What does Europe expect from EuroHear in terms of scientific results and benefits to society?
“EuroHear is an integrated, multidisciplinary project including 25 different research teams throughout Europe that share the same interest in gaining new knowledge on the hearing processes. Research is focused on the critical step in which sound waves in the inner ear are transformed into electrical signals and sent to the brain. Progress will strongly depend on the close interaction between human geneticists who will identify the susceptibility genes for HI, animal geneticists who will test the function of these genes in animal models, physiologists, who will dissect the functions of the genes in vitro. The knowledge gained from this project will contribute to the development of better diagnostic tools for the genetic factors causing HI and open new avenues and future therapies. Therefore, EuroHear is an ambitious pan-European effort for which the benefits for society will be considerable in the longer term.” Experience shows that the interval between scientific discovery and translat
