National FASD conference showcases University’s research leadership

The University of Salford proudly hosted a landmark event in the field of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) on Tuesday 10 June, welcoming researchers, practitioners, families, and advocates from across the UK and beyond, to the UK FASD Conference 2025.

Opening the event, Professor Penny Cook, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation in the School of Health and Society, and Co-Chair of the conference, welcomed over 150 delegates.

FASD is caused by drinking alcohol in pregnancy, and can make it difficult for children to communicate, keep friendships, and stay calm and still, among other difficulties. Penny highlighted how Salford has become a national and international leader in FASD research; with the Salford FASD research group believed to be the largest dedicated team of its kind in Europe.

This growth, Professor Cook noted, has been supported by major external funders – including the Medical Research Council and the National Institute of Health Research – as well as a visionary level of internal investment from the University itself.

The day’s agenda was a reflection of that leadership. Salford researchers led or contributed to nearly every theme across the day, from laboratory science to family intervention, justice systems and public health. Salford-led work included innovative biomarker research, education interventions, and the SPECIFiC programme: a ground-breaking education course for parents and carers.

A standout moment came early in the day, when Rossi Griffin, a young adult living with FASD, and his mother Jan took to the stage. Longstanding collaborators with the Salford FASD research team, Jan and Rossi have contributed not only to awareness-raising but to shaping research itself, grounding academic work in real-life experience. Rossi’s newly published book, Life in the FASD Lane, includes references to the University of Salford team: a testament to the impact their work has made in the community.

Their presentation, which charted the emotional and practical journey behind the book’s creation, captured both the complexity of living with FASD and the power of tailored support. With Jan’s scaffolding, Rossi was able to turn his story into a published work: a remarkable achievement that reflects his creativity and determination. As Rossi told the audience: “We need support that knows us, like my mum — she saw I couldn’t do maths but knew I was creative. So, we went there.”

The book signing over lunch became one of the highlights of the day — not just for the queue it attracted, but for what it symbolised: how far lived experience has come in shaping the narrative of FASD.

Midway through the programme, a minute’s silence was held to remember Sam Gardiner—a vibrant and courageous young man from Greater Manchester who participated in Race Across the World and lived with FASD. Sam tragically passed away following a car accident in late May. His family has set up a JustGiving campaign, “Sam Gardiner: Super Human”, raising over £25,000 so far for the National Organisation for FASD.

Alongside personal stories, the day included deep dives into the systems and structures that affect people with FASD: from barriers to diagnosis, to education pathways, criminal justice responses and the future of commissioning.

The closing panel, featuring voices from research, clinical practice, lived experience and advocacy, celebrated how far the field has come. But they also spoke with clarity about how far there still is to go. Despite the growing evidence base, FASD still lacks the investment and visibility that similar conditions receive. Families continue to face long waits, fragmented services, and support systems that don’t yet recognise their rights.

Panellist Dr Cheryl McQuire from the University of Bristol said: “It was heartening to see the progress, but so much to be done still”, while Professor Anita Gibbs of the University of Otago, New Zealand, expressed that she was “uplifted by the collective energy”.

Reflecting on the day, Professor Penny Cook said: “We were incredibly proud to host this prestigious event. Salford’s role in this movement to increase the profile of and support for those with FASD is clear: with research that informs practice, voices that demand change, and a team at the University that is committed to making it happen.”