The SSRC exists to fulfil a number of primary objectives

• To promote and co-ordinate interdisciplinary research into normal processes of speech and non-verbal communication; speech acquisition; and speech and communication disability.
• To focus research on areas most likely to improve the quality of life for people with speech disabilities by, for example, developing new technologies for diagnosis, assessment and treatment of speech disorders.
• To ensure wherever possible that research in the Centre informs teaching at all levels in Speech and Hearing Sciences and influences clinical practice in the field of Speech and Language Therapy.
• To develop and implement new methods of promoting cross-fertilisation between researchers and clinicians by, for example, electronic networks facilitating access to specialist instrumental analysis techniques, building on the InterPhace and CLEFTNET projects.
• To disseminate findings to the wider academic, professional and industrial communities and to groups representing client’s interests, and to promote the work of the Centre.
• To calibrate and test new and existing laboratory instrumentation for speech analysis.

The objectives will be achieved through:

• continued expansion of the knowledge of the physiological and acoustic properties of normal speech production and perception through instrumental investigations
• increased knowledge of the properties of the different types of normal and disordered communication ( including non-verbal behaviour)
• development of new speech imaging and biofeedback techniques and innovative uses of established technology such as ultrasound to improve the diagnosis and treatment of speech disorders
• development of telespeech applications (building on the CLEFTNET project) so that clinicians, clients and parents can have access to specialist assessment and rehabilitation techniques
• development of new Web facilities and information material for disseminating the research findings from the Centre to other researchers and to the wider professional community
• offering training courses in the use of specialist technology for speech analysis to enhance research capability of practitioners
• liaising with the spin-out company Articulate Instruments to develop new EPG products including CD-ROMs, specialist analysis software etc
• establishing close links with other HEIs, various NHS Trusts and the Scottish Executive, with a view to submitting joint applications for funding
• establishing close working relationships with the new South East Scotland Centre for Integrated Health Care Research funded by the SHEFC and SEHD Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Scheme.