Neonatal neurobehavior and outcome
Long-term outcome, Neonatal behavior, Neuromonitoring
Research aim
Our aim is to explore how neonatal neurobehavior and environmental factors impact brain development, especially focusing on NICU infants both with and without brain injuries, in order to improve long term outcome.
About us
Neonatal neurobehavior research provides important insights into newborn brain development, serving as a functional biomarker for neurodevelopmental outcomes. It encompasses how early behaviors, like sleep, influence brain growth in infants, especially those in the NICU facing challenges from brain injuries, medication exposure, altered circadian rhythms and environmental stressors.
The Center of Expertise in Neonatal Neurology at UMCU has a multidisciplinary team of experts who specialize in brain development, neuroimaging, and neuromonitoring. We are working in collaboration with data scientists to develop real-time monitoring algorithms to investigate neonatal neurobehavior.
Our group is dedicated to translating our research findings into clinical practice, requiring multidisciplinary efforts and the adoption of new technologies. We work together with Utrecht University’s ‘Dynamics of Youth,’ especially the ‘Early Childhood’ community. We also focus on the neurological recovery impact of sleep through collaboration with child rehabilitation, the 030-lab and the UMCU Sleep Discovery Lab. Additionally, we actively engage with parents, ensuring our research and its applications are deeply rooted in the real-world experiences and needs of families. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.