Dec 2019: Learning difficulties - whose voice matters? Inclusion and empowerment in research and practice. A short roundup of our Inaugural Salvesen Lecture 2019 . Our inaugural Salvesen Lecture took place on Tuesday 26th November at the University of Edinburgh's Informatic's forum. The almost capacity crowd was made up of families affected by learning difficulties, professionals working alongside them in health and education, third sector professionals, researchers and academics amongst others. The audience was welcomed by the University of Edinburgh Principal, Professor Peter Mathieson who introduced the first speaker for the evening, Research Centre Director Sue Fletcher-Watson. Sue spoke about the work of the research centre and showcased some of the projects underway alongside how we are involving children, young people and families in research. She highlighted how we are ensuring that our research is carried out with and for, not done to, our participants. The second speaker for the evening was founder of the Salvesen Mindroom Centre, Sophie Dow. Sadly Christine Carlin, Chief Executive of the charity was unable to speak as advertised but we were honoured to have Sophie step in. Sophie spoke about the work of the charity and how strong research will enhance their outreach support for children, young people and families, empowering them in their journeys. Founding donor Alastair Salvesen CBE next spoke of his vision and hopes for the ongoing partnership between the Research Centre and Salvesen Mindroom Centre and presented Sue and Sophie with an award in recognition of their delivery of the Salvesen Lecture 2019. Finally, Head of the University's College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Professor Moira Whyte kindly closed the event. The audience were invited to ask questions of the speakers during a small drinks reception after the lecture where posters exhibiting the work of the Research Centre and charity were also on display. We're excited to have already started planning the Salvesen Lecture 2020 and hope many of this years' audience will join us again. Thank you to British Sign Language interpreter Rachel Amey for signing the lecture. Below is a full recording of the lecture with audio and subtitles. Play the lecture recording This article was published on 2022-10-13
