working to provide better outcomes in pregnancy, birth and early childhood.

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