NEW FUNDING awarded from the Academy of Medical Sciences

Dr Charlie Wiltshire, head of the Integrative Speech Production Laboratory and lecturer in the School of Psychology at Bangor University, has been awarded a highly competitive Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences to lead an innovative project investigating the brain mechanisms underlying developmental stuttering.

The £125,000 springboard award will support Dr Wiltshire in establishing her independent research group and advance her work, which combines advanced brain imaging with detailed behavioural analysis to uncover how brain structure and neurochemistry interact in adults who stutter.

Developmental stuttering affects millions worldwide, yet its biological basis remains poorly understood. In addition, current therapies for stuttering are limited, and while some pharmacological and brain stimulation approaches show promise, they lack a clear biological framework. This project aims to change that by using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and structural MRI to look at both potential microstructural and neurochemical balance differences in speech and motor networks in the brain. Crucially, the study will also explore how these biological measures relate to real-world speech behaviours and inhibitory control.

“I’m so pleased to receive this award, which provides an exciting opportunity to address some of the most important unanswered questions in stuttering research,” said Wiltshire. “By combining multiple state-of-the-art techniques, we can move beyond isolated findings and begin to understand how different brain systems work together to influence speech.”

“The ultimate goal is to build a clearer biological framework for stuttering,” Wiltshire added. “If we can identify how inhibitory and excitatory processes in the brain contribute to speech disruptions, we can begin to develop more targeted and effective treatments for those that want them.”

Paul Spencer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Bangor University, welcomed the award: “We are delighted to see Dr Wiltshire recognised by the Academy of Medical Sciences through this prestigious Springboard Award. Understanding the neurological basis of stuttering is a significant scientific challenge. This research will place Bangor University at the forefront of efforts to address stuttering and exemplifies the kind of innovative research that has real potential to deliver societal impact.”

The Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences supports early-career researchers in launching ambitious, high-impact projects. This award recognises both the scientific importance and the translational potential of the work.

Please get in touch with us if you are interested in getting involved in the project. We will be working with people who stutter to advise and help monitor the project and take part as participants. We're always very happy to chat about our work with no obligation to get involved further! 

We will be recruiting a postdoctoral researcher, starting Sept 2026 (flexible). Details to follow or get in touch now for an informal chat.