Unique science award launched to honour deafness research champion
8 February 2005
A unique award aimed at encouraging young scientists into deafness research was awarded today by Deafness Research UK.
The Pauline Ashley Prize, established in memory of the charity's founder, Lady Ashley of Stoke, will be awarded annually to a talented young scientist near the beginning of their career and undertaking research into deafness, or a related condition such as tinnitus.
The recipient of the first Pauline Ashley Prize is Jonathan Bird. Jonathan is studying for his Ph.D in cellular biology, looking at cellular signalling during repair and regeneration of the avian inner ear.
"Pauline Ashley was totally committed to improving the quality of life for hearing impaired people through research and she was convinced that the key to this lay in the talent and promise of our young scientists," says Vivienne Michael, Deafness Research UK' Chief Executive, "She was a remarkable person and an inspiration to all who knew her.
"Without Pauline's dedication, this charity, which has been instrumental in developing hearing tests for newborn babies, improving hearing aids and much more, simply would not exist."
After generous donations from Deafness Research UK' supporters to the Pauline Ashley Memorial Fund, set up in September last year, Deafness Research UK' trustees decided to create an annual award in Pauline's memory to reflect her commitment to deafness research.
The primary objective of the Prize is to encourage the best young postgraduate students and post-doctoral fellows to commence or continue research in hearing and deafness. Each year, £5,000 will be awarded to support a period of international travel and research.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Joanne Keane, Deafness Research UK Communications, telephone 020 7833 1733, mobile 0779 2929 731, or email
