New research advisory panel member
19 August 2008
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.
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 Chief Executive 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 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
