Creating impact

INFANT is transforming care for mothers and babies through world-leading research and innovation. From AI that helps doctors detect newborn seizures in real time, to earlier identification of pregnancy risk before symptoms appear, our work is improving outcomes when every moment matters.

Explore our impact stories

AI powered neonatal seizure detection

Newborn seizures are often invisible to the naked eye but can be devastating if missed. INFANT researchers developed an AI-powered system that continuously analyses a baby’s brain activity and alerts clinicians the moment a seizure occurs. By translating complex electroencephalogram (EEG) data into an immediate bedside alarm, the technology enables faster treatment, earlier intervention, and better protection for vulnerable newborn brains when every minute matters.

Predictive screening tests for pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia affects one in twenty first-time pregnancies and remains a leading cause of illness and death for mothers and babies. INFANT researchers identified a set of metabolic biomarkers that can predict a woman’s risk of developing the condition before symptoms appear. This breakthrough allows for earlier monitoring and intervention, helping clinicians manage risk more effectively and supporting safer pregnancies, improved outcomes, and greater reassurance for expectant mothers and their families.

Biomarkers to detect brain injury

Early detection is critical in newborn brain injury, where delays can have lifelong consequences. INFANT researchers identified blood biomarkers that can help detect hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy sooner, even before clear clinical signs appear. This discovery supports earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved outcomes for vulnerable newborns, giving clinicians valuable time to intervene and offering families greater hope during a critical and uncertain period.

New therapy for peanut allergy

Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy and a leading cause of fatal allergic reactions to food. Clinical trials, co-led by an INFANT principal investigator and supported by the Clinical Research Facility in Cork, show that a new oral therapy can significantly reduce peanut sensitivity. This treatment could lower the risk of severe reactions, ease anxiety, and bring reassurance to children and families living with this life-threatening condition, helping them feel safer every day.

Caring through loss

An INFANT principal investigator led the development of the HSE National Standards for Bereavement Care Following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death. These standards support maternity services across Ireland to provide consistent, compassionate care for parents experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, helping ensure that families are treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Tara Lee’s Story

Tara Lee Harte is one of many children whose lives have been positively impacted by our AI-powered seizure detection algorithm. Born after a difficult delivery, Tara Lee was critically ill and at high risk of undetected seizures, which in newborns often show no visible signs but can cause lasting brain injury if left untreated. Using continuous EEG analysis, the ANSeR system detected her seizures early, enabling timely clinical intervention when specialist expertise was not always immediately available. Today, Tara Lee has made a full recovery and is thriving, demonstrating how advanced algorithms developed through interdisciplinary research can translate into real-world improvements in neonatal care.

Learn about our Seizure Detection Algorithm