College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Royal visit celebrates Salvesen Mindroom Centre

The work of the new Salvesen Mindroom Centre was celebrated at a recent event attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

Around 140 guests attended on the day of the royal event, and included families directly affected by learning difficulties alongside representatives from research, education and health.

The Salvesen Mindroom Centre combines research, assessment, recognition and education to support children, young people and families living with learning difficulties.

Professor Moira Whyte speaking to the audience in the Playfair Library

Collaborative work

Funded by businessman and philanthropist Alastair Salvesen and his wife Elizabeth, the global centre of excellence launched in 2015 and is a collaboration between The University of Edinburgh, Scottish charity Mindroom and NHS Scotland.

Researchers and clinicians from the University and NHS Scotland have been working together to improve diagnosis, assessment and treatment of all types of learning difficulties, integrating with Mindroom’s expanding programme of advice, information and outreach support for children and families.

We are very honoured to have hosted an event attended by the University’s Chancellor, HRH Princess Royal, to celebrate the work of our centre. Although still in its early stages, the centre has already achieved a great deal and we look forward to using this event as a springboard to further our reach and continue making a difference in the lives of families affected by learning difficulties

Professor Anne O’HareDirector of the Salvesen Mindroom Centre
The audience in the Playfair Library at the Salvesen Mindroom awareness event

Showcasing impact

The royal event was an excellent opportunity for staff from the centre to build links with new and existing partners and showcase the difference being made to the lives of children and young people and their families.

The Chancellor was shown around displays outlining the work of the centre and key projects that are underway. She also met families affected by learning difficulties and talked to them about their experiences and what the Salvesen Mindroom Centre means to them.

Related links

Visit the Salvesen Mindroom Centre website