Sadly our Long-Term Ventilation (LTV) theme lead, Dr Richard Iles, has had to step down from leading the theme. We have taken the decision to merge the LTV theme with our Respiratory and Sleep Disorders theme lead by Professor Heather Elphick. We would like to thank Richard for leading the LTV team so well, and for his hard work and dedication in advancing technology for children and young people in this field.

With the merger of these two themes, we now have approval from the Department of Health and Social Care to launch our new Neonatal Technologies theme, which will be led by Dr Don Sharkey, Associate Professor of Neonatology at Nottingham University. We received full support from our Independent Steering Group to develop the Neonatal Technologies theme since advancing neonatal medicine is a national strategic priority, with opportunities for technology to significantly improve neonatal care.

Don brings a strong portfolio and track record of neonatal technology research to NIHR CYP MedTech, which further adds to the opportunities to support child health technology development across all ages.