INFANT Centre News
Children Needed For New 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. 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 36 weeks gestation and were not admitted to [...]
INFANT showcases at the Cork Carnival of Science
The INFANT team attended and showcased at the Cork Carnival of Science event in June at Fitzgerald's Park. This event is Ireland's largest outdoor science engagement event and attracts over 25,000+ people each year and is filled with fun STEM activities, shows, workshops and is a fascinating weekend of discovery where families can unearth the magic of science in the great outdoors. The team showcased all aspects of INFANT’s research in the "Exploration Avenue" which was buzzing with excitement and curiosity as we engaged with lots of children and families. It was fantastic to have so many visit our stand, the support and enthusiasm really inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of maternal and child health research. 💜
CUH and UCC designated World Allergy Organisation Center of Excellence
CUH and UCC Paediatric Allergy Research group accredited as Center of Excellence by World Allergy Organisation, the first of its kind in Ireland. Recognition is a testament to the excellence in clinical care, education and research in Allergy and Immunology at our institutions. Allergies can affect all aspects of a child's daily life, including their health and wellbeing. Cork University Hospital-University College Cork (CUH-UCC) Paediatric Allergy Research Group at the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health (INFANT) has been recognised as a World Allergy Organisation (WAO) Center of Excellence, the first of its kind in Ireland. The prestigious accreditation recognises CUH-UCC's position as a global leader in allergy and immunology research, education, and clinical care. The WAO Centers of Excellence programme aims to intensify and accelerate multidisciplinary scientific and clinical innovation, education, and advocacy worldwide. CUH-UCC joins leading international centres which advance excellence in education, research, and training in allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. In Ireland, 10% of children and young adults have more than one allergic or atopic disorder such as food allergy, eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis. Allergies in childhood can have a major impact on the overall quality of life of a child. In severe cases, children may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. Early identification and management of allergies are crucial in supporting the lifelong health and well-being [...]
CergenX wins UCC Spin-out Company of the Year
INFANT, UCC spin-out company CergenX, won "UCC Spin-out Company of the Year" at the 2023 UCC Research and Innovation Awards. CergenX is a MedTech company founded in 2021 from INFANT, University College Cork. Its ambition is to make AI-powered brain health monitoring part of standard newborn screening for all infants at birth. Using AI technology, the team is developing a brain screener to screen for abnormal brain activity in newborn infants and support early interventions by a medical team. Early detection and intervention are critical for improved outcomes and quality of life. 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 on 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 and from all disciplines. Researchers were awarded across twenty-two categories, six of which recognise specific achievements in entrepreneurship and innovation. Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation at UCC said: "Congratulations to all awards recipients at this year’s UCC Research and Innovation Awards. The standard of nominations across all award categories was indicative of the exceptional level of research and innovation that takes place throughout the University. Our annual Research and Innovation Awards celebrate those who have demonstrated [...]
Dr Cathal O’Connor Awarded The William Stokes Award
Dr Cathal O'Conor, INFANT PhD student & Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Programme fellow won The William Stokes Award which is awarded by the Trainees Committee in Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. It recognises research of the highest standards carried out by Trainees in Higher Specialist Training or International Clinical Fellowship Programme. He is the second INFANT, ICAT fellow to receive this prestigious award, Dr Peter Barrett won it in 2019. Dr O’Connor's PhD – the ‘assessing sleep in infants with atopic dermatitis’ (SPINDLE) study which was performed in the INFANT research centre in University College Cork assesses sleep and neurodevelopment in infants with early onset atopic dermatitis (‘eczema’) by longitudinal evaluation.
We Are Hiring! Clinical Research Fellow
INFANT is now accepting applications for Clinical Research Fellow to support the work of pillar 2 of the ELEVATE programme – Enhance the early detection of motor, cognitive and executive function in infants who have an elevated risk of cerebral palsy, to support targeted interventions. Specifically, the Clinical Research Fellow’s work will focus on the trajectories of cognitive dysfunction in children at elevated risk for Cerebral Palsy. The Clinical Research Fellow will be responsible for recruiting high risk infants and healthy controls and will work within the ELEVATE team to develop and administer novel longitudinal outcome assessments in young infants from 3-4 months up to 24 months recruited to the study. The Clinical Research Fellow will be required to have significant experience in paediatrics and in clinical research and a desire to pursue a higher degree in the field of Paediatrics. Project Title: ELEVATE * Post Duration: 18 Months Salary: €62,698 - €68,318 p.a. (IUA Research Fellow scale) For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/. Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to: Prof Deirdre Murray, email: d.murray@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. Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Thursday, 23rd of May, [...]
