Chair's Update June 2023

Dear Members,

Thank you to all those that joined us for the BSA Scientific Meeting in Birmingham on 5^th and 6^th June 2023. The Special Interest Groups showcased just some of what they have been working on, their current activity and what they intend to develop moving forwards with a wealth of verbal and digital input from the audience! Attendees fed back their appreciation, commenting upon the practical tips they were able to take away whilst learning more about what the SIG’s do. Research featured strongly throughout the programme informing the audience about opportunities such as the research mentorship scheme as well as informative discussions and presentations to highlight research activity which included hearing from 3 individuals (PPI) and their participation in developing a 5-year action plan for hearing loss and tinnitus research to improve hearing health.

The AGM was held as part of the scientific meeting where a summary of the annual report (available on the BSA website) was given, and to award this year’s prizes and awards; many congratulations to Laura Turton, Judith Bird, Simon Howe and Clint McClean. Honorary membership was this year awarded to John Day and John Fitzgerald. We thanked David Greenburg and Derek Hoare who concluded their terms of office as Treasurer and past-immediate chair and welcome to our brand-new early careers trustee Diya Vaid.

The buzz of the event carried on late into the afternoon of the first day as the 50 scientific posters on display were reviewed and discussed by all including the special interest groups who selected their top posters; well done to all those that submitted posters and congratulations to those that received certificates: Amanda Hall, Herra Bhutta, Ella Woodward, Carol McDonald, Nic Wray, Clare Burgen, Crysa Speyridakou, Saima Rajasingham and Mark Smith.

Professor Harvey Dillon kindly joined us for both days of the event and it was great to see everyone taking the opportunity to speak with him, particularly after he had delivered his keynote speech relating to Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

We were supported by 17 exhibitors and our Platinum Sponsor, Rinri Theraputics delivered information about exciting new developments in imaging of the inner ear and Stem Cell Therapy. We received great feedback from all who attended the event but “Totally brilliant. Great work by the BSA. Practical, clinical tips. Amazing to have an actual poster session and networking” sums it up nicely!!

Thank you to all BSA members and teams for supporting the meeting, especially our lead for conference and events Gemma Crundwell. See you next year?!

Best wishes,

Donna Corrigan

BSA Chair