What?
To improve outcomes for critically ill patients with acute disorders of cognition and consciousness.
About 4C Research
Advancing Brain HealthCognition, Consciousness & Critical Care
Our dedicated research group focuses on uncovering groundbreaking discoveries in altered cognition and consciousness in critically ill children through innovative neuroimaging and predictive analytics.
Clinical ResearchPatient CareInnovation
Mission
Our Mission
Mission
Our Mission
How?
Through the development and validation of functional neuroimaging modalities as tools for accurate prediction and timely detection of pathological brain states.
Why?
The long-term consequences of brain injury acquired prior to or during critical illness are debilitating. Our work will improve survival and mitigate morbidity associated with brain injury.
Who we are
About Us
Our dedicated research group focuses on uncovering groundbreaking discoveries in altered cognition and consciousness in critically ill children.
By understanding the complex neurophysiology underlying these pathological brain states, we can develop tools to predict and detect such neurological problems in a timely manner. Accurate prediction and/or early detection of such conditions would positively impact the long-term functional outcomes of these children.
Our work is driven by our passion for improving the lives of children and their families. Join us on this journey as we strive to make a difference in the world of pediatric survivors of critical illness. Together, we can create a brighter future for our young patients.
Leadership
Principal Investigator
Leading the 4C Research Group at Western University and London Health Sciences Centre
Dr. Rishi Ganesan
Head of the 4C Research Group
Dr. Rishi Ganesan is a paediatric intensive care physician-researcher with additional expertise in paediatric neurocritical care. He is a physician in the Division of Paediatric Critical Care Medicine at the Children’s Hospital - London Health Sciences Centre, Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the Schulich School of Medicine (Western University) and an Associate Scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute.
Education & Training
- MD and specialist training in paediatric critical care
- Advanced expertise in paediatric neurocritical care
- Faculty, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Research Focus
Functional neuroimaging, quantitative EEG, covert consciousness detection, and outcome prediction in critically ill children.
Focus
Research Focus
We integrate clinical paediatric critical care with cutting-edge neuroimaging and computational methods to understand and predict brain function when it matters most.
Key Areas
- Covert consciousness and disorders of consciousness in critically ill children
- Functional neuroimaging (fNIRS, EEG, fMRI) in the PICU
- Neuroprognostication and outcome prediction after brain injury
- Machine learning and quantitative signal analysis for brain monitoring
- Knowledge mobilization and family-centred communication in neurocritical care
Our Approach
We combine prospective clinical studies, multimodal brain monitoring, and rigorous validation so that new measures can move from the lab to the bedside responsibly.
Collaboration with families, clinicians, and international partners ensures our science stays grounded in real-world needs — from early detection to long-term outcomes for survivors of critical illness.