The Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award was established in 2013 to honor Jane Newburger and David Bellinger, pioneers in research designed to understand and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with heart disease. The award is one of the highest honors in the field and is presented annually during the Scientific Sessions of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative.
The selected 2025 award recipient will deliver a keynote address during CNOC’s 13th Annual Scientific Sessions in Denver, Colorado, September 17-19, 2025. The award recipient will receive complimentary conference registration, a $2,000 USD travel stipend, and an engraved award.
2025 Recipient Frank Casey OBE MD FRCP MRCPCH FRICS BSc
Frank Casey is Clinical Professor of Paediatric Cardiology in Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. He trained in Paediatric Cardiology in Belfast and at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Professor Casey was the Clinical Lead for the All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network in the years 2016-2022 and was central to the development of this unique and innovative development in Healthcare.
In September 2021 he was appointed as Clinical Professor in Paediatric Cardiology in Ulster and Queen’s University, Belfast. He now directs the congenital heart disease research program across both universities. He is internationally recognised as a researcher in congenital heart disease, particularly in the areas of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, exercise participation and quality of life for those treated in childhood. In particular, he has been a key figure in guiding the Neurodevelopmental Working Group of the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology.
In January 2023 he was awarded an OBE for his services to Healthcare in Northern Ireland. In October 2023 he was awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Irish Cardiac Society and in May 2024 he was awarded Honorary Lifetime membership of the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology, for his contribution to Paediatric Cardiology in Europe.
When not working, he is an avid follower of Irish Gaelic sports and culture, enjoys golf, gardening and the joy of having grandchildren.
Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award nominations for 2026 will be accepted between April 15 and June 17
Criteria for nomination: A cardiologist, psychologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, developmental therapist, geneticist, nurse, PhD researcher, or other neurodevelopment professional who has made significant contributions to clinical care, research knowledge, or teaching leading to improvements in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of individuals with pediatric or congenital heart disease.
- Membership in CNOC is not a requirement.
Please submit a Letter of Support that details the nominee’s significant contributions along with the nominee’s CV to Sarah Kelly PsyD, CNOC Secretary, by May 15, 2026. Please ensure the nominee’s contact information is included and highlight their top three contributions to the field of cardiac neurodevelopment and any involvement in CNOC. All nominations will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee and Steering Committee, and the award recipient will be notified in June.