News2021-11-05T07:56:36+00:00

INFANT Centre News

International Women’s Day 2024

Today, 8th March 2024 is International Women’s Day, a day where we celebrate the achievements of our female research team at INFANT. All of whom play a key role in transforming the future of maternal and child healthcare. Led by Director Professor Geraldine Boylan, and hosted at University College Cork, INFANT is the hub of world-leading research and innovation, working to provide better outcomes in pregnancy, birth and early childhood. Since 2013, INFANT has established a national and international reputation for leadership in their research domains and have a strong track record of clinical innovation with year-on-year growth of active research projects, spinouts, and funding. The team comprises of a strong diverse multidisciplinary team of over 110+ staff and students including PIs, clinicians, physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists, psychologists, research scientists and engineers and administrators. Here is a glimpse into some of our female research team leading the way in maternal and child health research at INFANT; INFANT, Director Prof Geraldine Boylan Geraldine is Professor of Neonatal Physiology, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University College Cork, Ireland and Director of the INFANT Research Centre. She leads the Neonatal Brain Research Group at the INFANT centre - a multidisciplinary research team focused on neuromonitoring for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, particularly for seizure detection and the early diagnosis of brain injury. Principal Investigator (PI) Prof Keelin [...]

By |March 8th, 2024|Categories: News|0 Comments

We Are Hiring! Research Support Officer (in4kids Network Manager) INFANT Research Centre

The INFANT Research Centre is now accepting applications for a Research Support Officer – in4kids Network Manager. In4kids is a national paediatric clinical research network funded by Health Research Board (HRB). In4kids is a key component of, and the National Hub for, the Conect4children network.  Conect4children, (collaborative network for European clinical trials for children - c4c) is a pan-European network that aims to build capacity for the management of multinational paediatric clinical trials across Europe whilst ensuring the voices of children, young people and their families are heard. The In4kids Network Manager will be responsible for the management of the Network across Ireland, including supporting the Executive Management Committee Function and liaising with collaborators. The network manager will assess feasibility study queries and enable an international platform for Irish research that supports a range of studies, investigator led and industry, that will benefit children in Ireland. Supporting the In4kids and c4c Network communication platforms also forms part of this role. The Network manager is responsible for day-to-day coordination of the network, study contracts, reporting and network budget management and also has responsibility for growing the Network Membership. The Network Manager role will focus on network sustainability by enhancing the reputation of Ireland as an ideal location to do paediatric clinical trials. This will be achieved by collaborating with international networks to leverage funding and develop [...]

By |February 20th, 2024|Categories: Job Advertisements, News|0 Comments

Report published by Government recommends statutory right to paid leave for pregnancy loss under 24 weeks

A report commissioned by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), and authored by researchers at University College Cork and the University of Galway, has recommended that a statutory right to paid leave should be introduced for pre-viability pregnancy loss – regardless of the gestational stage or the reason for the loss. As part of the PLACES (Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms) project, researchers surveyed almost 1,000 people and interviewed 13 people who had experienced a pregnancy loss under 24 weeks. The report also draws on a review of international literature, statutory leave provisions for pregnancy loss, and pregnancy loss policies across a sample of companies in the Republic of Ireland. Pregnancy loss affects approximately one in every four pregnancies, most often before 12 completed weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy loss at any gestation can have physical impacts on the pregnant woman, and emotional and social impacts on the woman and her partner. Of those who took part in the survey, 85% found it difficult to return to work, 95% said they would take paid pregnancy loss leave if it was available, and 85% would take it if certification necessary. A need for statutory, protected, paid leave was expressed by most participants, as well as other workplaces supports such as policies and guidance, training for management and staff, and flexible working arrangements. In addition: [...]

By |February 14th, 2024|Categories: News|0 Comments

Participants Needed For New Research Study: Women’s Experiences and Perception of Pregnancy and/or Birth Complication

The Women’s Experiences and Perception of Pregnancy and/or Birth Complication research study has been launched to help understand how pregnancy and/or birth complications affect mental health and what supports women in Ireland need. Researchers at INFANT, UCC are looking for women who have experienced a pregnancy or birth complication in the last 5 years to take part in the study. What is the Study?  This study is called 'Women’s experiences and perceptions of pregnancy and/or birth complications'. The team of researchers want to understand how pregnancy and/or birth complications affect mental health and also want to know what supports women in Ireland need. The project is supervised by supervisors from University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, and INFANT Research Centre. Who is it for?  Women living in Ireland aged 18 years and older who has experienced pregnancy and/or birth complications at least 12 months ago but within the last 5 years. Why is this study being done? To guide the development of better support for women who experience complications during pregnancy and birth. What are the benefits and risks of participating in this study? By participating in this study you are contributing to important research on pregnancy and birth complications. The aim is that the results from this study will help to improve the quality of service received by women who experience pregnancy and birth [...]

