Pregnancy loss is common. Workplace support should be too.

By |2026-10-12T11:27:27+01:00October 12th, 2026|

Pregnancy loss is common. Workplace support should be too.

One year after the launch of the Pregnancy Loss & the Workplace Toolkit, employers are putting the research into practice. This Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October), we are encouraging more organisations to do the same.

Pregnancy loss affects approximately one in four pregnancies in Ireland, yet many people experiencing loss have historically had to navigate its physical and emotional impact without dedicated workplace leave or support.

In October 2025, the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork launched the Pregnancy Loss & the Workplace Toolkit to help change that.

Developed from research into people’s experiences of pregnancy loss at work, the free toolkit gives employers practical guidance to put meaningful supports in place, including a template workplace policy, guidance for managers and information for employees.

One year later, organisations are demonstrating just how quickly that research can translate into change.

 

From livid experience to change within a month

For Cork mother Diane Magee, the need for better workplace support is deeply personal.

Diane has experienced pregnancy loss at different stages of pregnancy, alongside IVF treatment and the complex journey of trying to conceive again after loss.

“Pregnancy loss can bring grief and physical recovery, but there can also be enormous emotional, financial and relationship pressures,” Diane said.

“Having a supportive workplace and knowing there is a policy there if you need it can take a huge weight off someone at an incredibly difficult time.”

Diane contributed her lived experience to the development of the Pregnancy Loss & the Workplace Toolkit because she wanted workplaces to better recognise pregnancy loss as a genuine loss, and give people the time, understanding and support they may need.

After the toolkit was launched, Diane brought it to her own employer, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

In less than a month, Marymount had introduced dedicated pregnancy loss leave.

Christine O’Riordan, Staff Support and Wellbeing Officer at Marymount, said having practical guidance and policy language available through the toolkit made it straightforward for the organisation to act.

“When someone is going through pregnancy loss, there is so much they are already trying to process. If we can take just one worry off their plate by making sure they don’t have to worry about work, that can make a world of difference. For us, putting that support in place was a relatively simple step, but it can mean so much to the person who needs it.”

Employees have since used the leave – something Christine describes as an “absolute success”.

 

Turning guidance into practical support

Marymount isn’t alone. Gas Networks Ireland has also used the toolkit to help develop its own pregnancy loss policy.

The organisation introduced dedicated leave, guidance for managers and different ways for employees to access support. The policy recognises fathers and partners too, while mandatory training helps managers understand how to respond sensitively when an employee experiences pregnancy loss.

Employees are now using the leave, feedback has been positive and other organisations have approached Gas Networks Ireland to learn from its experience.

For Nicola McSweeney, Director of People at Gas Networks Ireland, putting these supports in place is a simple but important part of creating a workplace where employees know they will be supported when difficult things happen.

“There really is no downside to putting these supports in place. People will experience difficult things in their lives, and as an employer we want them to know that when they do, they will be supported. A clear policy also gives managers confidence – they don’t need to have all the answers; they need to listen and know what support is available.”

 

Could your workplace be next?

For Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, who leads the Pregnancy Loss Research Group and is Clinical Lead for Obstetric Research at INFANT Research Centre, the experience of Marymount and Gas Networks Ireland demonstrates what employers can do now.

“Supporting people through pregnancy loss in the workplace goes beyond an entitlement to time off. Clear policies, informed and supported managers, and a compassionate workplace culture can make an enormous difference to someone’s experience.”

While pregnancy loss leave is also moving up the national policy agenda, with the Government approving the drafting of legislation earlier this year, employers do not need to wait for statutory change to put meaningful supports in place.

 

This Baby Loss Awareness Week, we are encouraging employers to take a simple first step:

Download the toolkit. Share it with your HR team or leadership. Ask what your organisation can put in place.

The resources are free, practical and designed so organisations do not have to start from scratch.

Pregnancy loss is common. Workplace support should be too.

Download the Pregnancy Loss & the Workplace Toolkit

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Early intervention in action: Aidan’s story and the research shaping cerebral palsy care

By |2026-10-01T15:56:45+01:00September 30th, 2026|

Early intervention in action: Aidan’s story and the research shaping cerebral palsy care

When Aidan was born in August 2025, his parents Niamh and John faced enormous uncertainty about what the future might hold.

