About the Graeme Clark Oration

The Graeme Clark Oration is one of Australia’s premier public science events, created to honour Professor Graeme Clark AC, whose groundbreaking invention of the multichannel cochlear implant transformed hearing science and remains one of the world’s most significant medical innovations. Established in 2008, the Oration has grown into a landmark annual event that brings global leaders in biomedical research to Melbourne. Its purpose is to make cutting-edge science accessible to the community, foster public engagement, and celebrate discoveries that shape the future of health, engineering, and medicine.

As both a forum for world-class scientific thought and a celebration of innovation, the Oration bridges the gap between researchers and the public. By demystifying complex advances, it highlights how scientific breakthroughs, such as Clark’s life-changing work in hearing restoration, improve lives and influence society. Over its history, the event has featured Nobel Laureates and internationally recognised experts across genomics, neuroscience, mental health, and medical technology.

Renowned as the most prestigious free public science event in the Southern Hemisphere, it attracts scientists, clinicians, policymakers, industry leaders, students, and community members.

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