By |February 9th, 2024|Categories: News|0 Comments

Cognitive impairment in preterm infants can be predicted at discharge, INFANT research shows

Researchers develop new prediction tool to identify cognitive impairment Impaired cognition among preterm infants can be predicted prior to discharge from neonatal care, new joint Irish and Swedish research shows. Each year, 2.2 million infants are born very preterm (VPT), that is, at a gestational age (GA) younger than 32 weeks. Children born very preterm are at risk of cognitive delay which can predict later learning difficulties at school age. It is currently difficult to predict at the individual level which children are most at risk, and which children would benefit most from preventative interventions. Many of the current interventions are highly resource intensive—commencing in the hospital, followed by frequent visits to the families in their homes. Researchers from the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research(INFANT) at University College Cork, Ireland and Karolinska Institutet, Sweden examined data from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Registry and used machine learning (AI) to identify the most important risk factors for delayed cognitive development. The data from 1062 very preterm babies, all of whom had been carefully assessed at the age of 2 years, was examined to help develop a predictive model. Through this study the research team have developed a predictive model, containing 26 risk factors, which at discharge from the neonatal unit identified 93% of surviving VPT infants who would later screen positive for cognitive difficulties [...]

By |January 11th, 2024|Categories: In the press, News|0 Comments

UCC spins out new medtech start-up, NeuroBell

NeuroBell has developed an AI-powered medical device to accurately detect seizures in newborns, which can reduce the risk of long-term brain injury. Seizures are the most common sign of brain injury, signalling the need for urgent treatment that can prevent further seizures and improve outcomes. The start-up has secured an investment of €2.1m to fund product development, clinical trials, and the creation of new jobs. 8 January 2024: University College Cork has announced the spin-out of NeuroBell, a Cork-based medtech start-up, as NeuroBell closes a €2.1M investment led by Furthr VC, Atlantic Bridge and HBAN MedTech Syndicate, with Enterprise Ireland and other private investors also investing in the round. The funding will enable NeuroBell to launch its ground-breaking technology for real-time and accurate detection of seizures in newborns needing additional care, enabling early intervention that can improve outcomes. To support its mission, NeuroBell will create 12 new jobs by 2025. Founded by Dr Mark O’Sullivan, Dr Alison O’Shea and Colm Murphy, and a spin-out from University College Cork and the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), NeuroBell aims to address a critical gap in the availability and accuracy of current technologies used to detect seizures in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Early detection of seizures is crucial for enabling early interventions in infants with brain injury and may help [...]

By |January 8th, 2024|Categories: In the press, News|0 Comments

Newborn brain screener awarded €6.7 million funding

Newborn Brain Screener awarded €6.7m to develop a platform to detect abnormal brain activity in infants soon after birth.  The technology screens all newborns for signs of brain injury in less than 15 minutes.  Early detection and intervention are critical for improved outcomes and quality of life.  €58.8 million was awarded to 12 new projects under the Disruptive Technology and Innovation Fund.  A new technology to screen newborns for brain injury has been awarded €6.7million in funding from the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF). The major investment will support scientists and engineers to advance brain health monitoring for newborn babies.   The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at University College Cork with UCC spin-out CergenX and Evervault were awarded €6.7million for the Newborn Brain Screener (NBS) project which will develop a novel platform to detect abnormal brain activity in infants soon after birth through an automated AI assessment.  Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, announced funding of a €58.8 million to 12 new projects under the Disruptive Technology and Innovation Fund (DTIF).  Screening all newborns for signs of brain injury in less than 15 minutes  Over 8 million infants are born [...]

