Eminent therapeutics scientist and molecular biologist, Professor Sue Fletcher AO FAHMS, has been appointed Senior Honorary Research Fellow at Ear Science Institute Australia, in recognition of her pioneering work in the field. Professor Fletcher is internationally esteemed for her work in genetic and molecular research, which has fuelled her impressive advancements in developing molecular therapies for hereditary diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Emeritus Professor Sue Fletcher AO was recently awarded the Professions Category of the 2025 Western Australian of the Year Award for her scientific achievements, which span decades. In 2021, Professor Fletcher was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia for ‘distinguished service to medical research, to neurological science, and to the treatment and support of those with muscular dystrophy’ and in 2022 she was awarded Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
The collaboration will see Professor Fletcher leverage her expertise to partner with Ear Science’s multidisciplinary teams, particularly Hearing Therapeutics, in supporting the Institute’s mission to improve ear and hearing health outcomes locally, nationally and internationally. Collaborative research projects will target genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ear diseases and hearing loss.
This exciting appointment will accelerate Ear Science’s development of innovative diagnostics and devices for ear and hearing disorders, as well as elevating the application of laboratory discoveries into therapeutic interventions such as gene therapies.
As Professor Fletcher says, “It’s an enormous privilege to have an opportunity to change lives.” By drawing on Professor Fletcher’s extensive knowledge in molecular biology, gene therapy, and translational medicine, Ear Science will continue to advance the strategic goal of translating cutting-edge science into clinical practice and market-ready solutions.
Together, Professor Fletcher and Ear Science will further the Institute’s visionary work in helping people with ear and hearing disorders through research and ground-breaking innovations.
