The doctoral project investigates DFNA9, a hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the COCH gene, which leads to progressive hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential vulnerability of cochlear and vestibular systems and relate these mechanisms to clinical disease trajectories. The project will use a cross-model approach integrating mouse models and longitudinal patient cohorts. The successful candidate will work...

From 16–19 June 2026, the PROVIDE Network gathered in Innsbruck, Austria, for its fifth Training School (TS5), hosted at the headquarters of our industrial partner, MED-EL. Over four inspiring days, doctoral candidates (DCs), supervisors, and partners came together to share research progress, gain new scientific insights, develop transferable skills, and strengthen collaborations across the network. As the first Training School hosted by one of PROVIDE’s industrial partners, TS5...

From February 24–27, 2026, the fourth Training School (TS4) of the PROVIDE Network convened in Barcelona, Spain. Over four intensive days, doctoral candidates (DCs), principal investigators (PIs), and project managers gathered to exchange scientific insights, refine research strategies, and strengthen the collaborative foundations of the network. Day 1: Research Updates and Big Data in Genetics TS4 opened with research progress presentations by the DCs (10 minutes plus a...

Scientific conferences are key platforms for collaboration, exchange of ideas, and the development of new research partnerships. This year, PROVIDE coordinator Prof. Dr. Sonja Pyott represented the network at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) 2026 Midwinter Meeting in Puerto Rico. The ARO Midwinter Meeting brings together an international community of researchers in auditory and vestibular science to share the latest developments in basic and clinical research....

From 21 to 24 October 2025, the PROVIDE Network’s third Training School took place in the historic city of Antwerp, Belgium. Over four days, network members gathered for another packed programme of scientific lectures, transferable skills workshops and collaborative sessions, all designed to strengthen our doctoral training environment and drive our research agenda forward.  Day 1: Research Updates & Supervision Training The Doctoal Candidates (DCs) opened the meeting...

From May 20–23, 2025, the PROVIDE Network held its second training school in the vibrant city of Munich, Germany. Hosted at the NH Hotel and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), this four-day event brought together our early-stage researchers, principal investigators, and project coordinators for an enriching experience of learning, collaboration, and networking. A key milestone of the event was the midterm project check, held in the presence of our...

Background and Working Environment   Gait and balance deficits caused by vestibular disorders reduce the quality of life of millions of individuals. These disorders are poorly understood, difficult to diagnose and manage, and receive little attention despite their enormous personal and economic costs. To address the global burden imposed by vestibular disorders, the PROVIDE doctoral network will train 10 PhD students (doctoral candidates). These PhD students will conduct individual research...