HomeNews A Partnership in Research Leading to the Bionic Ear and Beyond
A Partnership in Research Leading to the Bionic Ear and Beyond
In the 1970’s, Professor Graeme Clark led a team of multidisciplinary researchers at the University of Melbourne to develop the first multiple-channel cochlear implant, or bionic ear. In 1978, the world’s first cochlear device was implanted in a human in an operation performed in Melbourne. The bionic ear had become a reality. This event signified the special achievement of Professor Graeme Clark, who was inspired at a young age by his father’s profound deafness to want to help deaf people hear. Since then, over 100,000 people around the world have had their hearing restored through a cochlear implant.
Professor Clark’s achievement remains an inspiration for the ICT for Life Sciences Forum. It demonstrated the great value to society of combining knowledge from engineering and the life sciences to work in partnership to address a problem that has a profound impact on the lives of many people around the world.
Professor Clark’s success in developing the bionic ear has left a significant legacy for Australia through the role he played in establishing the Bionic Ear Institute and Cochlear Limited. The Bionic Ear Institute, established by Professor Clark in 1984, is an independent medical research institute undertaking world-class medical bionics research focussed on neuroprostheses and hearing science. Cochlear Limited is the company that was formed in the early 1980’s to commercialise the Cochlear implant developed by Professor Clark and his team. The company is the world leader in the development and supply of cochlear implants.
To honour Professor Graeme Clark’s achievement in developing the bionic ear, the ICT for Life Sciences Forum has instigated an annual public event, the Graeme Clark Oration. The Oration will be delivered by a leading figure addressing the convergence of ICT and the life sciences – from the past, the present and what is likely in the future.
The Inaugural Graeme Clark Oration will be held in Melbourne on Monday 27 October, 2008 and will be delivered by Professor Clark.
The title of his orations is:
A Partnership in Research Leading to the Bionic Ear and Beyond.
The Oration will provide the inside story on how the bionic ear was developed and the possibilities and challenges for the bionic ear of the future.
This is a free event but registration is essential to secure entry. Click here for further details and how to register your attendance.
You can learn more about Professor Graeme Clark and his achievements in inventing the bionic ear by visiting the following links:
You can hear Professor Clark deliver the 2007 Boyer Lectures, broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, or read the transcript, by visiting this link.
In the 1970’s, Professor Graeme Clark led a team of multidisciplinary researchers at the University of Melbourne to develop the first multiple-channel cochlear implant, or bionic ear. In 1978, the world’s first cochlear device was implanted in a human in an operation performed in Melbourne. The bionic ear had become a reality. This event signified the special achievement of Professor Graeme Clark, who was inspired at a young age by his father’s profound deafness to want to help deaf people hear. Since then, over 100,000 people around the world have had their hearing restored through a cochlear implant.