Late in Niamh’s pregnancy, an antenatal scan identified excessive fluid on Aidan’s brain. He was born safely by Caesarean section three days later. Further assessments were carried out after birth, including an MRI in the neonatal unit, and his parents were given the difficult news that there was significant damage to both sides of his brain.

The initial prognosis was uncertain. Over the months that followed, Aidan was closely monitored and his family threw themselves into supporting his development. He received support through Enable Ireland, while Niamh also took him swimming regularly and sought out additional therapies, including physiotherapy.

At around six months old, a specialist assessment gave his family a clearer understanding of his development. He had significant movement difficulties and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).

Aidan was already receiving considerable support, but his family continued to look for opportunities to support his development during this important early stage.

One of those opportunities came through research.

 

Exploring early intervention through research

Following his diagnosis, Aidan was eligible to take part in APPLESTele, a cerebral palsy-focused intervention study led by Emory University and funded in the United States by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Irish arm of APPLESTele is being delivered through INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork as part of the ELEVATE programme.

The study is a six-week, home-based early intervention programme for babies with cerebral palsy or at high risk of cerebral palsy. Delivered through telehealth, the programme supports parents to use simple, play-based exercises at home to encourage movement and use of their baby’s weaker arm.

For Niamh and Aidan, that meant incorporating structured activities into everyday life at home, with a particular focus on encouraging Aidan to engage his left arm and hand.

The programme wasn’t always easy. Some weeks were more successful than others, particularly when Aidan was teething. But as it progressed, Niamh began noticing changes in the way he was using his left side.

“He was lifting his arm up really high… he was starting to wiggle his fingers in the beans and the sand and knock over the toy. So that was massive.”

She began noticing changes outside the structured sessions too. Aidan would hold objects in his left hand for longer and use it to help hold his bottle.

Around this period, he also began rolling before his first birthday. While rolling was not an outcome measured as part of APPLESTele, and Aidan was receiving other therapies and support at the same time, it was a hugely significant milestone for his family.

“We never thought he’d be rolling before his first birthday,” Niamh says. “It was like Christmas Day.”

Today, at 13 months old, Niamh describes a little boy doing far more than his family had initially been led to expect.

“He’s babbling, he’s saying Dada… he’s waving and he’s giving kisses and he’s clapping hands. He’s doing far more than any of us anticipated.”

She continues to see changes in how Aidan uses his left side too. When he rolls, he is increasingly able to recognise where his left arm is and reposition it himself. When she asks him to lift the arm, he can.

“Those are all just massive wins. We never take it for granted.”

 

From research into practice

For Niamh, completing APPLESTele has also raised an important question: what happens when the research ends?

She has looked for ways to continue this type of intervention but says she has struggled to find comparable therapy available in Ireland.

That question goes beyond one family. Studies such as APPLESTele are helping to build our understanding of how early, targeted intervention can support babies with cerebral palsy. The next challenge is ensuring that approaches supported by evidence can move beyond research studies and, where appropriate, become part of the care available to children and families.

Professor Deirdre Murray, Deputy Director of INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork, says the approach to cerebral palsy diagnosis has changed significantly.

“Until relatively recently, there was often a ‘wait and see’ approach for infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. We now have reliable tools that can allow us to diagnose CP much earlier, often within the first six to nine months of life.

“Research is also building our understanding of the difference that CP-specific interventions such as APPLES can make. For suitable babies, starting targeted intervention during the first year of life gives us an important opportunity to support their development as early as possible.”

For Niamh, the importance of continuing this work is much more immediate.

Aidan is now 13 months old, and his family is celebrating every new movement and every new milestone. But having experienced this type of targeted early intervention through research, Niamh would like to see opportunities like it become available to more children and families.

“I’d love to be keeping it going,” she says.

 

Help shape the future of cerebral palsy care

This October, INFANT is shining a light on research working to improve the early detection and intervention of cerebral palsy.

All donations made to INFANT Research Centre during October will support cerebral palsy research – helping us find better ways to identify CP earlier, support children sooner and improve care for children and families.

