INFANT Centre News
Building Research Capacity Across LINDA-FAMILIA
Strengthening research capacity is essential for improving maternal and newborn health. When local teams have the skills, knowledge and systems to generate high-quality research and use its findings, they are better equipped to design services and respond to the challenges facing women, children and families in their communities. This ambition sits at the heart of the LINDA-FAMILIA project, which brings together researchers, clinicians and public health experts working across multiple countries to strengthen the evidence base for improving maternal and newborn health. A key focus of the project is enhancing the ability of individuals and institutions to conduct high-quality research and make effective use of data collected through eRegistries. One of the project’s first milestones has been the development of a Theory of Change for research capacity strengthening (RCS). A Theory of Change helps map how a project’s activities are expected to lead to meaningful and lasting change. In practical terms, it means identifying the challenges we want to address, agreeing on the activities that will help tackle them, and defining the outcomes we hope to achieve over time. This framework was created during a collaborative workshop at the LINDA-FAMILIA kick-off meeting in Istanbul in November 2025 (pictured above). Partners from across the consortium came together to share their perspectives on key issues and priorities for strengthening research capacity. The result is a collective document [...]
Advancing Digital Health Integration: LINDA-FAMILIA Technical Meeting in Ethiopia
Strengthening digital health systems requires more than technology. It requires coordination, shared standards, and strong partnerships. On 26 February 2026, partners of the LINDA-FAMILIA project in Ethiopia came together for a high-level technical meeting to move system integration plans forward. Hosted at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the meeting brought together experts from the Ministry of Health Digital Health Department, the Addis Ababa Regional Health Bureau, EPHI’s National Data Management Center, HISP Ethiopia, and Pulse Tech, alongside other key partners. Discussions focused on strengthening interoperability between Electronic Medical Records and DHIS2, improving real-time reporting, standardising metadata, and preparing for system deployment. A steering committee was established to oversee integration, with clear technical responsibilities assigned across institutions. This meeting marks another important step toward building a more connected, data-driven maternal and child health system in Ethiopia. You can read the full story on our partner’s website here.
Parents of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) needed for research study
Overview: We are inviting parents of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) to participate in the The READY study: Resources and Education on neurodevelopment At time of Discharge of Your infant. This study is being conducted by researchers at the INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, and the Cerebral Palsy Parent Advisory Group (CP-PAG). We are inviting parents of children with CP to take part in a short, anonymous survey (< 5 minutes) to learn about your experience of the information and education you received about your baby’s neurodevelopment, including awareness of potential early signs that may indicate a need for further assessment and support before leaving hospital. Who are the CP-PAG: We are a group of parents who represent the voices of families living with Cerebral Palsy across Ireland. In partnership with the INFANT Research Centre (UCC), we help ensure research conducted reflects the realities of our lives. One of our deepest concerns is ensuring parents receive clear, supportive information about their child's development before taking their baby home. This study has approval from the Social Research Ethics Committee, Log No: 2025-299. Hear more about the study here form the CP-PAG: Ready to participate? cLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY Why is this study being done? We want to know if you received adequate information / education about the neurodevelopment [...]
Children Needed For Research Study: The SOPHIE Study
The SOPHIE Study is a research study at University College Cork and Cork University Maternity Hospital/Cork University Hospital. Researchers at INFANT, UCC are looking for healthy children aged 5-11 years old to take part in this study. The study is looking to recruit more participants. What is the Study? ‘SOPHIE’ is an acronym for ‘School-aged Outcomes Post Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy’. Some children are diagnosed with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) after birth. These babies need extra help after delivery, due to issues with oxygen and blood flow to their brain. They are admitted to the neonatal unit and receive special treatment to help their brain to recover. There is very little information on how children who have been diagnosed with HIE in the newborn period continue to develop after two years of age. We know that some children have difficulties at school, but we don’t know how to identify these children early so that we can intervene sooner and improve their long-term outcomes. We are looking for healthy children to volunteer also to have a developmental assessment and if they wish, an MRI brain scan. The project is supervised by supervisors from University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, and INFANT Research Centre. Who is it for? Healthy children aged 5-11 years old who have no known developmental issues. Children are eligible if they were born after [...]
