Meet our Research Board Committee

Our Research Board Committee brings together expertise across hearing science, clinical research, medicine and academia.

Professor Marcus Atlas

Board Chair
Ear Science Institute Australia


Professor Marcus Atlas is Founding Director of Ear Science Institute Australia and a nationally recognised leader in otology and translational research. He has played a pivotal role in advancing hearing healthcare, cochlear implantation, and multidisciplinary research. His expertise in clinical innovation, research leadership, and strategic development guides the Committee's direction.
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Dr David Sly

Board Secretary
Ear Science Institute Australia


Dr David Sly is Chief Operating Officer of Research at Ear Science Institute Australia and an accomplished auditory neuroscientist. His expertise includes cochlear implants, auditory technology, hearing diagnostics, therapeutics, and inner ear biology. He brings extensive experience in research leadership, innovation, and translation across both academic and industry settings.
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Professor James Whisstock

Monash University

Professor James Whisstock is Deputy Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University. An internationally recognised biomedical researcher, he has led significant advances in understanding human disease and developing research infrastructure. He brings expertise in scientific leadership, innovation, and research strategy to support the Institute's research mission.
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Professor Sue Fletcher

Murdoch University

Professor Sue Fletcher is an internationally recognised molecular biologist and pioneer in RNA therapeutics. Her research has led to the development of groundbreaking treatments for genetic diseases and demonstrated exceptional success in research translation. She brings expertise in biomedical innovation, translational medicine, and research leadership to strengthen the Institute's scientific and strategic capabilities.
Sue Fletcher

Dr Peter Blamey

Dr Peter Blamey is an internationally recognised hearing scientist and pioneer in cochlear implant research. His contributions to audiology, hearing technology, speech and language development, and clinical translation have influenced hearing healthcare worldwide. He brings extensive expertise in hearing science, innovation, and research translation to support the Institute's research excellence and future direction.
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Dr Elaine Saunders

Dr Elaine Saunders is a hearing health innovator, entrepreneur, and company director with extensive experience translating research into practical healthcare solutions. An elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, she brings expertise in hearing health, medical technology, governance, and commercialisation to support the Institute's research strategy and impact.
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From research to real-world impact

At Ear Science Institute Australia, research and clinical care work together to improve lives.

With guidance from our Research Board Committee, our researchers continue to explore new discoveries, develop innovative treatments and translate scientific knowledge into better hearing health outcomes.