INFANT Centre News
Interview: Cerebral Palsy Foundation Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy: Professor Deirdre Murray, One Year On
On World Cerebral Palsy Day, October 6th, 2023, University College Cork (UCC) proudly announced the appointment of Professor Deirdre Murray as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy, marking the start of a transformative programme aimed at revolutionising cerebral palsy care in Ireland. A UCC alumna, Professor Murray graduated in 1995 before completing paediatric training in Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine at Bristol Royal Hospital for Sick Children. Her journey continued as a Paediatric Intensive Care Fellow at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. In 2012, she was awarded the prestigious Health Research Board Clinician Scientist Award for the BiHiVE study, which focuses on discovering biomarkers for neonatal brain injury. Fast forward to World Cerebral Palsy Day, October 6th, 2024: We sit down with Professor Murray to reflect on her first year as Chair and the progress made. Can you tell us more about your role as Chair (and your other roles) and the key areas of research you’re currently focusing on? I am a consultant paediatrician in Cork University Hospital and I am also the Professor of Paediatrics in University College Cork. This means that I have time for research and teaching. My research has always been focused on trying to find better ways to predict and detect early brain injury. One year ago I was lucky enough to be [...]
Machine learning meets medicine: student’s groundbreaking work on cerebral palsy detection
A software engineering student at University of Limerick is working on a project that could help to revolutionise the early detection of cerebral palsy. Aaron Roche, a 20-year-old student on the Immersive Software Engineering (ISE) programme at UL, is working on the ELEVATE project, which is a ground-breaking five-year research programme that aims to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of early brain injury and cerebral palsy in Ireland. He selected the ELEVATE project for his residency as part of ISE, a transformational teaching and research initiative that aims to rethink and disrupt computer science education. ELEVATE is led by the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork and partnered with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin and the tertiary-level maternity hospitals in Ireland. The team at INFANT Research Centre are focussed on 3 key areas to improve care pathways: prevention, early detection, and intervention. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI will help them identify risk factors in pregnancy, labour and the early neonatal period that increase the likelihood of CP. This may help them to prevent CP from occurring in the first place and to reduce its severity when it does occur. ISE students learn by doing, working on projects and in paid residencies at some of ISE’s more than fifty partner organisations. They will also achieve a Masters’ qualification [...]
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: 24 months Salary: €44,347 - €50,805 per annum (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, 11th October 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 [...]
4 in 5 Pregnant Women in Ireland are Iron Deficient by Third Trimester, a research study reveals
4 in 5 Pregnant Women in Ireland are Iron Deficient by Third Trimester, a research study reveals Worrying findings sparking call for action Four out of five pregnant women in Ireland are iron deficient by their third trimester, a University College Cork (UCC) study reveals. Researchers at the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) and School of Food and Nutritional Sciences in UCC have shown that over 80% of women are iron deficient by their third trimester. The findings raise concerns as the participants in the study were a low-risk and generally healthy cohort. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is linked to increased risks of complications for both mother and child, including neurodevelopmental challenges for the baby. This study is the largest of its kind globally and was conducted in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and the Masonic Institute of the Developing Brain. Led by UCC’s Dr Elaine McCarthy, the study was published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study analysed data collected from 641 women in Ireland who were pregnant with their first baby and had a successful delivery. Blood samples were taken from the women throughout pregnancy, at 15, 20 and 33 weeks to determine iron status. “In Cork, which is a high-resource setting,” the authors found that “iron deficiency defined by a variety of markers was [...]
New approach to milk allergies promises breakthrough
Study shows that using a novel advancement therapy called the “Milk Ladder”, was almost four times more likely to be successful in safely reintroducing cow’s milk to children with milk allergies in comparison to other classic approaches used in other countries. Research conducted at the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at University College Cork and Cork University Hospital. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough in allergy management and opens the door for parents to play an active role in successfully re-introducing milk to children with milk allergies. Researchers have demonstrated how a novel approach to managing cow’s milk allergy could transform how food allergies are treated. Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to otherwise harmless food proteins, which can cause immediate symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, hives, and respiratory issues. Severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical attention. Now researchers at the Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT) at University College Cork and Cork University Hospital have shown that cow's milk can be safely and effectively reintroduced to children with milk allergies which affects 2-3% of infants, marking a significant breakthrough in allergy management. Traditionally, IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy is managed through strict avoidance of milk in all forms, followed by a series of outpatient appointments and allergy tests, often [...]
Volunteers Needed For Research Study: Long-term follow up after preeclampsia in Ireland: patient perspectives
We would like to invite women from diverse backgrounds around Ireland, who have had a previous diagnosis of preeclampsia, to take part in one-to-one interviews with a researcher to understand their experiences of follow-up care after preeclampsia, and their preferences regarding future follow-up care. What is the Study? This study aims to explore women’s awareness of the potential impacts of preeclampsia on long-term health outcomes, as well as investigating attitudes towards follow-up care after pregnancy. Women’s preferences regarding the structure, timing, and location of follow-up care after pregnancy will be explored through interviews with the research team. The overall purpose of the research is to improve the long-term follow-up care of women affected by preeclampsia in Ireland. Should you choose to participate, you will be asked to take part in a one-to-one interview with a researcher. This interview will be recorded and is expected to take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Who is it for? Adult women of any age who live in the Republic of Ireland who have had preeclampsia more than one year ago. There is no limit on the number of times a participant may have had preeclampsia. We hope to include women from a broad range of locations around Ireland. What do I need to do? If you are interested in participating, please fill in the enquiry form below. The research [...]