LINDA-FAMILIA Project Launches with Four-Day Kick-Off Meeting in Istanbul
The LINDA-FAMILIA research project officially commenced with a four-day kick-off meeting held in Istanbul, Turkey, in November 2025. The meeting brought together over 30 participants from the project’s global partner consortium, with representatives from Ireland, Ethiopia, Norway, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom. The event marked an important milestone for the project, setting the direction for collaborative research, capacity strengthening, and policy engagement in maternal and child health. Day 1 Marked the formal opening of the project with a Principal Investigator meeting in the morning, followed by a keynote presentation from the Director of INFANT, Prof Geraldine Boylan. Prof Boylan welcomed participants and outlined the overarching vision and ambition of LINDA-FAMILIA within the Horizon Europe framework. This was followed by detailed work package meetings, during which work package leads presented planned activities, timelines, and deliverables. These sessions provided clarity on roles and responsibilities and facilitated cross-work-package discussions to identify synergies and address potential challenges early in the project lifecycle. Day 2 Day 2 focused on policy engagement and digital health systems. The morning opened with an insightful presentation from the Chief Medical Officer of Tanzania, Dr Grace Magembe who shared national perspectives on maternal and child health priorities and the importance of strengthening health information systems. This was followed by a live demonstration of an eRegistry system, giving partners a practical understanding of how [...]
INFANT’s Annual Study Day 2025 – The Highlights
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 [...]
New UCC Research Links Iron Deficiency in Mothers During Early Pregnancy to Lower Language and Motor Skills at Age Two
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 [...]
UCC researchers receive €6.2m to lead groundbreaking discoveries
November 14th 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 [...]
Neurobell’s Mark O’ Sullivan announced as “Founder of the Year” at Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-up Awards
Mark O'Sullivan, CEO and Co-founder of UCC and INFANT spin-out company NeuroBell was announced last night as "Founder of the Year 2025" at Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up Awards. Founded in 2023, Neurobell aims to revolutionise seizure detection in newborns in NICUs, crucial for early intervention in brain injury cases like epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Its first product, Luna, is a pocket-sized wireless brain monitor that enables routine monitoring of babies across various hospital settings without the need for specialised expertise, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. The Enterprise Ireland Founder of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication of entrepreneurs and start-ups working to build world-class companies of the future. Five finalists were shortlisted for the 2025 Award, each nominated by their peers and actively engaged in Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founders Forum over the past year. On receiving the award Mark O’Sullivan, CEO and Co-founder of NeuroBell said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, particularly as the nominees are selected by Founder peers. Enterprise Ireland has been with us on our start-up journey and we look forward to working them as we scale into the US and European markets. Luna allows healthcare workers in neonatal ICU’s to act quickly with the right information. Our ultimate aim is to grow the business globally, bringing Luna to all hospital settings for the benefit [...]
Early Clues to Autism Discovered in Newborn Cord Blood – UCC Study Finds
Researchers at UCC’s Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and INFANT Research Centre have identified early biological signs of autism in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. This study addresses the opportunity for blood-based biomarkers that can identify children with Autism much earlier in life opening possibilities for earlier detection and support for children and families. Disclaimer: This was a discovery study involving a relatively small group of children followed from birth to ages 7–10 and is not an immediate diagnostic test. A University College Cork (UCC) study has identified early biological signs of autism in the umbilical cord blood of newborns, opening up new possibilities for earlier detection and support for children and families. The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, showed that children who were diagnosed with autism by the age of five had clear differences in their blood at birth, compared to neurotypical children. Key Findings Researchers at UCC’s INFANT Research Centre and Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, UCC analysed cord blood samples from the Irish BASELINE Birth Cohort and discovered: Biological differences at birth: Newborns who were later diagnosed with autism had lower levels of certain hormones, proteins and immune-related molecules in their cord blood. By using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the researchers built a model that could help predict which babies might later be diagnosed with autism. A number of [...]