By |November 28th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

Delaying umbilical cord clamping significantly reduces the risk of death in premature babies

INFANT researchers are part of international collaboration highlighting benefits of deferred cord clamping in preterm infants. Waiting for two minutes to clamp the umbilical cord of a premature baby soon after birth could significantly reduce the risk of death relative to immediate clamping. Worldwide almost 13 million babies are born prematurely each year and close to 1 million die shortly after birth. Waiting for at least two minutes to clamp the umbilical cord of premature babies at birth could decrease the child's risk of death, two new studies find. Researchers at the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at University College Cork were part of the major international iCOMP collaboration which examined clinical trial data and outcomes of thousands of premature babies across the world. Two trials conducted at Cork University Maternity Hospital contributed to this database, one of the world’s largest databases in this research field, with over 60 studies and including more than 9,000 babies. Their findings are published in The Lancet. The first paper, using data from 3,292 infants across 21 studies, found delayed clamping of the umbilical cord, clamped 30 seconds or more after birth, reduced the risk of death in premature babies compared to those whose umbilical cord was clamped immediately after birth. After analysis, this deferred clamping of the umbilical cord likely reduced the risk of death in [...]

By |November 20th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

Employment-based PhD Scholarships

The College of Medicine and Health in conjunction with APC Microbiome Ireland and the INFANT Research Centre will offer six Employment-based PhD Scholarships* for Health Science Professionals in 2024. *PhD registration fees plus a contribution to costs. Scholarships under this scheme will be offered in 2024 by the College of Medicine and Health (CoMH), APC Microbiome Ireland, INFANT Research Centre and the Discipline of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy at University College Cork (UCC). Deadline: 12 Jan 2024 In line with UCC’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028, and the Missions of Graduate Studies in CoMH, the remit of the Employment-based PhD Scholarships Programme for Health Science Professionals is to enhance and sustain excellence in graduate education in healthcare and health sciences, to deepen collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry partners, to increase PhD enrolment numbers and to develop pathways to widen access to programmes. Projects will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and will be anchored in or across one of the four primary UCC Futures research themes in CoMH: Food Microbiome and Heath, Children, Ageing and Brain Science, Medicines. The Scholarship Programme is open to those who are in full-time or part-time employment, who are excited by research and have a strong desire to enhance health research. Six scholarships will be offered on a competitive basis. Scholarships will fund annual PhD registration fees PLUS €5,000 per annum if full time or €2,500 per annum if part time for associated [...]

By |November 17th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

Prof Dempsey featured in the Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list from Clarivate

UCC researchers make global list of high cited elite science list 13 University College Cork (UCC) researchers are featured today in the Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list from Clarivate, including Prof Eugene Dempsey, Horgan Chair in Neonatology, INFANT Centre,  UCC. The annual list features the researchers in the top 1% of the Web of Science citation index and recognises pioneers in their field whose citation records position them in the very highest strata of research influence and impact. 238 researchers globally have been named in two fields, including UCC’s Professor Paul Ross, Professor John Cryan and Professor Timothy Dinan from APC Microbiome Ireland, a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre based in University College Cork. The global list features 7,125 researchers from 67 countries and regions this year – 3,793 in specific fields and 3,332 for cross-field impact. UCC researchers were recognised as global leaders in fields such as food, health, medicine, neonatology, neuroscience, psychiatry and psychology. Full Name Category Professor Paul Ross Agricultural Science, and Microbiology Professor Eugene Dempsey Cross-Field Professor Eamonn Quigley Cross-Field Professor Paul Cotter Cross-Field Professor Anthony Ryan Cross-Field Professor Fergus Shanahan Cross-Field Professor Colin Hill Microbiology Professor Paul O’Toole Microbiology Professor Douwe van Sinderen Microbiology Professor Jens Walter Microbiology Professor Gerard Clarke Neuroscience and Behaviour Professor John Cryan Neuroscience and Behaviour, and Psychiatry and Psychology Professor Timothy Dinan Neuroscience and Behaviour, and Psychiatry [...]

By |November 15th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

Dr Cathal O’Connor Awarded European Leader Prize in Madrid

Dr Cathal O’Connor, INFANT PhD student and specialist registrar in dermatology at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, was presented with the Future Leader Award of the European Society for Dermatological Research at the recent academy in Madrid, Spain. Dr O’Connor presented findings from his PhD study – the ‘assessing sleep in infants with atopic dermatitis’ (SPINDLE) study which was performed in the INFANT research centre in University College Cork.  Dr O’Connor performed detailed research on sleep and neurophysiology in young babies with severe eczema. He said ‘our novel findings will be used to increase awareness of the neurological complications of early-onset eczema and the impact on families of babies with eczema’. The ESDR Future Leaders Academy brings together highly gifted young scientists and renowned senior scientists from dermatological departments all over Europe and beyond for a three day meeting. The goal of this initiative is to encourage excellent young dermatologists to further pursue their academic careers through guidance and mentoring of established scientists in the field. Dr O’Connor is currently completing his dual specialist training in both dermatology and paediatrics in Cork, before taking up a post as senior clinical fellow in a leading European paediatric dermatology centre. His PhD degree with University College Cork was undertaken as part of the prestigious Irish Clinical and Academic Training programme.

