Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Projects

Our traumatic brain injury (TBI) research aims to improve outcomes for infants, children, and young people affected by brain injury. By combining clinical, imaging, and neurodevelopmental approaches, we investigate injury mechanisms, recovery pathways, and long-term impacts to develop better diagnostics, treatments, and rehabilitation strategies across childhood and adolescence.

Current Research Projects

UTOPIA: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury and Biomarkers in Paediatrics

Aims to improve understanding of TBI and concussion in children and young adults. By collecting blood samples and health information, researchers will identify biomarkers linked to injury severity, recovery, and persistent symptoms. It will help predict outcomes, monitor treatment responses, and support the development of new therapies. Researchers: Ms. Beth Corcoran, Dr. Lynne Kelly. Funder: Brain Health in Sport Ireland. PI: Prof. Eleanor Molloy.

Previous Research Projects

PROSPER: PaediatRic Outcomes and Serum biomarker Panelin acutE Traumatic bRain Injury /concussion to Severe Traumatic.

TBI, including concussion, is a major cause of childhood neurological morbidity. This study investigated clinical, biochemical, neurocognitive, and imaging markers predicting post-concussion syndrome, examined inflammation after TBI, reviewed cases, validated biomarkers, and developed educational resources for clinical management. PhD: Dr. Emer Ryan. Funder: NCHF. PI: Prof. Eleanor Molloy.