UCC launches Irelands first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for University staff
The first Pregnancy Loss Support Policy for staff in an Irish university was on Friday by University College Cork (UCC), marking a significant step forward in workplace wellbeing and inclusion. The policy aims to provide employees with dedicated leave, resources and support they need following a pregnancy loss under 23 weeks. It outlines the entitlements, procedures and support mechanisms in place to assist both staff who are affected by pregnancy loss, and their partners. Staff are now entitled to ten leave days per 12 month calendar year should they experience pregnancy loss. The policy was jointly developed by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, UCC People and Culture and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit and informed by the findings of the PLACES project report (2024) which was funded by the Department of Children, Equality and Disability. Closing a Gap in Statutory Leave Pregnancy loss affects approximately one in every four pregnancies. Currently, Irish law provides statutory maternity and paternity leave for pregnancy loss after 23 weeks (stillbirth or neonatal death), but no statutory entitlement exists for losses before this point. The PLACES project—Pregnancy Loss in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms—highlighted the need for better supports in these circumstances. The PLACES project is informing Government policy around statutory leave provision and is led by Professor Keelin O’Donoghue with colleagues across University College Cork [...]
College of Medicine and Health Research Conference
Dr Simon Woodworth, Lead Investigator delivering a keynote lecture on the LINDA-FAMILIA project at the College of Medicine and Health Research Conference in UCC in September 2025
UCC-led digital health project awarded almost €5m to save lives of mothers and babies in Africa
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 [...]
ROAR for Research: Families Explore Science at Fota Wildlife Park
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 [...]
In4kids Marks International Youth Day by Celebrating Young Voices in Paediatric Research
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 [...]
Now Recruiting New Research Study: ENIGMA Study
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 [...]
INFANT, UCC Researcher Amongst New Fulbright Awardees
Friday, 25th 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 [...]
🌍 World Brain Day 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 [...]
60% of Pregnant Women in Irish Study Show Signs of Iodine Deficiency, UCC Research Finds
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 [...]
Prof Geraldine Boylan Awarded UCC Medical School Medal
We are thrilled to share that Prof Geraldine Boylan, Director of INFANT & UCC Futures Children, has been awarded the UCC Medical School Medal 2024. Prof Paula O’Leary, Dean of the School of Medicine at UCC, congratulated Prof Boylan on receiving the award, “We are hugely proud of Prof Boylan’s achievements and her amazing journey. Her success and leadership at the interface of neuroscience, bioengineering, physiology and neonatology is not only deeply respected by her peers but also serves a powerful inspiration to the next generation of clinical scientists and doctors”. Her work continues to make a real and lasting impact - improving care and outcomes for many children and their families. CergenX, an INFANT Centre spin out co-founded by Prof Boylan, is translating research into clinical practice with the Wave device—an AI-powered innovation in neonatal neuroprotective care that is revolutionising the assessment of newborn brain function. Huge congratulations to Prof Boylan on this well-deserved recognition.
People of all ages diagnosed with morphea to take part in research study
The IMAGINE Study is a nationwide research study led by University College Cork. Researchers at the INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork and University of Galway are looking for people of all ages who have been diagnosed with morphea to take part. What is the IMAGINE Study? ‘IMAGINE’ stands for ‘Imaging Morphea: Advancements for DiaGnosis and INtensive Evaluation’. Morphea is a rare skin condition that can cause permanent scarring. Because it often appears subtle at first, it can be hard to diagnose and can be very difficult to monitor. It is important for doctors to know when the disease is active, so they can treat it early and help prevent long-term damage. In order to better track activity, we are performing a research study to look at the blood vessels and inflammation in morphea skin compared to unaffected skin. We are inviting people of all ages with morphea to attend for an assessment and specialised imaging. The study is being led by a team from: University College Cork - INFANT Research Centre Cork University Hospital South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital Galway University Hospital University of Galway Tallaght University Hospital Who is it for? We are inviting adults and children living in Ireland who have been diagnosed with morphea by a consultant dermatologist or rheumatologist. What do I need to do? The study will take place [...]
