Mechanics of Hearing Workshop 2027 - Abstract We request partial support to cover the expenses of the 16th Mechanics of Hearing (MoH) Workshop, to be held in Frascati, Italy in July 2027. Since their inception in 1983, the Mechanics of Hearing Workshops have provided the primary international forum for presenting, debating, and sparking advances in the fields of auditory biomechanics and biophysics. Convened at three-year intervals, the Workshops bring together researchers working on the mechanics of hearing for nearly a week of intense discussion. Like its predecessors, MoH 2027 aims to create bridges between multiple scientific fields and between experimental and theoretical approaches by covering auditory biophysics at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. The Workshop will offer an invaluable opportunity to graduate and post-doctoral trainees to discuss their work, develop new ideas, interact directly with more senior scientists, and absorb the practice and sociology of science. Testimonials from previous participants confirm that the extensive opportunities for formal and informal interaction between junior and more senior investigators are among the most valued hallmarks of this Workshop. To foster the collaborations necessary to advance the field, the Workshop has historically alternated been domestic and international locations, and attendees represent a wide range of U.S. and international institutions. The most recent Workshop was held in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Previous Workshops have been held in Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Greece, Canada, and the United States. The attendees of MoH 2024 chose Frascati, Italy (just outside of Rome) as the location of MoH 2027 because of its convenient location (allowing easy travel for most participants), outstanding conference facilities and support services, peaceful and historical surroundings, and very reasonable costs. In this proposal, we request funds from the NIH to cover student and post-doctoral travel awards, the travel of invited plenary speakers, and a portion of the audio-visual costs (including real-time captioning and transcription services).
