HRB NEPTuNE’s Study Day

NEPTuNE’s CRADLE project was host to the first Study Day of 2020 which was held on Thursday, 13th February in The Lloyd Institute, TCD. Scholars Chelo del Rosario, Fiona Quirke, Andreea Pavel and Megan Dibble joined CRADLE scholar Tim Hurley and programme lead, Professor Eleanor  Molloy, for another series of workshops that would provide insight into the variety of disciplines that are included on the NEPTuNE programme.

The programme was delighted to open the Study Day with a talk from NEPTuNE collaborator, Mandy Daly (INHA). Mandy’s presentation, From Concept to Dissemination, gave an insight into the importance of Public Patient Involvement in research. Her talk referred to many of the obstacles that still exist in PPI and efforts that PPI representatives are making to overcome them.

Professor Eleanor Molloy then presented a talk on Infammation and Biomarkers in NE and it was then our scholars turn to give us an update on how their research is progressing. We were very fortunate that we had two PPIs, Mandy Daly and Paul Ryan, present for the presentations. Their contribution in terms of questions and suggestions to the day is always invaluable.

After lunch, we were joined by Dr David Loane, TCD, who spoke about the implications of NOX2 in traumatic brain injury. We also had a fascinating talk from Dr Eva Jiminez, TCD, as microRNAs as biomarkers of NE and translation for animal models. Both talks led to great discussion afterwards.

Finally, we were delighted to be joined by Dr John Murphy, NMH who took us through some very interesting data that had recently been published in the Neonatal Therapeutic Hypothermia in Ireland 2018 Report. Data on infants with NE from 2016 onwards is being referenced in this report and he explained how this will help build up a better picture of the positive impact of TH treatment on infants with NE and possibly help identify potential infants who are at risk of developing NE while still in utero.

At the end of an intense day, scholars were delighted with the breadth of research that had been covered. Each of the presentations made for a varied and fascinating insight into aspects of scientific research and analysis that all contribute to improving outcome for infants with NE. Looking forward to the next Study Day!