Kirsty Harrison

Kirsty Harrison is an Associate Professor in Speech and Language Therapy at the University of East Anglia's School of Health Sciences, with a concurrent honorary lectureship at City, University of London. She transitioned to academia after extensive clinical work in neurological rehabilitation, serving as team lead for community neurological SLT services in London.

Education:

• PGDip Academic Practice (Distinction), City University London (2014)
• MMedSci Clinical Communication Studies (Distinction), University of Sheffield (2002)
• BA English Language & Linguistics (Hons), University of York (1999)

Her research focuses on dysphagia management, progressive neurological conditions, and bridging clinical practice gaps between education and professional application. She leads NIHR-funded projects developing self-management interventions for motor neuron disease patients and improving dysphagia care protocols.

Publications emphasize evidence-based approaches in stroke rehabilitation, critical care nutrition, and pediatric feeding therapies, reflecting interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration. Recent work integrates neurological rehabilitation with quality-of-life outcomes.

Awards:

• Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2015)
• Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2011)

She directs curriculum development as module lead for Motor Speech Disorders and Professional Education. Secured 4 NIHR grants including:

• Co-development of self-management interventions for MND (2025-2028)
• Anxiety assessment in stroke/brain injury (2024-2026)
• Dysphagia care practitioner training (2020-2022)