UQ speech pathology expert receives international award

A leading University of Queensland researcher has been awarded the prestigious Robin Tavistock Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of the language disorder aphasia.

UQ Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation Director Professor Linda Worrall was presented the award by Henrietta, the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, England, at UQ’s St Lucia campus.
The Duchess said the UQ Speech Pathology Professor had inspired and influenced practitioners through her teaching, research and example.
“It is not uncommon these days for science and research to lose touch with the human context, to ignore the impact of a condition on the patient and the family,” the Duchess said.
“Professor Worrall has done the opposite and has proved that this need not, and should not, be the case.
“Professor Worrall has developed and evaluated new integrated approaches to managing and improving not only the aphasic condition, but also its many associated consequences.
“She has been a pioneer in ensuring that the client is at the centre of all that is done. This has influenced the perception and work of others.”
The Duchess is the widow of Robin Tavistock, the 14^th Duke of Bedford, who founded The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia.
The trust presents the annual award to an inspirational person or group who has made a significant contribution to the field of aphasia.
Aphasia affects the spoken and written word, such as a person’s ability to talk, read, write and understand the spoken word, and can occur after stroke, traumatic brain injury or brain cancer.
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Head Professor Louise Hickson congratulated Professor Worrall on her outstanding achievement.
“The Robin Tavistock Award is for an individual who is inspirational and has made a major difference in aphasia across the world, and Professor Worrall is certainly a worthy recipient,” Professor Hickson said.

UQ Speech Pathology School

The Master of Speech Pathology Studies at UQ is an accelerated program for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree. This program is 2.5 years in length and will prepare graduates for a career in speech pathology across any of the diverse areas in which speech pathologists practice, such as education, health or private practice.
Applications close Friday, February 27, 2015 Australia time, so please have your complete application submitted before Thursday, February 26, 2015.
Program: Master of Speech Pathology Studies
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Next semester intake: July 2015
Duration: 2.5 years
Application deadline: February 27 2015