Decade of Maternal and Child Health Research Celebrated at INFANT, UCC
University College Cork’s INFANT Centre, Ireland’s first translational research hub dedicated entirely to pregnancy, birth, and early childhood, marks over a decade of groundbreaking work. Since its establishment in late 2013, INFANT—The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research—has been at the forefront of significant breakthroughs that are saving lives and improving outcomes for babies and their families daily, while also shaping perinatal medicine globally. From its beginnings as a team of eight founding principal investigators, INFANT has evolved into a multidisciplinary powerhouse, now comprising over 100 dedicated professionals, including healthcare practitioners, research scientists, engineers, and support staff. The Centre's expertise spans diverse fields such as obstetrics, paediatrics, neonatology, neuroscience, nutrition, biomedical engineering, informatics, and artificial intelligence. A Decade of Impact and Innovation Since its inception, INFANT has achieved some remarkable milestones: Developed innovative technologies to detect brain injuries in newborns, including the creation of the world’s first AI algorithm for seizure detection in infants. Contributed to groundbreaking therapies for peanut allergies in children. Developed a pioneering device to measure cognitive function in children that is independent of language barriers. Spearheaded the establishment of Ireland’s first dedicated network for children’s clinical trials - in4kids Supported the Establishment of the National Bereavement Standards within Ireland’s maternity services. INFANT’s pioneering research has not only advanced maternal and child healthcare in Ireland but has also garnered recognition [...]
We Are Hiring! Clinical Physiologist (Neurophysiology) 2 x Job Openings
Clinical Physiologist (Neurophysiology) (First Role) INFANT is now accepting applications for a Clinical Physiologist (Neurophysiology) to work on the ELEVATE Programme for the Prediction, Early Detection & Intervention in Cerebral Palsy. It is funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation through the SFI Strategic Partnership Programme. INFANT seeks a Clinical Physiologist (Neurophysiology) with substantial experience in neonatal and paediatric EEG to undertake EEG recordings, Evoked Potentials and other physiological monitoring. The role requires at least 5 years’ experience in Paediatric EEG recording and interpretation. A significant part of this role will require EEG and EP annotation and analysis. Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. Project Title: ELEVATE Post Duration: 36 Months Salary: HSE Neurophysiologist Senior Scale €52,445 - €68,672 For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/. Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor Geraldine Boylan. Email g.boylan@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 30th September 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 [...]
We Are Hiring! Clinical Nurse Manager
INFANT Research Centre is now accepting applications for an enthusiastic and committed Clinical Nurse Manager to work within the team based at INFANT Cork University Hospital, Cork Maternity Hospital. As a large maternal and child health research centre, our studies include pregnant women and children. The Clinical Nurse Manager will work on projects related to the Early Detection of newborn brain injury. The Clinical Nurse Manager will be involved in identifying eligible newborns in the neonatal unit and postnatal wards prior to discharge. They will assist the PI in day-to-day management of the research study including obtaining informed consent to participate, data collection and data entry to research database, co-ordinating follow-up appointments, assisting in the high-risk follow-up clinic, and to conduct family surveys. The candidate will also work on several other ongoing INFANT Research Projects. This is a full time (1FTE) position however part time 2 x 0.5FTE hours will also be considered. Project Title: Various INFANT projects Post Duration: 2 Years Salary: Clinical Nurse Manager 1 Scale (€54,437- €64,109) For an information package including further details of the post see https://my.corehr.com/pls/uccrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=079431 Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Geraldine Boylan Director, INFANT Telephone: +353 (0) 21 4205061 Email: g.boylan@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 [...]
Young voices needed to help shape Ireland’s child health research
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and In4kids, the Irish Network for Children’s Clinical Trials launch new National Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) which invites children and young people to share their voice and help shape child health research in Ireland. This launch marks a significant step forward in involving young people in health research and ensuring that their perspectives shape the future of paediatric care in Ireland. Funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), In4Kids and CHI Clinical Research Centre will jointly coordinate the Young Person’s Advisory Group. A new initiative to bring together young people from across Ireland, so that the voices of children are central in shaping child health research and clinical trial design in Ireland is launched. The national Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) are looking for children and young people aged between 12-18yrs who have experience of chronic health condition, have participated in a clinical trial, have a family member or friend with such experience, and or who have a keen interest in science and research. This YPAG is a collaboration between Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and In4Kids, the national children’s clinical trials network led by the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC). Transforming children and young people from subjects of research to active research partners Research indicates that hospitals actively involved in research tend to achieve better patient care [...]
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! 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 [...]