Pursuit Award

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) speech pathologist Dr Ruth Braden has been celebrated for exemplary contributions and achievements to childhood disability research.

Dr Braden was awarded third place at the 2022 Pursuit Awards held by the Bloorview Research Institute based in Canada, a global leader in the field of childhood disability.

The annual Pursuit Awards reward top PhD students and recent alumni from across the world for their commitment to children and youth with disabilities. Three finalists are chosen to present their research to a panel of peers and family leaders and senior leadership from the institute.

Part of the MCRI's Speech and Language Group, Dr Braden’s research investigates the relationship between genes, the brain, and behaviour, and looks at the genetic and brain-related causes of speech and language disorders.

“By understanding the cause of speech and language disorders, my research seeks to improve treatment, and provide targeted individualised therapies,” she said.

Speech Pathologist Dr Ruth Braden

Image: Dr Ruth Braden

“The research is focused around client- and family-centred care by working with international parent support groups to recruit study participants and communicate my findings.”

Dr Braden, who was honoured to be recognised said, “It is wonderful to see my work in our relatively small speech and language field recognised by an international institute such as Holland Bloorview, which provides such great leadership and advocacy in the childhood disability space.

“It’s also fabulous recognition for all the individuals and families who provided their time and energy participating in my research, who I am very grateful for.”

child in hospital

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