Early Career Researcher Projects
As of 2026, the GHMRC has launched five ECR Projects.
Backed by fresh energy and ideas, and the GHMRC sustainable funding model, these cross-center investigations are poised for impactful discoveries and implementation.
Launched in 2026
LRF OCEHL and LRF MOMI CORE: Colostrum and milk oligosaccharides protect infants from life-threatening diseases early on. However, the biological factors regulating the types and abundance of oligosaccharides remain unclear. Lactation hormones facilitate milk synthesis, so this project will investigate whether hormones also influence the oligosaccharide composition of colostrum and human milk. Findings from the collaboration may lead to therapeutic advances in optimizing human milk composition. ('Characterizing Hormonal Determinants of Colostrum and Milk Oligosaccharide Composition')
LRF NGN and LRF MOMI CORE: Human milk is a complex and dynamic fluid that provides essential nutrients and bioactive compounds critical for early growth, brain development and long-term health. This project explores how specific components of human milk – particularly human milk oligosaccharides – influence specific neurodevelopment outcomes in very preterm infants, a group that often shows developmental delay. By using advanced laboratory techniques and integrating health data within the context of the maternal–breastmilk–infant triad, the researchers aim to identify key factors that support optimal neurodevelopment. Findings from their work will inform future research directions and contribute to the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions to support infant health and development. ('Human Milk Composition and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes')
Launched in 2025
These three ECR Projects are all dedicated to improving outcomes for small vulnerable newborns and breastfeeding mothers.
LRF OCEHL and LRF NGN: 50% of women worldwide experience poor mental well-being in the early postpartum period. Known to negatively impact breastfeeding, does this suboptimal state also affect the hormones initiating lactation within the first few days after childbirth, which is a critical period for determining breastfeeding success? Researchers are studing how maternal mood, distress, and postpartum pain influence lactation hormones and the timing of milk secretion after childbirth. The impact of maternal well-being on mammary genes influencing milk supply will also be assessed. (‘Characterising the Impact of Maternal Well-being on Hormone-regulated Lactation Initiation: A Longitudinal Study’)
LRF OCEHL and LRF NGN: Small vulnerable newborns are at the highest risk of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment ranging from cognitive disabilities to cerebral palsy. Researchers are investigating how a specific bioactive component in colostrum and in mature milk could carry molecular signals to the developing brain and promote healthy neurodevelopment. (‘From Lactation to Innovation: Leveraging Human Milk Extracellular Vesicles for Neurodevelopment’)
LRF CIBF and LRF NGN: Preterm infants are at high risk for abnormal neurodevelopment. This is centered on how colostrum promotes healthy neurodevelopment and ultimately contributes to the design of developmentally appropriate therapeutics for the preterm brain. (‘NeuroNurture: Unveiling Neurodevelopmental Trajectories Promoted by Colostrum’)
