Supported by
The support of the Scottish Funding Council is vital to our work to inspire and share knowledge with audiences, local communities, and future generations.
Swallowing in a new light: How ultrasound could transform care
When
Friday 12 September 2025
17:30 - 18:30
Format
In-person
Cost
Free to book
About
How can ultrasound transform what we know about swallowing disorders?
Swallowing is something we do without thinking – until it becomes difficult.
Conditions like Parkinson’s, stroke, and motor neurone disease can disrupt this vital function, deeply affecting health and quality of life. In this hands-on, interactive workshop, you’ll explore how ultrasound is opening a new window into the science of swallowing.
See your own swallowing in real time using ultrasound, experiment with different liquids and drinking methods, and learn how this technology could be used in future healthcare. You will also find out how machine learning and biofeedback can support therapies in helping people regain swallowing functions.
Whether you’re curious about the human body, fascinated by medical innovation, or just love learning how things work, this event offers a rare chance to witness the normally invisible, bringing science, health, and technology together in a truly eye-opening experience.
Tickets are free, but booking is essential.
Event type
Curious
Contributors
Dr Joan Ma
Dr Joan Ma is a Senior Lecturer in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a member of the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University. A qualified speech and language therapist, she specialises in dysphagia and motor speech disorders. Dr Ma leads the Swallow Vision project, which focuses on developing the technology and the evidence base in supporting the clinical translation of ultrasound in different areas of speech and language therapy, including Ultrasound Evaluation of Swallowing (USES) and laryngeal ultrasound. She is an active member of the International Ultrasound Working Group and serves as the Women in Research Champion at Queen Margaret University.
Gabriella Quezada
PhD researcher in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Queen Margaret University.Gabriella Quezada is a PhD researcher in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Queen Margaret University. She is a qualified speech and language therapist, specialising in dysphagia and neurological conditions. Gabriella’s PhD research project is investigating the progression of dysphagia in people living with Myotonic Dystrophy, using Ultrasound Evaluation of Swallowing (USES) and muscle ultrasound techniques. She is a member of the International Ultrasound Working Group.
Danah Alqattan
PhD researcher at the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University.Danah Alqattan is a PhD researcher at the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University. She is a qualified speech and language therapist who specialises in adult dysphagia, with a particular interest in the assessment and management of complex swallowing difficulties. Her research is driven by a passion for improving the evaluation and management of swallowing difficulties. Danah’s current PhD project investigates the innovative application of ultrasound as a biofeedback tool to support patients in acquiring and mastering swallowing rehabilitation manoeuvres. She is a member of the International Ultrasound Working Group.
Gemma Cartney
PhD researcher within the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University.Gemma Cartney is a PhD researcher within the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University. A qualified speech and language therapist, she specialises in dysphagia assessment and neurological conditions. Her doctoral project applies Ultrasound Evaluation of Swallowing (USES) to examine functional swallowing and clinical dysphagia in Parkinson’s.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.
What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
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