By |November 15th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

INFANT Lead Investigator Wins InterTradeIreland Award

Dr. Mark O'Sullivan, INFANT Lead Investigator and co-founder of NeuroBell, was awarded the "Best Early Stage" Munster regional trophy at the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Munster regional final. The winners were awarded €20,000 and will advance to the All-Island final in Dublin on the 9th of November. The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition is the largest business competition of its kind on the island of Ireland, Seedcorn has an overall prize fund of €300,000. NeuroBell has developed a novel medical device for early detection and monitoring of seizures in newborn infants. Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of NeuroBell said: "It is absolutely fantastic to win this award and it will greatly help us in progressing our plans for the business. The prize money will assist our research and development work to make our product globally scalable. As we are in the process of raising Seed Round investment with a view to launching in the US and across Europe, the competition has provided a great opportunity to refine and get feedback on our business plan." The leaders of the six innovative start-up and early-stage companies from across Munster took part in a competitive final on 17th October at the Strand Hotel, Limerick. As part of the process, finalists presented their investment proposal to a panel of judges that included active investors. The winning entrants successfully demonstrated to [...]

By |October 20th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

Launch of Ireland’s National Preterm SPN Study

The National Standardised Parenteral Nutrition (SPN) Study was launched on Friday 6th October at the RCPI Faculty of Paediatrics Autumn Conference.  What is the National SPN Study?  Irish neonatal units have recently implemented a new National Model of Care for Preterm Standardised Parenteral Nutrition (SPN). This is a two-part nutrition system including SPN products and an accompanying protocol. This transdisciplinary study including national survey and interviews will evaluate the current use and future opportunities of the new Model of Care, to continue to improve the nutrition and outcomes of preterm infants in our care. This study is endorsed by the Health Service Executive National Parenteral Nutrition Expert Group. Who is it for?  Healthcare Professionals who work with preterm SPN in maternity neonatal units in Ireland. This includes Consultant Neonatologists, Paediatricians and Registrars, Staff Nurses, Nurse Managers and Advanced Nursed Practitioners, Dietitians and Pharmacists. Who’s involved – research team  This study is being conducted by a transdisciplinary team including Professor Eugene Dempsey,  Consultant Neonatologist & Horgan Chair & INFANT PI, Dr Ann-Marie Brennan, Clinical Specialist Neonatal Dietician, Dr Brendan Murphy, Consultant Neonatologist, Sarah Fenton, Neonatal Pharmacist, Professor Ciara Heavin, Professor of Information Systems, Dr Aileen Murphy, Senior Health Economist, Dr Aoife Fleming, Senior Pharmacy Lecturer. How to find out more info? Please contact your local neonatal dietitian if you like to get involved and complete the online anonymous survey. If you [...]

By |October 20th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

INFANT Appoints new Principal Investigator

INFANT Research Centre are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Brian Walsh to INFANT Principal Investigator. Prof Walsh is a Consultant Neonatologist in Cork University Maternity Hospital, Lead Investigator at INFANT and Associate Professor in Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, UCC. Brian’s research focuses on newborns at high risk of cerebral injury. In particular, he has studied different methods for the early identification of brain injury, and in optimizing neuro-protection strategies, to hopefully improve their outcomes. INFANT Director, Prof Geraldine Boylan welcomes the appointment “I am delighted to welcome Brian to the leadership team of INFANT, recognising his exceptional expertise and outstanding contributions to neonatal brain research. Brian’s leadership will further strengthen our position to be at the international forefront of innovative and impactful research in maternal and child health” Prof Walsh graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2004. He was awarded a Molecular Medicine Ireland Clinician Scientist Fellowship in 2009, and studied the ability for early blood biological markers to determine the severity of Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy in newborns. He was awarded his PhD for this work by UCC in 2014. From 2013 to 2017, he completed his neonatal training in Boston, working first as a Fellow, and then Chief Fellow, on the Harvard Neonatal Perinatal Fellowship Program. Following the fellowship, he became an Attending Neonatologist in the Brigham and Women’s [...]

