Cusack Lab

We are looking to hire our next full time research assistant to co-ordinate the Foundations of Cognition Project! FOUNDCOG uses awake fMRI and behaviour testing to study the infant brain and cognition, and develop new diagnostic methods for infants from the neonatal intensive care units.

This post will include maintaining project records, assisting with the recruitment and scanning of infants, coordinating scanning sessions for first time or returning participants, and coordinating follow-up with infants at 18 and 24-months. Some elements of event planning will be required for outreach work, science workshops and managing interest groups.

For more information, please see the vacancies section on https://www.cusacklab.org/vacancies.html

The deadline for applications to [email protected] is 12pm Monday 26th June 2023.

Vacancies We are looking to hire our next full time research assistant to co-ordinate the Foundations of Cognition Project! FOUNDCOG uses awake fMRI and behaviour testing to study the infant brain and...

Are you the parent/caregiver of a child under 3 years old? We at the Cusack Lab want to hear what you think about taking part in online research studies with your baby.

If you would be willing to share your thoughts with us in a short interview, please click the link below to find out more information.

We would love to have you on board!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfi4jHPdUUVy3T4h0FjrDXVvfXYv92t-rHUsB_LSdJ-QjpMYw/viewform?usp=sf_link

We are looking to hire our next full time research assistant to co-ordinate the Foundations of Cognition Project!

FOUNDCOG uses awake fMRI and behaviour testing to study the infant brain and cognition, and develop new diagnostic methods for infants from the neonatal intensive care units.

This post will include maintaining project records, assisting with the recruitment and scanning of infants, and coordinating scanning sessions for first time or returning participants. Some elements of event planning will be required for outreach work, science workshops and managing interest groups.

For more information about the role and application process, please see the vacancies section of our website cusacklab.org or TCD vacancies section. But don't miss out! The deadline for applications to [email protected] is 12pm Friday 3rd June.

We are excited to announce the rehearsal residency for the babyGROOVE show, a chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months!

Join us daily from 14th to 16th March for Anna Newell Theatre Adventures show, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video for extraordinary audiences. Located in the formally renowned Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, shows take place daily at 1030 and 1130, with an additional show Wednesday 16th March at 1230. The production lasts 45 minutes where infants will be free to move about, dance and get involved!

babyGROOVE is part of the 2022 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. It is featuring in conjunction with Creative Brain Week, 12th to 16th March 2022 and in collaboration with the FOUNDCOG project, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience.

This is a free ticketed event with one ticket inclusive of one caregiver and infant. Book your tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/264104502677

A total of eight infants and caregivers attendance is permitted per show. As part of the show’s promotion, productions on Monday (12th) and Wednesday (14th) will be recorded while a residence photographer will also be present Tuesday 15th March. Access to the gallery will also require Covid Certification for adults.

Come join us and be amazed at how your infant will appreciate such a wonderful, engaging and multi-sensory approach to drama! Book your tickets here!

Help us to reduce motion corruption in functional MRI data, a leading cause of data loss in infant fMRI studies!

We are recruiting adult participants for our MRI study to Develop and Optimise MR Neuroimaging protocols.
Participation involves an MRI scan and takes around 90 mins.
You will receive €30 to thank you for your time and participation.

To register your interest today email [email protected] or DM us here!

Looking for something fun and festive to do with the family? We’ve got you covered! The Cusack lab are delighted to announce our upcoming family classical Christmas concert! Please join us Monday 6th December, on campus for our ‘Bach for Babies’ concert! In collaboration with Trinity Orchestra, our innovative programme of infant lullabies and Christmas favourites such as Bach’s Ave Maria and Tchaikovsky’s ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ is sure to keep you and your family captivated! Twin it with a trip to see the city Christmas lights! Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cusack-lab-christmas-concert-tickets-210325217387 for your free tickets on eventbrite. Covid Certification for adults required.

Meet the researcher: Chiara Caldinelli

What is the scientific question that makes you wake up in the morning?
What is going on in a baby’s mind? What are the mechanisms that lead them to learn to walk or to talk or to recognise their caregiver’s face? Why do all babies in the world learn the same things at the same time despite huge differences in their environment?

What difference will your research make?
Often when a young child shows an atypical behaviour, the attitude is ‘wait and see’ if the child gets better naturally. I hope my research will help to find a way to offer an early intervention and make sure they have the best possible outcome.

Academic background:
I studied psychology and then went on earning a master’s in neuroscience. I was working in a child hospital when I realised that the most fascinating part of my job was trying to predict the behavioural consequences of neural changes.

Hobbies:
Yoga and scuba diving

Fun fact:
I own more than 100 plants

Click to the second photo to see Chiara when she was little!

We are excited to announce our latest event!! Please join us for a fun filled interactive workshop suitable for all ages. Featuring Filskit Theatre's immersive Kaleidoscope show for infants from 6 to 18 months, our event will discuss how an infants sight develops and reimagines how all children can become scientists too! Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/look-whos-learning-tickets-172629137397 for your free online place, Friday 6PM 24th September.

Looking for an infant friendly activity for Culture Night? Why not check out the immersive performance 'I AM BABA' by renowned theatre director Anna Newell and composer David Goodall. Shows start tomorrow at 12 and 2pm in Tallaght Civic Centre.

The Civic - I am Baba - Culture Night % I AM BABA is a theatre adventure for babies created by internationally renowned theatre director Anna Newell and composer David Goodall. Their shows for early