Richards Lab

It was an interesting day of talks at the Genomics and Mental Health Research Day at Cambridge University last Friday, with topics ranging from post-diagnostic barriers, obstacles and impact, to investigating structural brain abnormalities in individuals with chromatin-related disorders.

A big thank you to CANDDID (Centre for Autism, Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Intellectual Disability) and Dr Kate Baker for the wonderful day!

We are looking for more parents of babies (aged 6-12 months) with a genetic syndrome to take part in our research project based at the University of Birmingham ❗️

The iMove Project aims to look at repetitive movements and sensory differences in babies with genetic syndromes in comparison to those without. A gift for both baby and parents will be given at the end of the study, as well as a personalised feedback report!

One of our most recent visitors to the lab had a great time interacting with our team and took their role as a researcher very seriously🤩(see photo below!)

If you would be willing to take part with your child, please email Rachel Martlew at [email protected] for further information 🌟

Members of the team were delighted to attend the Tuberous Sclerosis Association Big Day 2026 in Milton Keynes this weekend! 💚💜

Their 'Big Day' is a wonderful opportunity for the TSC community to come together, share experiences and build new connections. Our team thoroughly enjoyed meeting individuals and families, discussing our research, and hearing about the issues that matter most to the community.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us! 😊

Throwing back to our team members attending the International Society for Autism Research 2026 Annual Meeting in Prague 🇨🇿

INSAR gathered researchers to deliver talks on ongoing autism research, including genetics, diagnosis and intervention, as well as the future of research in autism.

Visit the link to find out more: https://www.autism-insar.org/mpage/2026_INSAR_Annual_Meeting

Last week we celebrated CdLS Awareness day! The Richards Lab supports individuals and families living with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome 💜

As a research lab, we’re committed to advancing understanding, inclusion, and support through research and awareness. Every experience and story matters.


Image description:
Graphics and text with key facts about Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, honouring Cornelia de Lange Syndrome awareness day.

Last month, members of the Richards Lab had a wonderful time attending the adult conference hosted by the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK.

It was great to meet so many adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome, families, and members of the wider community, and to have the chance to chat about our research and future projects.

A big thank you to everyone who came over to speak with us, we had a fantastic time! 💙

Some of our team at the Richards Lab had the incredible opportunity to attend IPSA 2026 in Florence, Italy and present their research 🇮🇹

Congress of the International Pediatric Sleep Association brought together members from around the world to share the latest in pediatric sleep research and clinical practice 📖🧠

📍Held at the Palazzo degli Affari the conference featured inspiring keynote talks, symposia, and specialised pre-conference courses that sparked new ideas and collaborations.

💤We’re excited to continue advancing our research into sleep!

If you are a parent/caregiver of an infant aged 6-12 months with a genetic syndrome, you may be eligible to take part in our research project!

For further information, please email Rachel Martlew at [email protected].

The Infant Movement Project at Birmingham University is recruiting Infants age 6-12 months with rare genetic syndromes to investigate the developmental origins of repetitive behaviours.

For more information visit: https://www.richardslab.org/the-infant-movement-project in order to express an interest in taking part in the study.

📢“Transparent, collaborative, and hopeful”: Postdoctoral Researcher Kayla Smith on the world of FXS research.

⭐️Our very own Dr Kayla Smith recently interviewed with the Fragile X International group, speaking about her research journey, her interest in Fragile X Syndrome, and the Cerebra Network.

📖Read the full interview here: https://fraxi.org/transparent-collaborative-and-hopeful-postdoctoral-researcher-kayla-smith-on-the-world-of-fxs-research/

This weekend, members of our team also attended the CdLS Foundation UK & Ireland Family Spring Conference in Birmingham!

It was a great day spent sharing information about our lab, The Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and upcoming research opportunities. We really enjoyed meeting and talking with families and being part of such a supportive and engaged community. 🙂

Rachel Martlew, one of our brilliant PhD students who attended the day had a great time chatting with families about her research study, which is currently open for recruitment! If you’d like to find out more, you can get in touch at: [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to speak with us, we hope to see you again soon!