Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Click on the project images for further details on the research project.
PEGASUS: PErsistent inflammation and systemic multiorGAn dySfunction in UnderStanding neonatal encephalopathy
It investigates how persistent inflammation after NE contributes to brain injury and multiorgan dysfunction. By integrating clinical data, advanced imaging, immunological biomarkers and longitudinal follow-up, the project aims to refine therapeutic hypothermia management, identify predictive biomarkers, and explore targeted immunomodulatory treatments to improve personalised care and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. PhD: Dr Nico Barbu. Funder: CP Foundation/Research Ireland. PI: Prof. Eleanor Molloy.
FIREFLY: Followup of Inflammatory REsponses and multiorgan outcomes FoLlowing neonatal brain injurY
Perinatal global hypoxic ischaemia associated with Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) results in multi-organ dysfunction which may persist in later childhood. We aimed to examine multi-organ dysfunction in early childhood in children who had NE and developmental outcomes. PhD: Dr Eman Isweisi. Funder: HRB. PI: Prof. Eleanor Molloy.
We are part of the ACUMEN study, lead by Prof. Nikki Robertson.
ACUMEN: ACUte high dose Melatonin to improve outcomes in Encephalopathy of the Newborn
The study is a first-in-human, multi-centre study to understand the most effective and safest dose of intravenous melatonin as an adjunct to therapeutic hypothermia in neonates with hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Researcher: Ms Laura Johnson. Funder: UCL.
Previous Research Projects
NEPTuNE: The HRB Neonatal Encephalopathy PhD Training Network
NEPTuNE is a national PhD training network focused on advancing neonatal encephalopathy research through multidisciplinary collaboration. Led by experts from Trinity College Dublin, the University of Galway, UCC’s Infant Centre and PPI partner, the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance (INHA). It brought together internationally recognised expertise to improve understanding, treatment, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and family-centred care for neonatal brain injury. PhD: 7 PhDs. Funder: HRB.
PI: Prof. Eleanor Molloy was the primary PI of 2 projects and Co-PI of 5 more.
Please click NEPTuNE programme for more information.
Leading PI for the following projects is Prof. Eleanor Molloy:
CRADLE: Circadian Rhythm Alterations anD outcome in NE (Part of NEPTuNE)
NE is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms, persistent inflammation, and altered melatonin production. This research investigated whether optimizing circadian rhythms, including reducing light exposure to enhance endogenous melatonin, can reduce inflammation and improve outcomes in affected infants alongside therapeutic hypothermia. PhD: Dr. Tim Hurley.
PUFFIN: Point of care ultrasound for functional multi-organ evaluation in NE (Part of NEPTuNE)
NE causes significant mortality, disability, and multi-organ injury despite TH. We evaluated ultrasound and novel biomarkers to improve detection and management of organ dysfunction, while exploring adjunct therapies to reduce inflammation and enhance developmental and long-term health outcomes. PhD: Dr Aoife Branagan.
NEBULA: NEonatal Brain Injury: Understanding systemic InfLAmmation & immunomodulation
Studied inflammation, circadian rhythm, and immune cell activation in neonatal brain injury. It examined BMAL-1, CRY, and HIF-1α expression, assessed melatonin’s neuroprotective potential, and correlated inflammatory markers with MRI, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and multi-organ dysfunction. PhD: Dr. Saima Aslam.
NIMBUS: Neonatal Inflammation and Multiorgan dysfunction and Brain injUry reSearch group
It investigated inflammatory responses and multi-organ dysfunction in neonatal brain injury and encephalopathy. It correlated inflammatory biomarkers with clinical, MRI, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, while evaluating cardiac, renal, haematological, and placental markers. The study aimed to identify early biomarkers, improve prognosis, and support timely therapeutic interventions. Researcher: Dr. Lynne Kelly. Funder: HRB.
UNICORN: Underlying mechanisms in Neonatal Immune metaboliC dysregulatiOn and bRain Injury
It studied persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation in neonatal encephalopathy despite TH. Inflammatory biomarkers, reactive oxygen species production, HIF-1α signalling, and metabolic pathways, were correlated with MRI and neurodevelopmental outcomes. PhD: Dr. Mary O'Dea. Funder: NCHF.
PINECONE: Perinatal Inflammation in Neonatal Encephalopathy and Correlation with Neurospecific biomarkers of outcome
This study examined biomarkers in infants and children following neonatal encephalopathy (NE) to better understand recovery and long-term outcomes. Researchers compared brain-specific and inflammatory biomarkers and assess how well they predict developmental outcomes. MSc: Anja Jurk.
PINETREE: Perinatal Inflammation in Neonatal Encephalopathy and Tau and NeuroprRotEins Encompassing birth to Childhood
This study aimed to validate neuro-specific biomarkers as predictors of outcomes in NE and assess their persistence into childhood. By identifying reliable biomarkers, the research could inform clinical decision-making, enable earlier interventions, and improve long-term outcomes for affected children.
GEMINI: GEnder and inflaMmatIoN In neonatal encephalopathy
It investigated the relationship between gender, inflammation, and neonatal encephalopathy. It examined gender-specific differences in neuroimaging, developmental and immunological outcomes, inflammasome activity, TLR signalling, and immunometabolism, aiming to identify prognostic biomarkers and inform future adjunctive therapeutic strategies in neonatal brain injury. Researcher: Dr. Lynne Kelly. Funder: NCRC.
MODE: Multi-organ dysfunction scoring in neonatal encephalopathy
This study aims to improve understanding of multi-organ dysfunction in infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE). Researchers developed a simple scoring system (MODE) to assess organ function and examine its relationship with brain injury severity, developmental outcomes, and survival. The findings may help identify infants at greater risk and improve long-term follow-up and care. PhD: Dr. Deidree Sweetman. Funder: NCRC.
TRENDI: TLR-2 signalling in Encephalopahty in Neonates with Dysfunctional Inflammation
This study investigated the role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling and microRNA expression in NE and brain injury. TLR activation affects immune cell function, inflammation, and recovery. It helped identified new biomarkers and support development of therapies to enhance the protective effects of cooling treatment.
NIBS: Systemic inflammation and perinatal brain injury.
MD: Dr. Fiona O’Hare. Funder: NCRC