Mr Declan Costello

I lead on a project called Perform to look at the amount of aerosols and droplets generated by performers. This research has provided a rigorous scientific basis for COVID-19 recommendations for art venues to open safely, for both performers and audience, by ensuring that spaces are appropriately ventilated to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.

I have also developed the COVID Airway Screen, a device which protects healthcare workers from droplet splatter generated during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).

I was instrumental in helping to change government policy to allow singing to open up again in the pandemic in mid-2020.

I’ve won the following awards:

• 2016 BMA Medical Book Awards
• 2014 BMA Medical Book Awards

I am senior Editor for Head & Neck of ENT and ENT News magazine and Chair of Continuing Professional Development Committee for ENT-UK.

I am a member of the following:

• British Laryngological Association
• Scientific Council of the European Laryngological Association Examiner
• Musicians Health Advisory Board for Help Musicians UK
• Medical Committee of British Association of Performing Arts Medicine
• Vocal Rehabilitation Committee Media
• Presidential Council of the European Laryngological Society

I have frequently run workshops for consultants in performing vocal cord injections in clinic.

My clinic is one of the very limited number of places in the UK that can inject vocal cords in clinic.

I have contributed to wide range of publications on laryngology and voice disorders.