Long-term neurodevelopmental and health outcomes in very preterm babies and their families.

vibes original logoOur group aims to improve the long-term quality of life for children born preterm. We conduct some of the world’s largest longitudinal observational and neuroimaging cohort studies with preterm children, which enables them to better understand the factors contributing to developmental problems observed in a high proportion of these children. Based on information from our observational cohort studies, the team develops early intervention programs that aim to prevent or minimise developmental problems in preterm children.

We aim to understand the processes that cause brain injury and the factors that disrupt normal brain development in preterm children. Researchers are also trying to determine how early brain injury impacts subsequent brain development in preterm children, identify brain abnormalities and environmental factors associated with developmental problems in preterm children, and develop and trial interventions to improve the outcome for preterm children.

VIBeS is a large multi-disciplinary group with experts in the fields of neonatology and general paediatrics, neuroscience, neuropsychology, clinical and developmental psychology, physiotherapy, nursing, occupational therapy, and speech pathology. The group comprises five specialist teams including neuroimaging, motor development, neurology, neuropsychology, and mental health and parenting.

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