Deafness Research UK appoints new Head of Communications

16 January 2006

Deafness Research UK has appointed David Reid to the new position of Head of Communications.

David comes to Deafness Research UK from the Institute of Physics (IOP), where he was Senior Press Officer. At the IOP, David led a number of high profile campaigns including funding for physics research after the closure of some UK physical sciences departments, the shortage of physics teachers, and on the future of the UK's energy supply.

David was previously a press officer for University College, London (UCL), based in their corporate communications office, and worked closely with fundraisers and academics across the College.

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said, "Effective and creative communications are vital to Deafness Research UK, helping to promote a better awareness of deafness and the need for funding for basic research".

"Deafness research in the UK seems to be going through a renaissance," says David, "and it feels like a very exciting time to join. I'm looking forward to helping develop creative and strategic communications tools to help promote the aims of Deafness Research UK."

David was an undergraduate at UCL, where he studied Geology. He still has an active interest, especially in planetary geology and fieldwork, and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also a freelance writer and historian specializing in the history of science and exploration and is currently on the expert panel of the BBC's Sky at Night magazine and working on a book on the Ruwenzori mountains in Uganda.