We Are Hiring! Postdoctoral Researcher
INFANT is now accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the team and help advance research in early brain injury and cerebral palsy. The Postdoctoral Researcher will focus on developing new diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for early detection of brain injury in newborns and high risk children. Project Title: Cerebral Palsy Foundation Funding Post Duration: 2 years Salary: €43,908 - €50,302 (IUA PD1 Salary Scale) For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/. Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Deirdre Murray, Dept. of Paediatrics and Child Health and the INFANT centre, UCC, Email: d.murray@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. Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday, 31st May 2024. No late applications will be accepted. Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, [...]
We Are Hiring! Research Support Officer (Office Manager)
The INFANT Research Centre is now accepting applications for a full time Research Support Officer - Administration - Office Manager. The Office Manager will support the general administrative and office management functions of the INFANT Centre. The role requires significant Administrative and Office Management experience and excellent communication, IT and organisational skills. Project Title: Various INFANT Projects Post Duration: 12 Months (may be extended further) Salary: €45,000 gross per annum (personal rate) For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/. Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Eoghan McKernan, Operations Manager, INFANT Centre. Email: eoghan.mckernan@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. Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) Friday, 17th of May 2024 No late applications will be accepted. Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector. UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work [...]
Inaugural lecture: Professor Deirdre Murray, CPF Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy
“Early detection of infant brain injury and cerebral palsy and why it matters”. On Friday 22 March, Professor Deirdre Murray gave her first public lecture as The Cerebral Palsy Foundation Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy at INFANT, UCC at the UCC Medicine and Health's Inaugural Philanthropic Lecture. Professor Murray was appointed to the role in October 2023, and she is leading research in brain injury and cerebral palsy at INFANT. The event commenced with Prof Paula O'Leary, Head of UCC's School of Medicine and Prof Geraldine Boylan, INFANT Director introducing Professor Deirdre Murray for her first public lecture, titled “Early detection of infant brain injury and cerebral palsy and why it matters”. Watch back here: More information about Professor Deirdre Murray's appointment to Chair
Tánaiste launches new €11.6 million Cerebral Palsy research programme at University College Cork
Groundbreaking partnership funded by SFI and Cerebral Palsy Foundation Friday, March 22, 2024: The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, today launched a new €11.6 million research programme focused on Cerebral Palsy at University College Cork (UCC). ELEVATE, a ground-breaking five-year initiative, has been funded under the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Strategic Partnership Programme (€5 million), with co-funding partner The Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) providing support of over €6 million. The programme will be led by the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at UCC, partnering with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin and all the tertiary-level maternity hospitals in Ireland. ELEVATE brings together a team of researchers and experts in early brain injury to create cutting-edge AI screening algorithms, devise novel detection methods, explore potential new treatments, and, most importantly, actively involve Cerebral Palsy-affected families in ongoing trials, education, and information platforms. The programme will also see the establishment of a Cerebral Palsy registry in Ireland, to track the rate of the condition for the first time, and enable access to the best research and clinical trials. Launching the ELEVATE Programme, Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD, said: “I'm delighted to launch this ambitious new programme, which has the potential to transform lives and reshape the landscape of Cerebral Palsy research and care in [...]
Free Educational Town Hall for parents and families of children with cerebral palsy
INFANT Research Centre and The Cerebral Palsy Foundation are hosting a free educational Town Hall to share the latest updates and overall management of cerebral palsy with families. The event is taking place on Saturday 23 March 2024 from 12.30pm-2pm in the Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork and is open to parents and families of children with cerebral palsy. Professor Deirdre Murray will present on how research leads to clinical changes which will be followed by a panel discussion with Professor Murray, Professor Geraldine Boylan and a Parent Advocate discussing cerebral palsy and the impacts of research in lived experience both from a researcher and parents perspective moderated by Rachel Byrne. Meet our Experts! Professor Geraldine Boylan: Professor of Neonatal Physiology, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University College Cork, Ireland and Director of the Irish Centre Maternal & Child Health Research - INFANT. She leads the Neonatal Brain Research Group at the INFANT centre - a multidisciplinary research team focused on neurological monitoring of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, particularly for the early diagnosis of brain injury. Professor Deirdre Murray: 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 predict and assess neurocognitive outcome in children. Professor [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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: [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]