Low Glucose Levels in Babies

We know that low glucose levels in newborn babies can lead to brain injury, but we do not know how low these levels need to be for how long in which babies, and whether other factors also influence whether brain injury occurs.

This project will analyse large clinical datasets from a number of different studies in babies born at risk of low glucose levels and their later neurodevelopmental skills. The aim will be to develop new understandings about how low glucose levels can lead to brain injury. The findings will potentially inform the development of new clinical practice guidelines. The student will work with an experienced award-winning multidisciplinary team, and experience all the privileges of a postgraduate student at the Liggins Institute.

This project can be undertaken as a Masters by Research or as a PhD.

Desired skills

Suitable candidates will be seeking a project with strong clinical relevance and wanting to learn about the variety of analytical skills that can be applied to clinical datasets. A clinical background and some experience in data analysis or epidemiology would be an advantage but not essential. Scholarships will be available for suitable candidates.

The Liggins Institute

The Liggins Institute is a world-leading research institute at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland. We are committed to improving lifelong health through excellent research into mothers, pregnancy and early childhood. Events prior to, during and after pregnancy can influence the types of diseases an infant may develop in later life. The Liggins Institute focuses its research on understanding these mechanisms in order to reduce the risk of disease onset. Our goal is to give every baby a healthy start for a healthy life.

University of Auckland – Liggins Institute https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/liggins.html

Professor Jane Harding https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/j-harding

Closing date: Thursday, May 1, 2025