The Graeme Clark Oration is the preeminent event held by the ICT for Life Sciences Forum. The Oration is a public event held in Melbourne to honour the pioneering research of Professor Graeme Clark, whose leadership in bringing together a multi-disciplinary team in the 1970’s led to the development of the world’s first multi-channel cochlear implant, or bionic ear. Today, over 120,000 people around the world have received a bionic ear and the gift of hearing.
Professor Clark’s achievement remains an inspiration for the ICT for Life Sciences Forum. It demonstrated the great value to society when knowledge from engineering and the life sciences work in partnership to address a problem that has a profound impact on the lives of many people.
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.
Graeme Clark Oration 
