UCD Perinatal Research Centre, based at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, coordinates national and international collaborative research in maternal health and its impact on maternal and infant outcomes. Led by Centre Director Prof Fionnuala McAuliffe, UCD Perinatal Research Centre is internationally recognised for its research in maternal and fetal health, diabetes and nutrition in pregnancy, and impact of maternal health on long-term health of Mum and infant.
The Centre comprises researchers with backgrounds ranging from clinical obstetrics, paediatrics, nutrition, exercise physiology, behaviour and marketing, public health to health economics. The research is funded by grants from Health Research Board Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, the European Union, and the National Maternity Hospital Medical Fund.
UCD Perinatal Research Centre Advisory Board
The UCD Perinatal Research Centre Advisory Board is chaired by CHAS Principal Prof Cecily Kelleher and co-chaired by Centre Director Prof Fionnuala McAuliffe. Prof Mark Hanson, University of Southampton, acts as an external advisor.
The Advisory board reports to the Head of Medicine Prof Michael Keane.
Advisory board members represent seven schools throughout UCD:
- Prof Eleni Mangini, School of Computer Science;
- Assoc. Prof Sharleen O'Reilly, School of Agriculture and Food Science;
- Prof Mary Higgins, School of Medicine;
- Prof Niamh Nowlan, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering;
- Prof Catherine Phillips, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Sciences;
- Dr James O’Mahony, School of Economics;
- Prof Valerie Smith, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.
External Associates include: Dr Eileen O’Brien, School of Biological, Health & Sports Sciences, TU Dublin; Dr Ciara McDonnell, Children’s Health Ireland; Prof Paul Cotter, Teagasc; Dr Conor Feehily, University of Glasgow; Dr David MacIntyre, Imperial College London and University of Adelaide.
Administrative support is provided by the academic secretary of Prof McAuliffe who coordinates teaching and research within the Section of Women’s and Children’s Health at UCD.
Research funding
Research is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, HRB Centre for Health and Diet Research, HRB Mother and Baby Clinical trials Network, Perinatal Ireland, and by the National Maternity Hospital Medical Fund (Fionnuala McAuliffe).
