Released on: August 29, 2008, 5:58 am

Press Release Author: BeyondPR

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Continuing its commitment to encouraging more high-quality
tinnitus research, Deafness Research UK has appointed a new member to its Research
Advisory Panel, Professor Alan Palmer.

Press Release Body: Professor Palmer is Assistant Director and Programme Leader at
the MRC Institute of Hearing Research and has joined the panel as a special adviser
for tinnitus-related applications.

Deafness Research UK CEO, Vivienne Michael, says: "Our Research Advisory Panel plays
an essential part in ensuring the quality and relevance of the work supported by
Deafness Research UK and is vital to the charity's continuing growth and
development. Professor Palmer is known for the excellence of his own research for
his objectivity as a reviewer and we are sure that his membership of the Panel will
benefit the quality of tinnitus research in the UK."

Having received his first degree in Biological Sciences from the University of
Birmingham UK in 1972, Professor Palmer went on to obtain his PhD in Communication
and Neuroscience from the University of Keele UK in 1977. After three years as a
postdoctoral researcher at Keele, he established his own laboratory at the National
Institute for Medical Research in London. This was followed by a Royal Society
University Research Fellowship at the University of Sussex before taking up his
current position in 1986. He heads a research team that uses neurophysiological
techniques to study the way the brain processes sound. He also has responsibility
for major technical developments such as a noise reducing sound system for fMRI,
loudspeaker arrays for psychophysics and equipment for animal behavioural
laboratories.


"Since its inception, Deafness Research UK has been tremendously supportive of
hearing research in the UK and I am very happy to be able to take a more formal
role in assisting in their review process" says Professor Palmer. "Tinnitus affects
large numbers of people worldwide and extending Deafness Research UK's support for
research on the causes and alleviation of tinnitus is a very positive and timely
decision."

Deafness Research UK panel members are asked to serve for a maximum of five years.
Other members of the panel are:

Professor Quentin Summerfield (Chief Adviser), University of York
Dr Maria Bitner-Glindzicz, University College London
Dr Robert P Carlyon, University of Cambridge
Professor Matthew Holley, University of Sheffield
Professor Mark Lutman, University of Southampton
Professor Guy Richardson, University of Sussex
Professor Tony Wright, Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital

For further information, visit the Deafness Research UK website at
www.deafnessresearch.org.uk
ENDS

Notes to editors
About Deafness Research UK
. Deafness Research UK is the country's only charity dedicated to finding new cures,
treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired
people.
. The charity supports high quality medical research into the prevention, diagnosis
and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus.
. The Deafness Research UK Information Service provides free information and advice
based on the latest scientific evidence and informed by leading experts. The
Information Service can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2222
. For more information on research into deafness, tinnitus and other hearing
conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can
access a wide range of information. Alternatively you can e-mail Deafness Research
UK at info@deafnessresearch.org.uk
. One in seven people in the UK - almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
. Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord (Jack) and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
. In January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) was linked with Deafness
Research UK under a uniting direction order under section 96(6) of the Charities Act
1993.

Photograph and caption
Professor Alan Palmer



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REF: DRUK0086 - New Advisory Panel member