The Queensland Aphasia Research Centre recognised for consumer engagement  

Based at the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre (QARC) is a partnership between The University of Queensland and Metro North Health. It brings together people with aphasia, their families and friends, clinicians, and researchers in the collaborative development of innovative and novel health interventions.   

Professor David Copland and Dr Ciara Shiggins accepting the 2023 NHMRC Consumer Engagement Award

Aphasia is a devastating common language and communication disorder that impacts a person’s ability to communicate effectively.   

QARC’s ground-breaking research for people living with aphasia, their family members, and friends was recognised at last year’s National Health and Medical Research Council Research Excellence Awards, where the Centre received the 2023 Consumer Engagement Award. The award recognises those that have made a long-term contribution to consumer and community involvement in health and medical research.   

For speech pathologist and QARC Director Professor David Copland, the award is a wonderful recognition of the importance that QARC places on consumer engagement.  

“From the outset, QARC has been driven by the lived experience of the consumers and communities it serves, ensuring research activities are meaningful, appropriate, useful, and focused on what consumers want addressed. The priorities have been co-designed with people with aphasia, their families and speech pathologists,” David said.   

“By including consumers and community members in all stages of research, not just as participants, we ensure that people with aphasia are represented and heard through the entire research process.    

“This award is an incredible honour for all the people living with aphasia, the family and friends, researchers and clinicians who work together at QARC.”