Peter Fleming, Professor of Infant Health at the University of Bristol has been named as one of the UK’s pioneers of science in a new book for his research into cot death, which has prevented at least 100,000 infant deaths worldwide.

The book, ‘Eureka UK’ by Universities UK celebrates 50 years of life-changing research, developments and interventions by academics at universities throughout the UK.  The book lists the top 100 world changing, and some of the most inspiring and dramatic breakthroughs in academic research. 

Two decades ago, 2,000 babies every year were dying suddenly and inexplicably while sleeping in their cots in the UK. Professor Fleming and his team carried out a survey in the Avon area, to try to discover if there were any discernible risk factors relating to cot death. 

After analysing the data, Professor Fleming pinpointed three potential factors: babies sleeping face down, being covered in too many blankets, and being exposed to parental tobacco smoke.  The results were published in 1989.

After the successful trial in Avon, the national ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign was launched, backed by the TV presenter Anne Diamond, advising parents that babies should sleep on their backs. Within a month, the number of cot deaths had fallen by between 30 to 40 per cent and after two years, by 60 per cent.  The research has prevented at least 10,000 deaths in the UK and 100,000 deaths worldwide.

Professor Fleming said: “Thanks to continued research at the University of Bristol and collaborations with different research groups, the work we do has enabled us to have had a considerable impact on over 30 different countries.”