A/Prof Cowan is a Principal Research Fellow of the University of Melbourne. He has extensive experience in the management and commercialisation of research having published extensively in the fields of audiology, cochlear implants, sensory devices and biomedical management – he also holds a number of Australian and international technology patents and trademarks. 

Bob was President of Audiology Australia from 1992-1996, and 1997-2000, and remains a Federal Councillor.  In 2004 he was selected as Australian Professional of the Year by Professions Australia, and his contributions to audiology have been recognized through award of Audiology Australia’s President’s Distinguished Service Award (2003) and the Denis Byrne Memorial Orator award (2006).