For the past six years, the Vivensa Foundation and RNID have worked together to support early career researchers (ECRs) tackling one of the most underfunded areas in ageing-related research: hearing loss. This collaboration has helped build vital research capacity in a field where there is great need. It has also supported a talented cohort of fellows now forging careers both within and beyond academia.
On 19 November 2025, we brought together past and present fellows for a dedicated two-hour research and reflection session. It was an opportunity to connect, share progress, and discuss the paths that ECRs take as they build their independence. The discussion showed both the scientific value of the fellowship scheme and the human side of building a career in research.
Why hearing loss research remains a priority
Hearing loss affects around 18 million people in the UK. Recent reports continue to highlight the scale of unmet need and the gap between the impact of hearing loss and the level of research investment. As one attendee put it: “This is a very small research community, and it deserves to be much bigger.”
At the Vivensa Foundation, we recognise hearing health is central to ageing well. Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, loneliness, reduced independence and lower quality of life, yet we still lack effective treatments that prevent or reverse it. Strengthening the pipeline of researchers is essential.
“The UK has some excellent research groups, but the field needs greater critical mass. That’s why RNID and the Vivensa Foundation support fellowships, to build future leaders in hearing research.”– Dr Ralph Holme, Director of Research, RNID.
Showcasing the fellows’ research
During the first half of the event, we heard from a number of jointly funded fellows, who shared the latest findings from their work.
Dr Prez Jarzebowski (University College London) presented work on how the brain predicts and interprets sound when auditory signals are degraded. By studying prediction errors in the auditory cortex, he is uncovering how age-related hearing loss reshapes neural processing, with potential relevance for new rehabilitation approaches.
Dr Sam Webb (University of Sheffield) investigated how noise exposure weakens the medial olivocochlear system, accelerating age-related hearing decline. His approach aims to identify early biomarkers of vulnerability and inform better hearing-protection strategies.
Dr Elisa Martelletti (King’s College London) examined immune responses in models of rapid-onset progressive hearing loss, identifying inflammatory pathways and sex differences that could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Dr Chris Hardy (University College London) shared progress on non-verbal auditory tests that detect early signs of dementia. His work highlights the crucial link between hearing and brain health.
Reflections on the fellowship experience
The second half of the meeting focused on the realities of early career research. Participants shared practical advice, personal challenges and the small wins that enable career progression. Clear themes emerged across institutions and career stages: Fellowships build early independence and scientific leadership.
For many, this was the first opportunity to lead a project from conception to delivery. Researchers spoke about attending conferences alone, building new collaborations outside their PI’s expertise, and pushing beyond comfort zones.
“My supervisor gave me the freedom to investigate what I was most interested in… and helped me understand the whole grant process.” – Dr Magdalena Zak, Joint RNID-Vivensa Foundation Fellow at University College London.
“My fellowship is finishing soon and I am applying for the next bit of funding, but this gave me the platform to build the skills I need.” – Elisa
“It allowed me to define patterns of central hearing loss in dementia, something that simply hadn’t been done before.” – Chris
Resilience is essential
The group discussed the emotional toll of rejection, the uncertainty of funding gaps and the challenge of planning the “next step” while still deeply engaged in current work.
ECRs spoke candidly about the “funding loop”: needing preliminary data to secure the next award, but requiring funding to produce that data. Many said the fellowship helped break that cycle.
“You spend so long wrestling with applications that may go nowhere… the fellowship breaking that cycle was huge.” – Chris
Mentorship matters
Many fellows highlighted how supportive supervisors and senior colleagues shaped their progression.
As Magdalena noted: “I learned by being involved – writing sections of grants, reviewing budgets, seeing what reviewers look for. That experience was invaluable.”
Culture change is part of the job
As Dr Jing-Yi Jeng from the University of Sheffield put it, “We have a responsibility as the younger generation of scientists to improve research culture across academia.” From committee roles to volunteering, fellows are actively shaping more supportive environments.
These experiences reflect what the partnership set out to achieve: not just excellent science, but skilled, connected and confident researchers capable of leading the field forward.
Beyond funding: Building networks for the long term
A strong message from the day was that fellowships are more than financial support. They create a foundation for long-term networks – collaborations, friendships, shared learning and cross-disciplinary connections that continue well beyond the grant period.
Informal peer networks – from lab groups to cross-institutional monthly meetings – gave fellows safe spaces to share applications, compare reviewer feedback and learn from others further ahead.
“Within our network we started monthly meetings where fellows shared how they’d succeeded. It was so important.” – Magdalena
The Vivensa Academy has become a further resource for this community. With over 600 members, it offers opportunities for secondments, training and mentoring, helping researchers develop the wider skills essential for leadership.
As Susan Kay, outgoing CEO of the Vivensa Foundation, reminded participants: “A successful career isn’t just about the science. It’s about using your networks, adapting, and doing work you’re passionate about.”
Looking ahead: Our continued commitment to hearing research
The RNID–Vivensa Foundation partnership has supported a vibrant and talented cohort of early career researchers who are already making their mark in the field. We are proud of what has been achieved together and grateful to every fellow who shared their work and reflections.
Hearing loss remains a strategic area of importance for the Vivensa Foundation. We will continue to champion research that improves later-life health, including through our Early Career Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme, which supports emerging leaders across priority themes such as sensory health, neurodegeneration, and the biology of ageing.
As Susan Kay concluded: “This area of research is very dear to my heart. Why, as a society, do we not value our hearing in the same way we value our sight? If people don’t tell you often enough: what you do matters. And thank you for doing it.”
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Dr Magdalena Zak is thinking about establishing a UK-wide hearing research Early Career Researcher (ECR) network. She is part of UCL Ear Institute’s ECR network, where she has felt the benefit of peer support and career development advice. She would like to replicate this for ECRs working in hearing research across the country. If you are interested in joining, please contact Magdalena here or her colleague Marisa Flook here.