 

 

 

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New Kildare clinic expands specialist follow-up for babies in AIM-HIGH Study

By |2026-09-30T15:53:12+01:00September 29th, 2026|

New Kildare clinic expands specialist follow-up for babies in AIM-HIGH Study

A new research clinic in Kildare is expanding access to specialist developmental follow-up for babies participating in the AIM-HIGH Study, led by INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork.

The clinic, based at Enable Ireland in Jigginstown, opened on 4 September, with two families attending the first clinic, and a further eight families are expected to attend the next clinic in November.

AIM-HIGH (Assessing Intellectual and Motor outcomes in High-Risk Infants) follows babies who may be at increased risk of developmental difficulties due to premature delivery, or a complex neonatal course. Through detailed assessments during the first 2 years of life, the study aims to improve support earlier identification of children who may benefit from additional assessment, intervention or support.

The study sits within ELEVATE, a research programme led by INFANT Research Centre that is working to transform the prediction, early detection and treatment of cerebral palsy in Ireland. ELEVATE’s work contributes to the broader Irish Cerebral Palsy Programme, bringing together research, clinical care and new approaches to improve outcomes for children and families.

 

Expanding follow-up beyond the major maternity centres

AIM-HIGH currently recruits babies through Cork University Maternity Hospital, the Rotunda Hospital and the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital.

However, some babies who receive specialist care at these hospitals do not live within their usual follow-up catchment areas.

The new Kildare clinic provides an additional location for AIM-HIGH families living outside Dublin and Cork to access the structured developmental follow-up offered through the study.

During appointments, babies are assessed by an INFANT team including a trained paediatrician and physiotherapist. The team looks closely at their development, including movement, muscle tone and neurological development, to identify any early signs that a child may benefit from additional assessment or therapeutic support.

Professor Deirdre Murray, Deputy Director of INFANT Research Centre and Chair of the Irish Cerebral Palsy Programme, said the follow-up is designed to identify developmental differences as early as possible.

“In these visits, we are screening for abnormal developmental progress, looking for the first signs of movement difficulties such as cerebral palsy, or delayed development requiring active therapeutic input to improve outcomes.’

Professor Murray said the ambition is to make structured follow-up available to more babies who may be at increased risk of developmental difficulties.

“Until now, high-risk infants were not offered structured early screening for CP. Early structured screening, implemented in the large maternity hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Waterford since 2023, has reduced the average time of CP diagnosis for babies from 2 years to around 7 months. Our hope is that this structured follow up can be offered to all at risk babies so that diagnosis and intervention can start as soon as possible.”

 

Freya’s Story

Freya was born prematurely at 29 weeks and four days. Lavita had been transferred from Cavan to the Rotunda Hospital ahead of her delivery, where Freya spent her first week in neonatal care before being transferred back to Cavan Hospital for a further six weeks.

While at the Rotunda, the family was invited to participate in AIM-HIGH because Freya had been born prematurely. However, because the family lives in Cavan, Freya falls outside the Rotunda’s usual follow-up catchment area.

Her first AIM-HIGH developmental assessment therefore took place at the newly opened Kildare clinic.

For Lavita, navigating Freya’s development has meant adjusting to a very different experience of early motherhood.

“It has been a totally different experience for me as a mother. My first daughter was born at 41 weeks, and Freya was born at 29 weeks, so you can’t compare their development in the same way.”

One of the biggest adjustments has been learning to consider Freya’s development according to her corrected age, rather than simply her age from birth.

“If I compare Freya using her age from when she was born, she can seem delayed. But when I look at her corrected age, her development is matching where we would expect her to be. As a parent, having someone explain that and reassure you is really important.”

At Freya’s first appointment, the team assessed areas including her muscle tone, reflexes and neurological development.

“It was a lovely experience. The team were very good and Freya was comfortable throughout. They took the time with her and we came away feeling very happy with how she was progressing,” Lavita said.

Freya will continue to be followed through AIM-HIGH, with her next assessment planned for when she is between nine and 12 months corrected age.

