The Vestibular System: A tribute to Professor Dr. Hans Straka

Professor Dr. Hans Straka (1961-2022) was passionate about science in general, neuroscience in particular, and defined himself as a neurophysiologist and vestibular researcher. He received in 2022 the Hallpike Nylen medal from the international Bárány Society for his outstanding contributions to basic vestibular science.

For those working in the vestibular field, he was an esteemed colleague, productive collaborator, rigorous co-author, tough reviewer, and for many younger scientists a wise advisor and supportive mentor. Hans recently gathered the vestibular community by editing the chapters dedicated to vestibular research in the last edition of the book The Senses, A Comprehensive Reference (2020). We believe that a collective Research Topic is an appropriate way to pay tribute to his dedication to our field.

The goal of this Research Topic is to allow all those working in the fields of neuro-otology and vestibular research, who interacted and crossed paths with him, or simply share his scientific interests, to honor Professor Dr. Hans Straka by participating in this article collection dedicated to his memory.

The topic is open to all vestibular-related research, to reflect on Hans’ wide-reaching contributions that advanced so many aspects of this field: ontogeny and development of the vestibular system; inter-species comparisons including evolutionary and eco-physiological perspectives; peripheral vestibular signal transduction and signal processing by central structures; vestibular organ anatomy and connectivity; synaptic and intrinsic properties of the central vestibular neuron; commissural and network properties; vestibular plasticity including homeostasis, adaptation, and compensation; the vestibulo-ocular pathway, oculomotor neurons, and oculomotricity; vestibular pathologies, from bench to bedside; new techniques and innovative approaches in vestibular research. Contributions format can be original research, reviews, commentaries, opinions, etc. (Please note that case reports is a no longer accepted article type for Frontiers in Neurology). Contributions about other non-listed topics that were covered by Pr Dr Straka's Research will be considered as well.

Keywords: Hans Straka's memory, the Vestibular System

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.