David Sly

Dr David Sly is Chief Operating Officer of Research and Head of Hearing Devices at Ear Science Institute Australia. He holds adjunct and honorary positions at Monash University, The University of Western Australia, Swinburne University and the University of Melbourne.

With over 25 years of experience in biomedical research and higher education across Australian universities, hospitals and medical research institutes, Dr Sly focuses on auditory neuroscience, hearing therapeutics, cochlear implants, and development of diagnostic and hearing device technologies. He has contributed as lead or co-investigator on numerous research and industry projects, including translation of research into clinical applications and commercial products for hearing health. Dr Sly has played a key role in forming industry partnerships, overseeing research teams, and developing collaborative agreements across sectors.

He has secured research funding from bodies such as the NHMRC, Passe Williams Foundation, Defence Health Foundation, Future Health and Research Innovation Fund, and government innovation funds, facilitating advances in cochlear implants and hearing diagnostics. His research is reflected in over 60 peer-reviewed and industry report publications and book chapters. As an educator, Dr Sly has developed undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in neuroscience and medical technology, and received recognition for his teaching and mentoring of the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

Dr Sly regularly serves as a supervisor for research staff and students (12 PhD competitions), an invited presenter at conferences, and an advisor on clinical and industry projects linked to hearing science and health innovation.