A team of engineers and healthcare experts who developed a life-saving monitor which tracks a baby's heartbeat in labour have been recognised for their work.
The Monica Novii Wireless Patch System is a wearable monitor developed in a project led by the University of Nottingham , with research beginning in the early 1990s.
The device they created overcomes heart rate confusion between a mother and her unborn child, as well as and other factors such as a high body mass index. It is highly sensitive, meaning the data it provides is more accurate, which is critical for life-saving interventions.
It also allows mothers to move around freely while they are monitored which can help shorten labour and reduce the number of interventions.
The team were awarded this year's Colin Campbell Mitchell Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering for their work. The award is given to individuals or teams which have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of any field of UK engineering.
Professor Barrie Hayes-Gill, professor of electronic systems and medical devices at the University of Nottingham, said the team was "highly delighted" with the award.
He added: "To see our research of many years become a true commercial reality with devices now being sold around the world is a very proud moment for us all."
Professor Shearer West, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, said: “Professor Hayes-Gill is an outstanding researcher and an inspirational figure.
"Throughout a distinguished career he has matched a commitment to discovery and flair for building partnerships with a passionate advocacy of our mission to translate world-class innovation into products and applications that change lives."
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