Southampton launches research network to boost children's health
Researchers in Southampton are joining forces to improve the health of children and young people.
The Child Health Research Network has been launched by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Southampton Children’s Hospital (part of UHS).
The network brings together local researchers, clinicians, engineers, scientists and implementation partners from across Southampton and the wider region.
By combining their expertise, they aim to develop health research that delivers real change for children and young people.
Dozens of people started building momentum at a launch event at Explorer House in Southampton.
Professor Mark Johnson, Professor of Child Health and Consultant Neonatologist, said:
“Southampton has exceptional breadth in child health research. This network gives us a platform to connect that expertise, build new collaborations, and develop research that can make a real difference to the health and development of children and young people.”
Launching the network
Around 140 delegates attended the launch event, reflecting the breadth and energy of child health research across the university and hospital.
Opening remarks from Professors Mark Johnson, Brigitte Vollmer, Shane Norris and Anne-Sophie Darlington set out the network's purpose.
Three-minute pop-up talks showcased the diversity of work taking place across the city and the wider region. This highlighted the depth of expertise and the opportunities for greater integration.
Delegates had the chance to network, hear about funding opportunities and take part in themed breakout sessions. These focused on five priority areas:
- Global Child Health
- the First 1,000 Days
- Technology, AI and Engineering
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Microbiome and Mechanistic Biology
External partners also attended. These included hospitals and universities from across Wessex Health Partners, local health authorities and commissioners.
The event was supported by the University's Institute for Life Sciences. It was also supported by the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network. This forms part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.
Bringing together expertise
Discussions at the event identified ways to build a more visible and connected child health research community.
Attendees identified opportunities to strengthen links between research areas. They found ways to develop interdisciplinary funding applications. They also found ways to support research that can improve child health locally, nationally and globally.
The new network will now build on the momentum of the launch event. Next steps include mapping expertise and identifying collaborative funding opportunities. They will also seek to develop mechanisms to support cross-disciplinary partnerships.