Swallowing in a new light: how ultrasound could transform care

Swallowing is something we all do every day 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.

Extra information:

This event is an interactive workshop so may involve talking in groups, hands-on activities, small individual or group tasks and self-reflection. Attendees will be invited to showcase the ultrasound equipment on themselves by having a drink and swallowing. You can be as involved as you feel comfortable doing so and will never be required to take part in an activity if you do not wish to do so. Pens and notepads will be provided.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming: Filming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
• Access to rooms: Please note that Curious events taking place in ‘The Workshop’ are only wheelchair accessible via our main lift. The lift’s door has a width of 79cm and the lift has a depth of 143cm. Please note, that access to the lift is limited by a narrow 77cm width corridor. Accessible toilet facilities for activities taking place in this space are also accessed by the main lift. Please contact us at Curious@therse.org.uk if you would like further information or visit our RSE Accessibility page on our website.

SPEAKER

Dr Joan Ma

Senior Lecturer in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a member of the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University

Dr Joan Ma is a 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.

SPEAKER

Gabriella Quezada

PhD researcher in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Queen Margaret University

Gabriela is a qualified speech and language therapist, specialising in dysphagia and neurological conditions. Her 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. Gabriella is a member of the International Ultrasound Working Group.

SPEAKER

Danah Alqattan

PhD researcher at the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University

Danah 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.

SPEAKER

Gemma Cartney

PhD researcher within the Clinical Audiology, Speech and Language Research Centre at Queen Margaret University

A qualified speech and language therapist, Gemma 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.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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Newsletter

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

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