Research

Research Programs

EOHaD research focuses on those aspects of health that are profoundly influenced by events in early life and possibly in previous generations, including metabolic and cardiovascular health, reproductive health and a new emerging area, that of neurological function.

Our research programs span a continuum from epidemiological and ecological studies in humans and experimental paradigms in non-human species, to studies of the molecular, genetic and epigenetic basis of early life programming of health and disease. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures focus on issues most relevant to human health and will assist in the translation of research outcomes into guidelines and interventions for early life to promote health.

The current research programs are:

• Intergenerational growth and risk of metabolic disorders
• Early life influences on obesity and fat patterning in children: critical periods, environmental determinants and socio-cultural context
• Perinatal origins of neuromotor and cognitive dysfunction
• Human neuromotor plasticity, ageing and repair
• Maternal stress and sex differences in perinatal growth and survival: maternal asthma, fetal growth restriction
• Early life programming of diabetes and obesity: fetal growth restriction, maternal obesity
• Functional and epigenetic consequences of maternal micro and macronutrient deficiencies or supplementation for metabolic and neurological function of offspring