Helping Shape the Future of Research at USAIS
In September, our Research Strategy Group met to discuss what research should look like at the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service over the next few years.
The group reached broad agreement on three things:
1. Our Strategy: Where are we trying to go?
We will advance hearing health through world-leading research.
Over the next three years, we will:
- Expand our portfolio of research activity
- Increase patient access to national trials
- Strengthen our position as a centre for commercial research
- Build capacity for PhDs, DM, ECRs, Clinical Fellowships and secure Clinical Academic Surgeon
2. Our Themes: What will we focus on?
To help deliver this strategy, four broad research themes were identified:
🔹 Hearing with two ears and beyond the audiogram
Exploring the benefits of binaural hearing, and understanding hearing outcomes beyond traditional measures.
🔹 Biological factors influencing cochlear implant performance
Investigating the biological mechanisms that affect outcomes and how they may help us personalise care.
🔹 Person-centred and remote care
Developing innovative approaches to make care more accessible, efficient and tailored to individual needs.
🔹 Hearing across the lifespan
Understanding hearing health and cochlear implantation from early childhood through to older adulthood.
3. Our Principles: How will we work?
Whatever research we undertake, we agreed that it should be underpinned by four key principles:
🟢 Participation
Making research accessible to all patients.
🟡 Partnership
Involving patients, families and collaborators at all stages.
🔵 Discovery and Innovation
Advancing hearing knowledge, rehabilitation and care.
🟣 Excellence and Integrity
Leading and delivering research to the highest ethical and scientific standards.
What do you think about this research strategy? USAIS want to hear from you.
Please contact Professor Helen Cullington to share your thoughts. H.Cullington@Southampton.ac.uk