Interdisciplinary Research

Mission

To

1) foster research diversity and interdisciplinary linkages, 

2) enhance cutting edge discovery, technological innovation and bench to bedside translational research

relevant to maternal health, fetal wellbeing, the transition to life after birth and newborn and infant health research.

Current research strengths

- Maternal disorders of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia
- Genes, environment and fetal development
- Stem cells
- Early origins of adult disease
- Pre-term birth
- Birth transition
- Neurodevelopment and disorders
- Renal development and function
- Heart and cardiovascular health
- Sleep and sleep disorders
- Respiratory development and function

Our genes contain the information that largely determines who we are, from our hair and eye colour to our vulnerability to particular medical conditions. This is balanced by environments we find ourselves in - both before and after birth. Increasing evidence is showing that the environment in the womb and early in childhood will help to shape our health in adult life.

HSL scientists want to understand what and how fetal and maternal environmental factors influence the stages of embryonic and fetal development, and how these factors lead to adverse consequences in adult life. We also see that poor health of parents can be directly transferred to children and grandchildren. In other words, how does this knock-on effect continue a cycle of ill health from one generation to the next?

Our research investigates all aspects of research from the health of eggs and sperm, conception, embryonic and fetal development through to postnatal life. This large scope requires dedication and a broad range of experts from a variety of quite unexpected research activity.

HSL Network encourages collaboration through:

• Communication and network activities, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for early career researchers
• Annual Scientific Conference. These conferences typically attract approximately 150 participants and provide an excellent forum for information exchange, networking and for early career scientist to present their work. International keynote speakers and prizes for oral and poster competitions are a regular feature.
• Themed workshops involving participants from diverse disciplines and fields of research. See events link for up-and-coming events.