 

Supporting earlier identification

The opening of the Kildare clinic is part of a wider ambition to extend structured developmental follow-up to more babies who may be at increased risk of developmental difficulties.

For the majority of children, these assessments will provide reassurance that their development is progressing as expected. For others, they may help identify developmental differences at an earlier stage, allowing families to be connected with further assessment, intervention or support where needed.

This is particularly important for cerebral palsy, where earlier identification can provide an opportunity to begin appropriate intervention during an important period of a child’s development.

The new Kildare clinic represents a practical step towards widening access to this structured follow-up for families participating in AIM-HIGH, while helping researchers build a clearer picture of how babies at increased risk develop during their first years of life.

The new clinic represents another practical step in expanding access to structured developmental follow-up for participating families, while building knowledge that can help shape better pathways for children at risk of developmental difficulties, and in particular CP in Ireland.

 

Support cerebral palsy research

This October, INFANT is shining a light on research helping to improve the early detection and intervention of cerebral palsy. All donations made to INFANT during October will support cerebral palsy research, helping our researchers continue work to improve outcomes for children and families.

 

 

 

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The gender gap in autism: why we need to do better for girls

By |2026-04-02T09:25:18+01:00April 2nd, 2026|

The gender gap in autism: why we need to do better for girls

Autism diagnosis can be a long and complex process. For some children, assessment takes years. Girls in particular are often identified much later than boys, sometimes not until adolescence meaning they can miss years of support when it matters most.

At the INFANT Research Centre in University College Cork, Dr Jane English is investigating whether biological signals present at birth could help change that timeline.

Her research focuses on identifying early-life biomarkers that may one day support earlier identification of autism, particularly those who could benefit from additional monitoring and support.

The aim is not to diagnose autism at birth, but to build the scientific foundation for earlier screening. If successful, this work could help reduce delays in identification and ensure more children, especially girls, receive support earlier in life.

“The overarching goal is to facilitate early intervention in children with autism.” English explains. “At the moment, diagnosis is complex, and quite often children are not diagnosed until the ages of four or five, and in some cases, much later”.

 

A system under pressure

In Ireland, autism diagnosis typically involves a multidisciplinary team assessment. While comprehensive, the system is under significant strain.

“There are thousands of families on waiting lists for a first-time autism assessment, with waiting times exceeding two years,” English says. “It is extremely challenging for families.”

Early intervention services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and structured parent support can significantly improve a child’s development and quality of life.

However, timing is only part of the challenge. Gender also plays a role in when and how autism is recognised.

 

Why girls with autism are often missed

“We tend to catch boys earlier than girls,” English says. “The diagnostic criteria were largely designed around male-dominated profiles, and some females with autism do not fit this pattern.”

While boys may show more outward behaviours that are easier to recognise, girls are more likely to internalise their difficulties. They may appear shy or anxious while masking social discomfort and sensory challenges. As a result, their needs often go unnoticed, or they are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Recent research suggest that Autism is just as common in girls as in boys, yet boys are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed in childhood.

“The girls are there, but the system is just failing to see them” says English. “Delaying a diagnosis does not mean she is ‘fine’.  It means she misses crucial support.”

This gap also affects research. Studies have historically focused more on males, limiting understanding of how autism presents biologically in females. Expanding female-focused research is therefore central to improving identification and support.

 

Investigating early-life biology

We know autism begins in the womb. That is why Dr English’s research focuses on the prenatal environment and the interaction between mother, placenta, and fetus.

Her team studies maternal cord blood collected immediately after delivery to identify molecular patterns linked to later autism diagnosis.

“We are looking for a molecular signature, like a fingerprint, in cord blood at birth,” explains Aisling Noone, a final year PhD student in the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience.

Using large bio-banked pregnancy cohorts, researchers compare samples from children who later received an autism diagnosis and compare them with neurotypical children. This allows them to identify biological pathways associated with neurodevelopment.

This work is still in the discovery and validation phase.

“This type of research takes time,” English says. “The priority is to understand the biology properly and to replicate findings across populations.”

The team is particularly interested in inflammation and steroid biology during pregnancy. These factors alone cannot predict autism, but alongside genetic susceptibility they may offer important clues about how early development shapes later outcomes.