By |October 19th, 2023|Categories: News|0 Comments

INFANT PI, Professor Deirdre Murray announced as Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy

Friday, 6 October 2023:  Today on World Cerebral Palsy Day, University College Cork (UCC) has announced the appointment of Professor Deirdre Murray as the new Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy, as part of a new programme of excellence to revolutionise the delivery of cerebral palsy care in Ireland. In May, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) announced that UCC as one of three new clinical and research hubs to help establish Ireland as an international leader in Cerebral Palsy (CP) care and research. As part of the programme, CPF is investing €1.6 million to advance research in early brain injury and cerebral palsy at the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), UCC. A UCC alumnus, Professor Murray graduated from UCC in 1995 before completing paediatric training in Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine in Bristol Royal Hospital for Sick Children, and later working as a Paediatric Intensive care Fellow in the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. In 2012 she was awarded a prestigious Health Research Board Clinician Scientist Award for the BiHiVE study, an ongoing project focusing on the discovery and validation of biomarkers in neonatal brain injury. A Consultant Paediatrician, Paediatric Research Lead at INFANT and Professor of Paediatrics, in UCC’s Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Deirdre’s research is focused on early brain injury and the development of new ways to [...]

By |October 6th, 2023|Categories: In the press, News|Tags: , |0 Comments

HRB invests €1.9 million in UCC research to address emerging health challenges

High blood pressure during pregnancy, strategies for preventing drug overdose and the factors associated with suicide risk in older adults are among the health and social care research projects to receive funding from the Health Research Board’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme. Five post-doctoral researchers at UCC’s School of Public Health, National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) and the Irish Centre for Maternal & child Health Research (INFANT) have received a total of €1.9 million in funding to investigate and find solutions for public health challenges. Dr Peter Barrett, based in INFANT and the School of Public Health in UCC, has received €830,000 in research funding for his project investigating the long-term impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on maternal health, and exploration of optimal models of follow-up care for affected women in Ireland. “This project will focus on high blood pressure during pregnancy, and how we use obstetric information to predict the risk of chronic diseases in later life. We know that risk factors during pregnancy can offer insights into long-term maternal health outcomes. There are huge opportunities to harness this information for the prevention of age-related diseases in later life. I am excited to work on this project with the teams in INFANT, the School of Public Health, and with both academic and health service partners from Ireland and overseas. It is important that we apply [...]

By |October 4th, 2023|Categories: In the press, News|Tags: |0 Comments

IRC Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship and Postgraduate Scholarship Awardees

Three INFANT researchers received IRC Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship and Postgraduate Scholarship Awards. Minister Simon Harris announced €24.6 million in Irish Research Council funding to support rising researchers and pioneering projects. “I am delighted to announce this investment for a new generation of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers under the Irish Research Council’s Government of Ireland programmes. These awards will support the development of the next generation of excellent researchers in Ireland, as they pursue new knowledge at the cutting edge of a wide range of disciplines”. Postdoctoral Fellowship Awardees:  Marita Hennessy is a Postdoctoral Researcher at INFANT (Pregnancy Loss Research Group). During her two-year fellowship, Marita will develop and pilot test a psychosocial intervention for staff in maternity hospitals/units in Ireland under the mentorship of INFANT PI, Professor Keelin O’Donoghue. Gillian Maher is a Postdoctoral Researcher at INFANT. During her two-year fellowship, Gillian will develop a novel approach to harness Irish maternal and newborn data to improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies. Postgraduate Scholarship Awardee:  Aoife Gallagher is a Clinical Research Fellow with an interest in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. During her 12-month scholarship she will be working on ARChhIE: A Retrospective Comparison of Irish and Spanish IgE- Medi-ated Egg Allergy Strategies. Welcoming the announcement, Peter Brown, Director of the Irish Research Council, said: “Early-career researchers represent the future of research and innovation [...]

By |September 14th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: , , |0 Comments

INFANT PhD student received Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists

Huge congratulations to INFANT PhD student Caroline Joyce on receiving her Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. Caroline's PhD work is on the identification of Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Management and Follow-up of Women with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. This project aims to identify more sensitive biomarkers for GTD to allow earlier detection of disease recurrence and progression to malignant disease. 🔗 More info: Biomarkers for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease | University College Cork (ucc.ie) This is a collaborative project between INFANT - Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG) (Prof. Keelin O’Donoghue), the School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (Prof. Tommie McCarthy) and the National Trophoblastic Disease Centre (Dr John Coulter).

