Impact Stories
University College Cork and Walker Hearing Clinics Announce the first PhD Scholarship in Audiology and Hearing Sciences in Ireland.
The nation's first PhD Scholarship in Audiology and Hearing Sciences has been established by UCC and Walker Hearing Clinics. This historic donation will fund innovative studies on cognitive decline and hearing loss, a global issue impacting 1.5 billion people.
UCC and Walker Hearing Clinics, a leading provider of hearing care solutions in Munster, have announced a philanthropic gift to establish the Walker PhD Scholarship in Audiology and Hearing Sciences, UCC aimed at advancing the profession and informing research, teaching and clinical practice.
This PhD Scholarship will provide financial support to a doctoral student pursuing a PhD in Audiology and Hearing Science with a focus on groundbreaking research that improves the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss and cognitive decline. UCC is a pioneer in progressing the discipline of audiology and was the first university in Ireland to offer a qualification in audiology.
Amy and Graham Walker are a Cork based husband and wife team who are leading the way in offering professional audiology services. They established Walker Hearing Clinics in 2016. “As a local Cork and family run business, Walker Hearing Clinics are delighted to be partnering with Cork University Foundation to fund Ireland’s very first PhD of Audiology at University College Cork. We are doing this to help to lead the way in pioneering research in our industry and to support the UCC College of Medicine and Health as it produces some of the country’s finest audiologists, many of whom we employ,” said Amy Walker.
Professor Helen Whelton, Head of the College of Medicine and Health, UCC welcomed the gift, calling it a transformative opportunity for aspiring audiologists. “This generous contribution from Walker Hearing Clinics not only supports academic excellence, but it also represents a long-term investment in the health and well-being of individuals in our local community”.
With hearing loss affecting 1.5 billion people globally, the need for research-driven solutions has never been greater. This PhD Scholarship in Audiology and Hearing Sciences is designed to support innovative work in areas such as age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline.
This generous gift was facilitated by Cork University Foundation and UCC’s Advancement Office. “Philanthropy has the power to change lives, and a gift of this importance will empower the recipient of the Walker PhD Scholarship to reach their full potential and make a life-changing difference to people affected by hearing loss and cognitive decline. We are immensely grateful to Amy and Graham Walker for their support”, said Kerry Bryson, CEO of Cork University Foundation.