Understanding complexity

Autism is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Rather than focusing on single markers, English’s team integrates multiple layers of information to help predict outcome.

This includes biomarker data alongside maternal clinical information such as mental health, stress, pregnancy complications, infection, and infant birth weight. Machine learning models are then used to explore how these factors interact.

“Instead of stripping away complexity, we incorporate it,” she says. “If something is going to be useful in practice, it has to work in the real world.”

This approach represents a shift towards understanding networks of risk and resilience, rather than searching for a single defining cause.

 

From discovery to responsible translation

The long-term ambition is not to provide a definitive diagnosis at birth. English is careful to draw that distinction.

“If the evidence supports it, this could one day contribute to a voluntary approach that helps families understand their child’s needs earlier.” English says.

In principle, such a system might resemble existing newborn screening frameworks, where parents opt in and receive information that supports monitoring and follow-up. Any future screening pathway would require extensive validation, ethical evaluation and close collaboration with clinicians and families.

For now, the work remains focused on strengthening the scientific evidence.

 

Looking ahead

Translating biomarker research into screening tools will take time, larger datasets, and continued collaboration across research and clinical communities. Expanding female-focused studies will also be essential so future approaches reflect the full diversity of how autism presents.

Much remains to be understood about how early biological signals relate to later neurodevelopment. But by investigating the earliest stages of life, this research is helping to build a stronger foundation for earlier identification.

Over time, these advances could help ensure that fewer children wait years for answers, and that girls who are currently overlooked are recognised earlier and supported sooner.

 

Acknowledgements:

This research was supported by the Irish Health Research Board (HRB) through an award to Dr Jane English.

For those interested in following this research or supporting future work in this area, please contact Merrin Browne, Research Engagement and Partnerships Manager, at merrinbrowne@ucc.ie or help support future research here.

 

 

 

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Biomarkers to enable early treatment of newborn brain injury

By |2026-03-25T08:03:30+00:00March 24th, 2026|

Biomarkers to enable early treatment of newborn brain injury

Lack of oxygen to the brain at birth affects almost 200 babies in Ireland each year and more than two million infants globally. This condition, known as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), is a leading cause of newborn death and long-term neurological disability, including cerebral palsy.

Early diagnosis is critical, as treatments such as therapeutic hypothermia, or brain cooling as its often known, must be initiated within a narrow time window to reduce brain injury and improve outcomes. Yet identifying which babies will benefit from treatment remains a major clinical challenge.

Researchers at INFANT, working with collaborators at University College Cork and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, identified and validated two blood-based biomarkers that can aid the early detection of birth-related brain injury. These biomarkers are microRNAs, small strands of genetic material found in umbilical cord blood, which were shown to be significantly reduced in newborns with HIE.

The research, led by INFANT Researcher, Professor Deirdre Murray, and involving umbilical cord blood samples from 170 newborn babies in Ireland and Sweden, demonstrated consistent biological patterns across populations, strengthening their potential clinical relevance.

As Professor Murray explains:

“Early diagnosis is critical in babies affected by hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Our research shows consistent biological signals across different populations, which is a vital step towards identifying brain injury when treatment decisions matter most.”

By providing an early biological signal of injury, these biomarkers could support faster identification of infants who need urgent intervention and help guide transfer to specialist centres for brain cooling therapy.

INFANT Director Professor Geraldine Boylan highlights the broader significance of the work:

“This research demonstrates how sustained, collaborative effort can advance neonatal care. It reflects INFANT’s commitment to developing evidence that has real potential to improve outcomes for babies and families.”

Supported by funding from the Health Research Board and the National Children’s Research Centre, this research represents almost a decade of focused investigation into early brain injury. It is an important step towards improving diagnosis and care for newborns affected by HIE.

 

 

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Predicting pre-eclampsia before it becomes dangerous

By |2026-03-25T08:04:00+00:00March 24th, 2026|

Predicting pre-eclampsia before it becomes dangerous

For many women, pre-eclampsia arrives without warning. What begins as a healthy pregnancy can suddenly become life-threatening, with serious consequences for both mother and baby. Despite affecting around 5% of first-time mothers, clinicians have had limited tools to predict who will develop the condition.

