Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort

One of the discoveries the Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort has already enabled is that the architecture of the brain that supports an adult’s intelligence is actually already established at the time of birth. But being born early can mean a baby’s brain architecture is altered. If a preterm baby goes on to have learning difficulties when they’re older, they can be offered the support they need. But one thing the Cohort’s researchers want to investigate is whether such difficulties can be detected, and possibly treated, earlier in a child’s life. Such potentially groundbreaking discoveries could benefit millions of people. A research programme of this nature would be impossible without the generosity and commitment of the families who take part. Their willingness to give their time, and to allow their children to be scanned by the Laboratory’s MRI machine, means the study gains vital data which will save and improve the lives of others. The pioneering research of the Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort further validates Theirworld’s determination that early years education and development deserve a level of attention and funding beyond what they currently receive. By gaining scientific insight and striving for progress, we take a step closer to giving every child the best start in life.