This research project at the University of Auckland's Liggins Institute investigates the early development of moderate to late preterm babies, who are born between 32 and 36 weeks gestation. These infants face significantly higher risks of disabilities, special educational needs, and cerebral palsy compared to those born at term, yet the underlying causes of these outcomes remain unclear. The project aims to determine whether early changes observed in brain MRI scans can serve as markers for later adverse outcomes, potentially enabling early interventions to reduce disability. Moderate-late preterm babies typically do not receive routine brain scans or follow-up care after birth. Previous findings indicate that many of these infants exhibit changes on brain MRI soon after birth, which often resolve by term-equivalent age. The incidence, causes, and significance of these changes are not well understood. This study will systematically assess the incidence, size, and distribution of brain changes on MRI, investigate possible causes before and after birth, evaluate development at 3 months of age, and relate outcomes—including cerebral palsy at 2 years—to MRI findings and early developmental assessments. The Liggins Institute is a world-leading research center dedicated to improving lifelong health through research into mothers, pregnancy, and early childhood. The Institute's work focuses on understanding how events before, during, and after pregnancy influence disease risk in later life, with the goal of giving every baby a healthy start. This project is open to candidates interested in pursuing either a Masters by Research or a PhD. Applicants should meet the University of Auckland's entry criteria for postgraduate study and may have backgrounds in MRI, maternal and child health, nursing, medicine, midwifery, psychology, physiotherapy, developmental therapy, or MRI technology. Scholarships are available for suitably qualified candidates, and applications are accepted year round. For more information and to apply, visit the project page or contact the Liggins Institute. This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research with real-world impact on early childhood health and development.

This PhD or Research Masters project at the University of Auckland’s Liggins Institute investigates the impacts of corticosteroid use before late preterm and term planned caesarean section birth, focusing on neonatal glycaemia and childhood health and wellbeing. The research may include a systematic review of recent evidence on short- and long-term outcomes, and explore relationships between timing of corticosteroid doses, gestational age, neonatal hypoglycaemia, and infant outcomes. Corticosteroid injections are globally recommended before early preterm birth (≤34 weeks gestation) to reduce respiratory distress and perinatal death. Emerging evidence suggests benefits for late preterm gestations (35-36 weeks) and planned caesarean section births at term, particularly in reducing newborn breathing problems. However, concerns remain about potential short- and long-term adverse effects, especially the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia, which is associated with later developmental delay. The project leverages data from the C*STEROID trial, a large multi-centre, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III randomised trial, to provide high-quality evidence on the benefits and potential harms of corticosteroid use before planned caesarean section birth at 35+0–39+6 weeks gestation. This trial also creates a unique cohort for assessing longer-term childhood impacts. The research will examine the effects of corticosteroids on neonatal glycaemic control and contribute to future C*STEROID follow-up studies. Objectives may include assessing the impact of gestational age and timing of antenatal corticosteroid administration on the incidence and severity of neonatal hypoglycaemia, and synthesising current evidence regarding offspring outcomes beyond infancy following antenatal corticosteroid exposure at late preterm and term gestations. Applicants should meet the University of Auckland’s doctoral entry criteria and have an interest and experience in pregnancy, mother, baby or young children’s health, or research synthesis. Clinician experience in obstetrics, midwifery, neonatology, paediatrics, or childhood development is preferred. Funding is available: all doctoral candidates are considered for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship, with three scholarships available in 2026 for students at The Liggins Institute. Additional philanthropic funding may be available for those not meeting scholarship criteria. The Liggins Institute is a world-leading research centre dedicated to improving lifelong health through research into mothers, pregnancy, and early childhood. Its focus is on understanding mechanisms that influence disease risk in later life, aiming to give every baby a healthy start. Application deadline is March 29, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the project link or contact the supervisors.