Founded in 1987 and housed in the grounds of Frenchay Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, the Speech & Language Therapy Research Unit is funded by grants and charitable donations. This funding support has enabled the Unit's researchers to break the new ground that is required if we are to truly have an impact on the many and various natures of communication disorders.
The research programme of the Speech & Language Therapy Research Unit (SLTRU) aims to increase understanding of the nature of speech language and communication disorders, to establish effective ways to manage and treat those disorders and to increase understanding of their impact on people and society.
Research in SLTRU is generally of an applied nature. It has always included a strong emphasis on consumer views and is developing ways to facilitate consumer participation throughout the research process. The Unit is committed to effective dissemination of the research programme through peer reviewed journals, professional and charitable magazines, seminars, workshops and training programmes.
The research is framed within three overlapping and interlocking themes Development and Critical Examination of the therapy process, The Innovative Exploitation of Technology to deliver speech & language therapy and life span perspectives on speech & language disorders.
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCHERS
Part of the remit of the Research Unit is to "develop the research skills of the remedial and paramedical professions".
To further this we offer advice, support and supervision to people who are interested in developing their careers in this direction. Thirteen people have already gained higher research degrees in association with the Research Unit, and there are three people currently undertaking work registered for a PhD.
We do not fund or award degrees but we may be able to provide supervision or appropriate support such as access to our database of over 23,000 speech and language related references.
RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS
The Research Unit has a long track record of collaborative research - locally, nationally, and internationally. We have worked with academic institutions, clinical departments, and patient advocacy groups.
We recognise that the Unit does not contain all the skills and capabilities that may be needed but we also believe we have much to offer to other projects.
An appreciation of our possible contribution can best be gained by looking at the projects and publications sections of this web site.