Pet dogs could combat genetic eczema risk in children
This study uses data from the BASELINE study, which was a longitudinal cohort study, coordinated by the Infant Centre in UCC, which was also funded by the National Children's Research Centre with our Children's Health Foundation.
Four Awards for INFANT Team at UCC Research and Innovation Awards
We are very proud to announce four INFANT colleagues were recognised at the 2024 UCC Research and Innovation Awards. UCC is an internationally competitive, research-led university that plays a key role in the development of Ireland’s knowledge-based economy and provides the insight and understanding of the challenges facing our society. The UCC Research and Innovation Awards embrace this excellence in research, innovation, and entrepreneurial activity, across the entire university research community, spanning all disciplines. Researchers were awarded across twenty-two categories, five of which recognise specific achievements in entrepreneurship and innovation. Jerry Deasy, INFANT's Research Systems Manager was awarded with the Research Support Person of the Year. Jerry’s unwavering commitment, technical expertise, and proactive approach have been pivotal in enabling researchers at INFANT to achieve groundbreaking advancements in maternal and child health research. His contributions are far-reaching, transforming the way we approach data systems, computing infrastructure, and international collaboration. Dr Cathal O'Connor, INFANT PhD student was awarded Dean of Doctoral Studies PhD Student of the Year. Cathal is a phenomenal PhD student and dual trained dermatologist and paediatrician with almost 100 peer-reviewed publications. His PhD study assesses sleep in early-onset atopic dermatitis by longitudinal evaluation study. In 2024 he ranked top in Europe and was voted a ‘Future Leader’ by both the European Society for Paediatric Dermatology and the European Society for Dermatological Research. In 2024 [...]
Call for New Focus on Children’s Clinical Research as Off-Label Drug Use Remains Prevalent
Over 50% of children received unlicensed or off label medications in a hospital setting A renewed focus on clinical trials for children is urgently needed In4kids is Ireland’s National Children’s Clinical Trial Network; funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) In4kids is hosting a General Assembly Meeting on 6th June to discuss “Shaping the Future of Children’s Clinical Trials in Ireland” Despite strong European regulations, a global meta-analysis has revealed that over half (56%) of hospitalised children receive unlicensed or off-label medications – including 49% in Europe. These stark findings highlight a systemic gap in safe, regulatory approved, tailored treatments for children. To close this gap, In4kids - the HRB’s Irish Network for Children’s Clinical Trials is calling for a coordinated national effort to strengthen children’s clinical trial capacity across Ireland to ensure children have the same high-quality, evidence-based medicines and healthcare as adults. The network, hosted at the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC) connects hospitals, universities and clinical research centres to ensure children have access to innovative, evidence-based treatments. “In4kids is developing the essential infrastructure to ensure that all children in Ireland benefit from world-class research and innovation—regardless of where they live. We are committed to ensuring that children and their families are active partners in shaping this journey”. - says Professor Geraldine Boylan, Lead In4kids, Professor of Neonatal Physiology, Director INFANT [...]
We Are Hiring!
Applications are open for a number of positions at INFANT, including: Please visit Job Vacancies | University College Cork for more details Old Positions, deadline has now passed: 1. Research Support Officer Admin. Accounting Technician INFANT is now accepting applications for the post of Research Support Officer Admin- Accounting Technician. The Accounting Technician will play a central role in supporting the financial management and administration of the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork. This position involves financial reporting, budgeting, procurement processing, and compliance with regulatory and funding requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with research teams, UCC finance personnel, and external stakeholders to ensure the efficient financial operations of the centre. This duration of this post is 12 months pending completion of the organisational finance transformation. We are looking for a progressive, forward thinking Senior Accounting Technician to join the INFANT team and wider finance community, with a dotted line of reporting to the Head of Research Accounting in the Central Finance Office, with the possibility of direct line reporting in the future. Project Title: Various INFANT projects Post Duration: 12 Months Salary: €55,000 p.a. (Personal rate) For an information package including further details of the post see: https://my.corehr.com/pls/uccrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=086134 Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Geraldine Boylan Email: g.boylan@ucc.ie Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday [...]