INFANT researchers aimed to change that uncertainty.

Using advanced metabolomic technologies, the team studied subtle changes in blood chemistry during pregnancy and identified a unique set of biomarkers linked to the later development of pre-eclampsia. These biomarkers make it possible to identify women at risk before clinical symptoms appear.

Early prediction changes everything. Women identified as high-risk can be monitored more closely, receive preventative treatments, and make informed decisions alongside their healthcare team. For clinicians, it enables targeted care rather than reactive treatment. For families, it offers something previously unavailable: time.

By shifting pre-eclampsia care from crisis response to early prevention, this research has the potential to save lives and reduce long-term complications for mothers and babies alike.

 

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From research to real-time care: the ANSeR study

By |2026-03-25T10:54:51+00:00March 24th, 2026|

From research to real-time care: the ANSeR study

Babies admitted to neonatal intensive care due to complications during pregnancy are at high risk of brain injury and seizures, which can have lifelong consequences if not detected and treated early. Yet newborn seizures are notoriously difficult to identify, often showing no visible signs.

The ANSeR (Automated Neonatal Seizure Recognition) study was established to address this challenge. Led by Professor Gene Dempsey and Professor Geraldine Boylan and developed in collaboration with engineers at the INFANT Centre at University College Cork, the study focused on combining neonatal medicine, brain monitoring, and advanced algorithms to improve seizure detection.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring records a baby’s brain activity but interpreting these complex signals requires specialist expertise. This expertise however is not always available in neonatal units, particularly outside normal working hours. ANSeR was designed to act as an “EEG expert at the cot side”, available 24 hours a day.

Using algorithms trained to recognise seizure patterns, ANSeR continuously analyses brain activity and alerts clinical teams when seizures are detected. This enables faster intervention, more timely treatment, and better protection for the developing brain.

The ANSeR study demonstrates how interdisciplinary research at INFANT – bringing together clinicians, engineers, and data scientists – can translate directly into tools that improve care for vulnerable newborns and support clinical decision-making when it matters most.

 

 

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Parents’ voices helping shape cerebral palsy research

By |2026-03-24T15:45:54+00:00March 24th, 2026|

Parents’ voices helping shape cerebral palsy research

 

Research is strongest when it reflects the realities of the people it aims to support.

At the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC), parents are helping shape cerebral palsy research through the Cerebral Palsy Parent Advisory Group (CP-PAG). The group is part of the wider ELEVATE research programme and the National Cerebral Palsy Programme, which aim to improve early diagnosis, care pathways and long-term outcomes for children with cerebral palsy in Ireland.

The advisory group brings together parents who share their lived experience to help guide research aimed at improving care, support and outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.

For Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (25 March), INFANT is highlighting the role parents play in ensuring research reflects the priorities and everyday experiences of families.

Parents involved in the group say their perspectives help researchers better understand what life with cerebral palsy looks like beyond clinical settings.

“We are living the reality every day,” says Kirsty, whose four-year-old son Andre has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

“We can offer perspective into things researchers might not realise are important but matter greatly to families.”

 

Pictured left, Kirsty Diaso with her husband, daughter, and son Andre, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy; pictured right, Kirsty and Andre.

 

Why lived experience matters in research

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement, posture and coordination. For many families, the journey after diagnosis involves navigating therapies, services and everyday challenges that are not always visible in clinical research.

Cristín, whose six-year-old son Alex was diagnosed shortly after his first birthday, says involving parents helps bring a human perspective to research.

“Involving parents transforms research from a clinical study into a human-centred one,” she explains.

“Parents bring lived experience that can help researchers understand what families are going through, especially during the emotional and uncertain time around diagnosis.”

Parents in the advisory group contribute in a number of ways, including helping shape research questions, reviewing study design and ensuring research priorities reflect what matters most to families. They have also contributed to over 20 research studies and helped develop national resources for families, making research more accessible and relevant to those living with cerebral palsy.

 

Understanding the realities families face

For many parents, everyday life highlights the barriers that still exist for children with disabilities.

