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Research Group

Assessment and management of neuro-developmental and acquired disorders

A table covered in plastic models of organs of the human body. Around the edge of the photo are people's hands and arms. In the foreground two hands are holding a model of the brain. To the right another pair of hands are holding a smartphone with a diagram of a brain on the screen.

The School is developing new programmes of research in innovations in neurorehabilitation and developmental disorders led by key research active staff in the School who work closely with third sector organisations (I CAN, Afasic, Stroke Association, UK acquired Brain Injury Forum, Brain Injury MedTech Co-operative).

Professor Andrew Bateman has a range of projects investigating the clinical assessment of people living with neurological conditions, the development of neuropsychological rehabilitation interventions and measurement of outcomes. He is currently leading a programme on to improving social workers’ knowledge of acquired brain injury (ABI) to understand the needs of people with a brain injury and their families.
Professor Victoria Joffe’s area of clinical and research expertise includes developmental language disorder and language disorder across the lifespan, child speech disorder, the interface between education and speech and language therapy, collaborative practice and the training of teaching staff, the relationship between language, metalinguistic awareness and literacy, language and communication intervention in secondary school students and evidence-based practice for children and young people with special educational needs. Professor Victoria Joffe is currently working on three National Institute Health Research (NIHR)-funded research projects looking into new and innovative interventions for children with social communication disorder, children who stammer and children with Down Syndrome. She is also currently undertaking research looking at the impact of lockdown on the learning and specialist provision of children and young people with special educational needs.
The CoastGEM (Coastal Gap in Equality for Stroke care Management) is a partnership between the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEF) and the University of Essex to address inequalities in stroke care in coastal East Suffolk and North Essex. The region has some of the worst Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores in the UK. People with cardiovascular disease have lower life expectancies, particularly affecting those less well-off. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disabilities in the area, worsening this gap. The CoastGEM project aims to involve patients and various stakeholders in their research and share their findings with those who can make a difference. CoastGEM is investigating the causes of disparities in stroke care for patients and survivors and developing an action plan based on their findings. In addition, the project examines information about existing stroke services, seeking the views of patients and carers and analysing data on the use of stroke services. The CoastGEM project team from the University of Essex comprises researchers, including Reza Majdzadeh as the Principal Investigator, Dr Lee Yarwood-Ross as the senior research officer, Jana Abdel-Jawadova, Andrew Bateman, Camille Cronin, Thomas Currid, Victoria Joffe, and Timea Putnoki. They are actively seeking cross-disciplinary new members to join their team or attend a virtual journal club on stroke, which conducts almost weekly on Mondays. If you are interested in joining the team or attending the journal club, please contact one of the team members for more information.

Group lead

Professor Andrew Bateman

Professor and Director NIHR Research Design Service

School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex

Katie Chadd

Co-lead

School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex

Our projects

Heads Together

Patients who have an acquired brain injury can have a long road to recovery and physical rehabilitation, and in some cases a return to their previous full health may not be possible. This has a long-term impact on the patient and their families. As a result, treatment and life after these injuries will involve a multi-care team of healthcare and social work professionals.

In this project our researchers will work with stakeholders to develop a range of educational resources on acquired brain injuries to improve understanding and help with advocacy for improved services.

Learn more about this project

Harnessing Portable Smart Camera Technology to Support the Communication Skills of People with Aphasia (HARP Aphasia)

Research has found that speech and language therapy for aphasia can improve reading, writing and speaking skills, but it is challenging to generalise these benefits to everyday life.

In this project, run by the School of Health and Social Care and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, we will develop a new evidence-based intervention using smart-camera technology, to enhance the communication skills of people with aphasia.

Read about this project

Coastal Gap in Equality for Stroke Care Management (CoastGEM)

In the UK, 100,000 people suffer from strokes annually, with two-thirds suffering disability upon hospital discharge.

The School of Health and Social Care is working with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to identify inequalities in effective stroke care, their negative health outcomes, and their determinants.

The project has three primary work streams, and has already identified several key areas for improving stroke care.

Learn more about this project

Postgraduate Research

Applications are welcome to those interested in developing expertise around the assessment and management of neuro developmental and acquired disorders through a research degree.

We have exciting developments in the area of brain rehabilitation led by Professor Andrew Bateman, speech and language therapy led by Professor Vicky Joffe, and aphasia and digital applications with Dr Anna Caute.

If you are interested in doing research degree, please view the list of academics below for potential supervisors.