By |September 12th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: |0 Comments

Born Too Soon Airs on Virgin Media One

Born Too Soon will give an unprecedented look into lives of the hardworking staff who dedicate their lives to caring for vulnerable newborns at CUH's neonatal unit. TV crews have been in the hospital all year filming 'Born Too Soon,' following the stories of families and medical teams looking after premature babies born at the busy hospital. At CUH, preemies are given round-the-clock care, with the new series showing the ups and downs of life looking after frail babies - particularly in a time with strict Covid restrictions. Viewers will get to see the dedication and love put into giving babies born preterm the best chance possible when Born Too Soon starts at 9 pm Tues 5 September on Virgin Media One.

By |September 4th, 2023|Categories: In the press, News|Tags: , |0 Comments

INFANT Director, Prof Geraldine Boylan wins prestigious award

Geraldine Boylan, Professor of Neonatal Physiology, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University College Cork and Director of the INFANT Research Centre was awarded the 2023 Tom Connor Distinguished Investigator Award from Neuroscience Ireland. Professor Boylan was presented the prestige award at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) during the annual Neuroscience Ireland conference. This conference brings together an international audience of neuroscience researchers, clinicians, and industrial partners to share knowledge and expertise, fostering the advancement of excellence in neuroscience research within Ireland. The NSI Distinguished Investigator Award is presented every two years to an exceptional research scientist from Ireland or based on the island of Ireland who has made an exceptional contribution to the field of neuroscience. This award is given in memory of the former President of Neuroscience Ireland, Tom O’ Connor, who passed away in 2013. Accepting the award, Professor Boylan said: “I am very honoured and humbled to receive the Tom Connor Distinguished Investigator Award from Neuroscience Ireland. This recognition for neonatal neuroscience represents the collective efforts and hard work of the research team at INFANT over many years and I am truly grateful." Professor John Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC, and recipient of the award in 2017 said: “Congratulations to Professor Geraldine Boylan on receiving this prestigious award, a testament to her dedication and expertise in neuroscience [...]

By |August 31st, 2023|Categories: In the press, News|Tags: |0 Comments

International Guest Speaker on Knowledge Translation and Patient Engagement in Child Health Research

INFANT Research Centre are delighted to be hosting a special guest speaker event with Dr. Shannon Scott, Professor and a Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Translation for Children’s Health from the University of Alberta, Canada on Thursday 7 September from 13.00-14.00 in room 1.02 Brookfield Health Sciences Complex. In advance of the launch of UCC Futures: Children, and in line with the strategy of UCC to build on our reputation for excellence in the field of children’s health, rights and wellbeing, this talk would be of particular interest to researchers at all stages working in areas of child health research, knowledge translation and patient engagement. Dr. Shannon Scott is an internationally recognised nurse, scientist, educator and knowledge translation and knowledge mobilization leader. Knowledge translation (KT) is the process of taking information from reliable evidence-based research and putting it into user-friendly form for everyone to understand and use. During this event, Dr. Scott will discuss the growing movement to involve patients in health research and share insights into her research programme "Translating Evidence in Child Health to Enhance Outcomes" (ECHO). This programme aims to develop, evaluate, and disseminate evidence-based knowledge translation (KT) tools with parents to improve health decision-making and outcomes. She will also talk about their iterative co-development process, discuss the development of parent advisory forums and the progressive research that is focused on cultural [...]

By |August 24th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: |0 Comments

We Are Hiring! – Post-Doctoral Researcher, INFANT Research Centre

INFANT Research Centre is now accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher on a part time basis to work on COVICAT project which is supported by the North-South HEA programme. The researcher will be responsible for data management and data analysis of data on COVID-19 infection and vaccine in pregnancy in Ireland and Europe. Strong management and quantitative skills are required for the project. Expertise in time-series methods would be an advantage. The successful candidate should have a PhD in Epidemiology, Public Health or a PhD in another related field but with strong quantitative skills. Research Assistants with at least 3-4 years’ experience in quantitative research may also apply for this post. Post Duration: 12 months Salary: Post-Doctoral Researcher€42,031 - €48,427 p.a. (IUA PD1 Salary Scale), pro rata 0.6 FTE,  Research Assistant: €29,275 - €39,158 p.a. (IUA RA Salary Scale), pro rata 0.6 FTE Project Title: COVICAT: COVID-19 infection and vaccination in pregnancy: An ecological study to assess congenital anomalies For an information package including further details of the post see: https://t.co/wq1pQJfk3c  Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Ali Khashan, INFANT Research Centre, Tel: + 353 (0) 21 420 5565; Email: a.khashan@ucc.ie Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal (https://ore.ucc.ie/). Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie, quoting the job-title and project name. [...]

