The future is bright for Down syndrome research

Posted on: 10 March 2025

The Future’s So Bright, a fantastic evening hosted by DISCO, Trinity’s Down Syndrome Research Group brought people with Down syndrome (DS), their families, researchers, professionals who work with people with DS and the public together to learn about recent developments in Down Syndrome research.

DISCO aims to progress research that will provide improved outcomes for children who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome. DISCO initiatives are primarily lead by family and patients as the most important team members. The group work towards designing new research projects.

The evening was facilitated by the Discipline of Paediatrics at the School of Medicine.

‘As mum to a young teen with Down syndrome, it is reassuring and hopeful to learn about research developments that will have a positive impact on my daughter’s health in the future. It’s vital that there is continued research in all areas that present a potential challenge to her health and development so that she can live a full and well life,’ says Beth Corcoran, coordinator of the DISCO group and organiser of this event.  

Trinity Chair of Paediatrics and Consultant Neonatologist, Professor Eleanor Molloy, and Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Joanne Balfe, chaired the evening. Both Eleanor and Joanne are key clinicians in the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Tallaght.

Eleanor who leads the DISCO group at Trinity and is also Research Lead at the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) said:

‘Working in partnership with parents to standardise therapies and clinical interventions for children with Down Syndrome makes for better health outcomes. Families lived experience informs our research and their input helps us develop meaningful research questions.’

Attendees also heard from self-advocate Ross O’Neill who sits on Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council and met Leinster Culture Captain, Andrew McCarthy, who, along with his brothers Ireland rugby international Joe and Leinster rugby player Paddy, is Trinity’s Ambassador for Down Syndrome Research. 

‘Research is so important to improve my life and the lives of my friends and all the other people with Down Syndrome. I’m delighted to be an Ambassador for this,’ said Andrew.

McCarthy Family – Trinity Ambassador for Research in Down syndrome, Andrew McCarthy with his parents Paula and Joe

Trinity researchers, Dr Robert McCarthy and Professor Orla Franklin presented their latest research in immunology and cardiology. Research findings in both areas will positively impact the long-term health of people with Down Syndrome. Fiona Mc Grane shared clinical learnings from her research and experience working as clinical nurse specialist at The Down Syndrome Clinic at CHI Tallaght.

Beth concluded:

‘We are delighted with the huge public interest in this event. It shows that people – family members and professionals - are eager to inform themselves about the health challenges that people with Down syndrome face and about the research efforts that will help them overcome these challenges.’

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