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Protecting premature babies’ fragile brains Premature babies who suffer a brain bleed face the risk of lifelong injury. Around one in three babies born extremely prematurely will experience an intraventricular haemorrhage, when a blood vessel ruptures inside a baby’s brain. While doctors may be able to relieve fluid pressure in the skull, they cannot yet counter the delayed damage caused by the release of iron as the blood breaks down. Dr Simerdeep Dhillon hopes to change that after receiving two major Neurological Foundation grants to investigate a potential new therapy. “The only treatments for brain bleeds are interventions to alleviate increased intracranial pressure, but there are no interventions to reduce the secondary damage caused by an increase in iron,” says Simerdeep, who is part of the Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, a world-leading research team at the University of Auckland focused on understanding and preventing brain injuries in infants. Simerdeep has received combined funding of nearly $470,000, including a Senior Research Fellowship to Dr Simerdeep Dhillon has been awarded two Neurological Foundation grants to research treatments for brain bleeds in premature babies. Remembering Professor Alistair Gunn: curious, kind and generous New research to protect babies’ brains, funded in this grant round, will continue the legacy of Professor Alistair Gunn, a pioneer of therapeutic brain cooling who died suddenly in May. Alistair was part of the University of Auckland team that developed a cooling cap method for babies who experience oxygen deprivation as a result of complications at birth. The treatment works by cooling the baby’s head for several days after birth, suppressing the brain injury that can continue to evolve after initial oxygen deprivation. The breakthrough transformed neonatal care around the world, saving countless lives and preventing lifelong disability. Alistair received support from the Neurological Foundation to extend his research on the cooling cap method. In 2017, he received a two-year project grant to investigate an important but little understood part of the treatment: what happens when a baby is rewarmed. While the study found the rate of rewarming made little difference, the research reinforced the importance of babies receiving the full recommended duration of cooling. This has helped provide international guidelines for neonatologists to make more informed decisions about how the cooling cap treatment is delivered. Alistair’s legacy extends far beyond his scientific achievements. Throughout his career, he shared his knowledge generously and mentored generations of students and emerging researchers. His influence continues in the work of the Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group. Left to right: Associate Professor Joanne Davidson, late Professor Alistair Gunn, Dr Simerdeep Dhillon and Professor Laura Bennet. He was an important mentor to Dr Simerdeep Dhillon, who completed her PhD under his supervision and is now establishing her own research programme investigating whether removing harmful iron from the brain could protect premature babies after a brain bleed. Associate Professor Joanne Davidson, a long-time colleague of Alistair’s and fellow researcher in the Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, says he will be greatly missed by her team as well as the wider scientific community. “Alistair will not only be remembered for his vast scientific achievements but also for his warm, humble manner and his good humour,” she says. “He was a great inspiration to his colleagues and to all the students and emerging researchers that he mentored over the years. He was always generous with sharing his extensive knowledge and wisdom, along with his stash of lollies.” Professor Laura Bennet, who co-directed the Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group with Alistair, remembers him as curious, kind-hearted and generous in sharing his skills and knowledge. She recalls Alistair occasionally walking down the corridors with a draft research paper in one hand and a teammember’s baby in the other, soothing its cries. “He loved babies and they loved him, or his beard at least.” Following his passing Laura received condolences and messages from all over the world, all sharing common themes. “Al was a clever, kind guy with a unique sense of humour; his scientific insight, openness, and commitment to perinatal brain research and mentoring was an inspiration to us all ,” she says. “He was a leading research star – a legend – and will be sorely missed by all.” “He loved babies and they loved him, or his beard at least.” Professor Laura Bennet Continued on next page  14 Headlines 15 Headlines