Cristín says some challenges are small but persistent.

“Sometimes it’s things like trying to find adapted shoes that fit over orthotics or checking whether somewhere is accessible before we go out.”

Others highlight wider inequalities in systems designed without disabled children in mind.

She points to the contrast between her children’s school journeys.

“One child can walk ten minutes to school, while the other has to sit on a bus for over an hour to attend a special school that can meet their needs.”

Experiences like these help researchers understand the broader social and practical challenges families face every day.

 

Challenging assumptions about disability

Parents also hope greater awareness will help challenge assumptions about children with physical disabilities.

Cristín says one of the biggest challenges Alex faces is not always mobility.

“It’s the assumption that because he has a physical disability, he cannot understand what people are saying,” she says.

“I would love to see more people stop talking past Alex to me. Get down to his level and speak directly to him.”
For families, awareness is not only about understanding the condition itself, but also about recognising the abilities, personalities and voices of the children living with it.

 

Pictured left: Cristin McCormack, and son Alex, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after his first birthday; pictured right, the family enjoying a day out together.

 

From lived experience to better research

Since her son’s diagnosis, Kirsty has taken a strong interest in cerebral palsy research and how it can improve care and support for families.

She recently launched Cerebral Palsy Social (@cerebralpalsysocial), a support network for parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.

For her, contributing to research is another way parents can help shape a better future.

“Cerebral palsy is not a curable condition,” she says. “But with the right therapies, supports and understanding, people with cerebral palsy can thrive and live full lives.”

She believes involving parents in research focuses on outcomes that truly matter to children and families. Embedding parent voices in research from the outset also means programmes like ELEVATE can drive real-world improvements in care, support and outcomes for children and families across Ireland.

 

Looking toward a more inclusive future

For parents like Kirsty and Cristín, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is an opportunity not only to raise awareness but also to build understanding.

“To me, CP Awareness Day is about bridging the gap between awareness of CP as a label and a true understanding of what a diagnosis means,” says Cristín.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate our amazing children while also highlighting the challenges families face and working toward a future where every child with cerebral palsy grows up in an inclusive and supportive community.”

Through initiatives such as the Cerebral Palsy Parent Advisory Group, parent voices are helping ensure research reflects the realities of families and contributes to better care and support in the future.

 

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INFANT, UCC Researcher Amongst New Fulbright Awardees

By |2025-08-06T08:55:18+01:00July 25th, 2025|

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 will research, innovate and collaborate across a diverse range of fields including multimedia arts, philosophy, medicine, agriculture, education, art history, AI technology in medicine, AI technology in education, visual arts, and health.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) will teach the Irish language and attend Irish language Immersion weekends at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, College of Our Lady of the Elms, University of Montana, and the University of Notre Dame.

Awardees serve as cultural ambassadors during their time in the U.S. and share their knowledge, ideas and experience upon their return, creating lasting impacts for society. Fulbright awardees, inspired by the mission, ethos and legacy of the Fulbright Program of creating a global culture of mutual understanding, continue the important work of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Ireland and advancing much needed empathy in today’s increasingly divided world.

The Fulbright Irish Awards will open on 28th August 2025. Interested candidates should visit www.fulbright.ie for more information.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Edward S. Walsh, said…

“The Fulbright Program plays a crucial role in strengthening ties between the United States and Ireland. Through educational and cultural exchanges, Fulbright awardees work toward fostering mutual understanding and finding solutions to global issues, ensuring that our extraordinary transatlantic relationship continues to flourish. I congratulate this year’s awardees on their success.”

