The Auditory System GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
The 2026 Auditory System GRC will focus on topics encompassed by mechanisms, perception, and functional restoration in the auditory system. The auditory system is a key component of communication, social interactions, situational awareness, and music appreciation, yet hearing loss and hearing disorders affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Advances in understanding and treating hearing loss require integrating insights and promoting cross-disciplinary collaborations across all levels of study that comprise auditory research. To support this goal, the 2026 conference will highlight the latest discoveries and innovative ideas drawn from across the full breadth of auditory research, including: the fundamental mechanisms that govern auditory system function from the ear to the highest brain levels, how sounds are perceived and how they influence behavior, how function of the auditory system is altered by hearing loss and hearing disorders, and novel approaches for restoring hearing function.
The translational implications of auditory research will be emphasized throughout the conference. Hearing health advocate and author, Shari Eberts, will lead a special session to discuss the challenges faced by the hearing loss community, how research in the auditory field can help, and how auditory researchers can advocate for better hearing health. To promote cross-pollination of ideas and maximize engagement, the conference program is designed around thematic sessions that alternate across subfields and feature results from a variety of model systems and experimental approaches. With its congenial atmosphere and ample opportunities for discussion, the Auditory System GRC provides an outstanding opportunity for auditory scientists to engage with colleagues old and new, generate new ideas, and build impactful collaborations.
The Auditory System GRC is preceded by a smaller, two day (July 18-19) Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) designed for students and postdocs engaged in auditory research. GRS attendees are strongly encouraged to attend the subsequent GRC. Talks will be selected from submitted abstracts and anchored by a keynote address by an invited mentor participant. There is ample time for discussion following each talk, or while hiking in the afternoon, or during poster-and-refreshment sessions each evening.
