HELIX Trial Documentary 2019
The HELIX trial is the world’s largest randomised controlled trial of whole-body hypothermia, involving 408 babies from several tertiary neonatal intensive care units across South Asia. This documentary follows the journey of a family and their newborn baby through the HELIX trial, highlighting the challenges of conducting a global health trial, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trial results showed that whole-body hypothermia, a standard treatment for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in high-income countries, was ineffective and increased mortality in South Asia. (Thayyil et al Lancet Global Health 2021)
(Courtesy: Kathriona Devereux)
Inaugural Lecture 2020
The relationship between birth asphyxia and neonatal brain injury was first described over 150 years ago, and the complications it causes remain a leading cause of death and disability among infants born at full term. Millions of babies continue to be affected, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet effective strategies for prevention and treatment remain elusive. In high-burden LMIC settings, the overuse of induced hypothermia—currently standard care in high-income countries—often causes more harm than benefit.
In his inaugural lecture (2020), Professor Sudhin Thayyil opens up about the highs and lows of his journey as a clinical academic neonatologist. He shares his passion for research aimed at preventing brain injury and developing personalised neuroprotective therapies, while candidly discussing the challenges of pursuing a clinical academic career. He reflects on why persistence and perseverance are crucial to success in this field and speaks from the heart about the privileges of such a career—alongside the significant toll it can take on family life.
NIHR Early Career Researcher Event Bangalore 2023
Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the NIHR, delivers an insightful talk (2023) on the seven virtues that guide successful research: 1) To be Curious, 2) To Challenge, 3) To be Challenged, 4) To Collaborate, 5) To be Considerate, 6) To be Civil, and 7) To be Cheerful.
Professor Chappell explains why health research should be everyone’s business. Early career researchers from Professor Thayyil’s group discuss their academic journeys with Professor Chappell, along with Professors Andy Shennan and Seetha Shankaran.
This is an essential watch for those in healthcare, especially emerging researchers.
Contact us
Centre for Perinatal Neuroscience
Department of Brain Sciences
5th Floor, Hammersmith House
Hammersmith Hospital
Du Cane Road
London, W12 0HS
