Berlin, 7 December 2024

Awarding of the 2024 research prize

For the sixth time in a row, the German Tinnitus & Hearing Foundation has awarded its Research Prize Tinnitus & Hearing for outstanding scientific work in the field of causal research, early detection and treatment of tinnitus and other hearing impairments. Scientists from five European countries applied for the coveted award in 2024. This year, the jury chose the renowned scientist Prof. Dr. Pim van Dijk, expert in medical physics and Professor of Audiology at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Groningen (NL). His research focuses primarily on the mechanisms of the inner ear and the neurophysiology of tinnitus.

Prof. Pim van Dijk, together with his cooperation partners, applied for funding for a neuroscientific study investigating whether tinnitus in humans is linked to abnormal GABA-ergic inhibition. This is a process in which the neurotransmitter GABA reduces the activity of neurons in auditory brain areas. The Scientific Advisory Board based its decision on the fact that this work is extremely important causal research, as it could clarify how phantom noise occurs and also shed light on the connection between stress and tinnitus. With the award-winning project, Prof. Pim van Dijk and his colleagues are providing an innovative research approach that could lead to important new clinical studies and improved treatment options for patients.

This year’s 10,000 euro award was donated by the Deutsche Tinnitus-Liga e. V. (DTL) – with around 11,000 members, the largest non-profit self-help organization for patients with tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, hyperacusis and Menière’s disease in Europe. The award ceremony took place on December 7 as part of the 25th Tinnitus Symposium in Berlin, which was once again organized by the Tinnitus Center of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin with the support of the foundation.