Human Communication, Development, and Information Sciences

Our 50 academics, clinical educators and teacher educators in the Academic Unit of Human Communication, Development, and Information Sciences (CDIS) are committed to the education of teachers, speech pathologists, audiologists and information scientists. We teach in the BSc(SHS), BSc(IM), BSc(ACD), PGDE, MEd, MSc(ITE), MSc(LIM), and MSc(Audiology) and supervise MPhil, PhD and EdD research postgraduate students.

We are leaders in research in:

• Human Communication: speech and language development and disorders; hearing sciences and disorders; speech science; voice and swallowing disorders
• Human Development: child development; cognition; brain development; special education and disabilities; educational psychology; counselling; the science of learning
• Information Sciences: data science; information management; measurement

We are committed to conducting innovative research that is of significance locally and internationally. We conduct basic and translational research that directly impacts schools, speech therapy and audiology clinics with a focus on improving the quality of life for the people of Hong Kong. We provide training and workshops for children, parents, teachers, and clinicians in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Our research is funded through local and international grants and is conducted in eight research laboratories: Aphasia Research and Therapy, Clinical Hearing Sciences; Knowledge Management & E-Learning; Speech and Neuromodulation; Speech, Language & Reading; Speech Science; Swallowing Research; and Voice Research. We participate in the Centre for Advancement of Chinese Language Education and Research (CACLER); Centre for Information Technology in Education (CITE); and Consortium for Research on Language Policy and Practice (CRLPP).

Our scholars are recognised by awards and honours including the RGC Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship and Fulbright - RGC Hong Kong Senior Research Scholar Award. CDIS is home to the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, which provides the local community with quality speech therapy and audiological services that meet the unique communication needs of clients and their families. The clinic is at the Kennedy Town Centre building.