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Arnold School researcher will join ranks of renowned speakers when he delivers a TEDTalk
January 10, 2012
Dr. Julius Fridriksson will deliver
a TEDTalk on his research
area of stroke and aphasia.
Dr. Julius Fridriksson of the Arnold School of Public Health will join the ranks of renowned speakers chosen for TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design), which brings the world's best presenters -- scientists, philosophers, musicians, religious leaders, philanthropists and many others – to share their ideas so that the world can learn from them.
TEDTalks are held throughout the world, including one Jan. 16 in Columbia, where Fridriksson will speak. Members of the public chosen to be in the audience for the program were selected from an application process last year.
When he delivers his talk, Fridriksson will join the ranks of Bill Gates, Frank Gehry, Daniel Wolpert, Billy Graham, Annie Lennox, Quincy Jones, and Bono, who have been TED speakers. The rigorous selection process began late summer 2011 when Fridriksson was selected as one of about eight speakers from more than 100 applicants.
He appeared before a committee to discuss his presentation and explain the type of talk that he would give.
"It has been my dream for years to give a TEDTalk. Many of the best scientists who have made groundbreaking discoveries have been TED speakers," Fridriksson said. "Just to be able to give a lecture in the same format as some of these distinguished scientists is humbling and a true honor."
TED seeks the most interesting people on earth and lets them communicate what they are passionate about. For Fridriksson, the passion is helping people learn to communicate after a stroke.
Hailed by scientific colleagues as one of the "most distinguished pioneers" in the study of speech disabilities related to stroke, Fridriksson was named a Health Care Hero in research for the region and was selected the 2011 recipient of the Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Clinical Achievement from the American Speech and Hearing Foundation. The award recognizes significant accomplishments in the advancement of clinical service in speech-language pathology and/or audiology.
Fridriksson's research is in an area of stroke study that has previously had little progress – aphasia, a communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to process language and formulate speech. But Fridriksson's studies are beginning to change the way scientists understand the stroke's impact on the brain and how changes can be made to improve communication. He is considered one of the world's leading authorities on stroke and aphasia.
"In South Carolina, unfortunately, almost everyone has a family member or friend who has had a stroke," said Dr. Tom Chandler, Arnold School dean, said. "The findings from Dr. Fridriksson's research offer hope to many in the Palmetto State and beyond."
TEDTalks have become so popular that TED's website was relaunched around them to enable a global audience to enjoy free eyeball-to-eyeball access to some of the world's greatest thinkers, leaders and teachers.
Visit www.ted.com to learn more the "riveting talks from remarkable people."
