The Eleanor M. Saffran Center’s core mission is to foster interdisciplinary, collaborative, clinical translational research within the broad domain of cognitive neuroscience. By studying the neurological bases of speech and language, in combination with theoretically grounded, evidence-based interventions, the center is at the forefront of translational research in communication disorders. Our research focuses on the rehabilitation of neurogenic communication disorders. Researchers in affiliated labs study the cognitive and neural bases of language, speech, memory, learning, emotional processing, spatial and motor abilities in both neurotypical populations and in people with neurogenic communication disorders (i.e., speech and language impairments secondary to brain injury).

Some areas of research currently addressed in the Center include:

  • The underlying nature, assessment and treatment of aphasia;
  • Brain functions underlying the cognitive representation of words and concepts in neurotypical adults and individuals with primary progressive aphasia;
  • Treatment dosage required by individuals with childhood apraxia of speech and how gains correspond to current theories of speech motor control; and
  • The role of auditory attention in the language development of individuals with autism.

The Saffran Center is also an educational resource for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, the College of Public Health, Temple University, and regional clinical and educational institutions. We host the annual Eleanor M. Saffran Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience and Rehabilitation of Communication Disorders, a two-day conference including talks on foundational and applied research related to a topic in communication disorders and a translational workshop designed to foster greater communication between clinical researchers and clinicians serving children and adults with communication disorders. To support and extend the work of the Saffran Center, the faculty welcomes collaborative research relationships with regional, national and international institutions. The Center also accepts patient referrals particularly in the areas of stroke-based aphasia, primary progressive aphasia, and childhood apraxia of speech.

Learn more about the Saffran Center.

Director

Nadine Martin

Laura H. Carnell Professor
Communication Sciences and Disorders
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Phone
215-204-1870
Office
Room 979 Ritter Annex

Associate Director

Jamie Reilly

Professor
Communication Sciences and Disorders
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Phone
215-204-3995
Office
110 Weiss Hall (265-02)