By |July 24th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: |0 Comments

Funded PhD Opportunity, supported by the HRB CRF (Clinical Research Facility) UCC

Funded PhD, supported by the HRB CRF (Clinical Research Facility) UCC Project Title: PPI in clinical trials for vulnerable populations This HRB CRF (Clinical Research Facility) UCC fully funded PhD involves a multistakeholder collaboration between CRFC, PPI Ignite Network @ UCC and the INFANT Research Centre. The PhD will address conceptual and implementation aspects of PPI in the context of clinical trials in neonates/children. The work will be embedded within one or more ongoing CRF/UCC trials. The PhD will inform ongoing CRFC best practice implementation of PPI in clinical trials for diverse patient population groups, as well as develop the theoretical and PPI implementation competence of the successful PhD scholar. Funding arrangement: Full time four years. Supports: Placement in INFANT. UCC PhD supports and training. Supported by PPI Ignite Network @ UCC Registration: Full time Stipend: €19,000 The PhD will be supervised by Professor Geraldine Boylan, Professor Patricia Kearney, Site Lead PPI Ignite @ UCC and Dr Emmy Racine, Programme Manager, PPI Ignite @ UCC. To apply please send a statement of interest (<200 words) and a brief (2 page max) CV to Professor Patricia Kearney, PPI Ignite @ UCC. Email: patricia.kearney@ucc.ie CLOSING DATE: Thursday July 27th

By |July 10th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: |0 Comments

CergenX, INFANT spin-out raises €1.2m in funding to develop newborn brain screening

Cork-based medtech company CergenX has raised €1.2 million in funding to further develop its technology to screen newborns for brain injury. CergenX is a spin-out from the Infant Centre in UCC. Founded by chief executive Jason Mowles, chief science officer Professor Geraldine Boylan and chief technology officer Sean Griffin in 2021. The company is currently developing a system that uses artificial intelligence to screen all newborns for signs of brain injury in less than 15 minutes. The funding was raised through a private financing round, with participation from high net worth individuals and existing investor Enterprise Ireland. It brings to €2 million the total raised by the company to date. The money will be used to support the development of the newborn brain screener, expanding its staff with roles in artificial intelligence, product management, and software engineering and accelerating the company’s path to market. CergenX is a spin-out from the Infant Centre in UCC. Founded by chief executive Jason Mowles, chief science officer Professor Geraldine Boylan and chief technology officer Sean Griffin in 2021, the company is currently developing a system that uses artificial intelligence to screen all newborns for signs of brain injury in less than 15 minutes. “This latest investment not only validates the immense potential of our newborn brain screener but also demonstrates the confidence our investors have in our vision,” Mr [...]

By |July 10th, 2023|Categories: In the press, News|Tags: , , |0 Comments

INFANT PI, Prof Keelin O’Donoghue awarded Distinguished Researcher Award

INFANT PI, Professor Keelin O’Donoghue was awarded the International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA) Distinguished Researcher Award for her contribution or her contribution to research on stillbirth/newborn death. The award was conferred at the closing ceremony of the 2023 conference, hosted at the University of Sheffield from 30 June to 02 July. Announcing the award, Professor Adrienne Gordon said: “She has been awarded this on the unanimous decision by the Board to reflect her years of significant research around stillbirth, most particularly in Ireland where she is continuing to strive for best practice care for families and high quality evidence, particularly in terms of the national standards, so we thank you Keelin for all that you do.” Professor O’Donoghue, along with 11 other members of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group, attended the International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA) Conference 2023 at The University of Sheffield from 30 June to 02 July, showcasing a variety of work undertaken by the Group in the areas of: Stillbirth Spirituality Recurrent miscarriage COVID 19 Perinatal pathology Fetal fatal anomalies Termination of pregnancy Multiple pregnancy Workplace supports for pregnancy loss Knowledge translation Graphic medicine. Source: News and media | University College Cork (ucc.ie)

By |July 6th, 2023|Categories: News|Tags: , |0 Comments