Affiliated Staff Directory

Peter Willatts

Research Interests

My main research interests are in the following areas:

• Cognitive development in infants, with a special emphasis on attention, thinking and problem solving;
• The role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on children's health and cognitive development;
• Effects of low birth weight on neurodevelopment. I have expertise in a wide range of methods for assessing neurodevelopment in infants and children, and in designing and conducting randomised controlled clinical trials.

Recent health-related publications

Forsyth, J.S., Willatts, P. (2002) Do long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids influence infant cognitive behaviour? In (Ed: Skinner, E.R.) Brain lipids and disorders in biological psychiatry, London: Elsevier 129-146.

Koletzko, B., Agostoni, C., Carlson, S.E., Clandinin, T., Hornstra, G., Neuringer, M., Uauy, R., Yamashiro, Y., & Willatts, P. (2001) Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and perinatal development, Acta Paediatrica, 90, 460-464.

Willatts, P., Forsyth, J.S., DiModugno, M.K., Varma, S., & Colvin, M. (1998) Effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula on problem solving at 10 months of age, Lancet, 352, 688-691.

Current grants

Willatts, P., Forsyth, J.S. & Ross, P. (2002-2004). A randomised controlled study of LC-PUFA supplementation from 6 to 18 months of age, Wyeth Nutritionals Inc.

Willatts, P., Hume, R. & Coughtrie, M. (2001-2003) Neurodevelopmental disorders in premature infants caused by Thyroid Hormone Insufficiency - molecular basis for diagnosis and therapy, European Community, The Fifth Framework Programme 1998-2002, Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources.

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