Using Autism and Neurodiversity Research to Shape Policy

Using Autism and Neurodiversity Research to Shape Policy: Lessons from the Autism Act 2009

The 8th annual Salvesen lecture will be delivered by Prof Laura Crane (University of Birmingham), with Dr Joe Long (MSP).

About the lecture:

Research is often judged by the knowledge it generates, but some of its most important contributions lie in how it shapes policy and practice. In this lecture, Professor Laura Crane reflects on the opportunities and challenges of using research to influence policy change, drawing particularly on her experiences supporting the House of Lords’ inquiry of the Autism Act 2009. Dr Joe Long will discuss the role of policy in enacting change, particularly in a Scottish context. Using examples from autism and neurodiversity research, the lecture will explore how evidence can inform public policy, shape professional practice and elevate the priorities of autistic people and their families.

About the speakers:

Laura Crane is Professor of Autism Research at the University of Birmingham, where she is Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER). Her research focuses on improving outcomes for autistic and neurodivergent people across education, health, justice and community settings, with a particular emphasis on participatory and co-produced approaches. In 2025, Laura served as Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords Committee on the Autism Act 2009, which published its landmark report, Time to Deliver, late last year.

Joe Long is a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Mid Scotland and Fife (Region). He is Scottish Labour's Shadow Minister for Community Care and Mental Wellbeing and serves on the Scottish Parliament's Committee for Health, Care and Sport. Joe has a PhD in social anthropology from the University of Aberdeen. Having worked in social care for several years, he then established a programme of research at Scottish Autism. He later served as the organisation’s Director of Practice and Innovation, leading the Centre for Practice, Policy and Research until he was elected as MSP in 2026.

Attending the lecture

The lecture will be delivered in-person, and accompanied by an expert panel discussion - panel members will be confirmed nearer the date but will capture research and practice perspectives across education and clinical services.

The event will begin at 5pm with a drinks reception, with the lecture beginning at 5.30pm, followed by a panel discussion, which will end at 7.15pm.
Event is open to those 18+ years.

Venue: The University of Edinburgh (details to follow).

This lecture is free to attend and open to all. For those unable to attend in-person, a link will be shared nearer the time to a live broadcast on YouTube with automated subtitling available. Register here for a direct live link, reminders, and a watch-later link sent direct to your email.

Photography: Photos will be taken at this event (e.g. for publishing on social media after the event). If you do not wish to be photographed, please let organisers know when you arrive at the venue.

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