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris T.D., said…

“I warmly congratulate the Fulbright Irish Awardees for 2025-2026. The Fulbright Program – spanning 14 presidential administrations – has been an important initiative in sustaining the unique and special relationship that Ireland and the United States share. At the dawn of the age of artificial intelligence, there is still no substitution for the personal engagement, which sustains our deep and rich people-to-people connections. As such, Fulbright Awardees serve as cultural ambassadors for Ireland in the United States, sharing their knowledge, expertise and learnings upon return. I am proud that my Government has supported Fulbright to maintain and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Ireland and build on our transatlantic academic and cultural connections.  I want to wish the Fulbright Irish Awardees 2025-2026 every success as they embark on this exciting journey.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Chair of the Fulbright Commission Ireland Board, Professor Paul Donnelly, said…

“On behalf of the Fulbright Commission Ireland Board, I am delighted to congratulate the 18 Fulbright Irish Awardees on their success. At a time of global change and uncertainty, the mission, values and legacy of the Fulbright Program of leadership, empathy, understanding, and collaboration endure, embodied by a new cohort of excellent Fulbright awardees embarking on academic and cultural exchanges in the United States. We take pride in their achievement and wish the awardees a rich and rewarding experience.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, Dr Dara FitzGerald, said…

“As Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, it is gratifying to see a new cohort of thriving Fulbright Irish Awardees embark on Fulbright awards to the United States. Awardees join a growing global network of Fulbright alumni, friends and colleagues who have achieved accolades across all disciplines. While the Fulbright Program is synonymous with cutting edge research, innovation, teaching and academic excellence, it is equally known for its important role in strengthening international relations and fostering mutual understanding through cultural exchange. As Senator J. Fulbright said, ‘The Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs.’

I would like to highlight the ongoing and sterling support of our partners, the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.

We are deeply grateful to our Irish award sponsors and partners: Research Ireland, the Health Research Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, Geological Survey Ireland, National University of Ireland, Teagasc, the Creative Ireland Programme, the Heritage Council and notable U.S. Institutions such as the Exploratorium, the Smithsonian, the Harry Ransom Center, Florida Polytechnic University, the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School; and Irish institutions such as University College Cork, Technological University of the Shannon, Technological University of Dublin, AMBER Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin City University, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Maynooth University, University of Limerick and the Kemmy Business School, Atlantic Technological University, and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies.”

There is 1 Fulbright UCC Awardee this year – from INFANT Research Centre:

Dr Lisa Kiely MD is a Dermatology Specialist Registrar and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellow at the INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork. She holds an honours BSc in Physiology from the University of Galway, a postgraduate medical degree from the University of Limerick, and a Master’s in Clinical Education from Queen’s University Belfast. Currently pursuing a PhD, her research focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to improve detection and monitoring of disease activity in morphea, a rare inflammatory skin condition. Her work aims to improve how this condition is monitored and managed in clinical practice. As a Fulbright Irish Student Awardee, Lisa will travel to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where she will collaborate with Professor Heidi Jacobe, a global leader in morphea research. Lisa is excited at the opportunity to foster long-term transatlantic collaboration in morphea research.

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🌍 World Brain Day 2025 🧠

By |2025-07-24T12:31:27+01:00July 22nd, 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 Project, which aimed to improve our understanding of newborn brain injury in Uganda and examined the impacts of events around the time of birth on both the baby’s brain and the child’s longer-term outcomes.

➡️ Read more: https://www.infantcentre.ie/2024/12/03/lancet-publication/

INFANT conducts a number of research projects prioritising newborn brain health, one particular project is called ELEVATE, a five-year research programme which is focused on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of brain injury and cerebral palsy in infants, particularly during the critical window of neuroplasticity (up to 2 years of age). INFANT is leading this programme in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin(TCD), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Ireland’s tertiary-level maternity hospitals. It’s funded under a Strategic Partnership Programme by Research Ireland and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF).

ELEVATE aims to establish Ireland as a world-leading hub for CP research and innovation.

Together, we are leveraging cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary collaboration to transform the landscape of CP research and care.

The goal: to improve outcomes and quality of life for children with CP, their families and carers in Ireland and globally.

➡️ Learn more about the programme: https://www.infantcentre.ie/research/elevate/

➡️ Read an Interview with Prof Deirdre Murray, the CPF Chair of Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy: (10) Cerebral Palsy Foundation Chair in Early Brain Injury and Cerebral Palsy: Professor Deirdre Murray, One Year On – 6th Oct 2024 | LinkedIn

💡 Why It Matters

This World Brain Day, we recognise our incredible researchers, clinicians, and collaborators who are working every day to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.

Through science, innovation, and collaboration, we continue to advance the field of brain health, starting at the very beginning.

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