Forum Acousticum 2025 in Málaga to spotlight AI and health innovations in acoustics

From 23 to 26 June 2025, the acoustics community will converge in Málaga, Spain, for Forum Acousticum / Euronoise 2025, a significant joint congress that promises to be a cornerstone event for professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts engaged in the broad field of sound science and engineering. Hosted at the FYCMA Congress Centre, this event combines the 11th European Acoustics Association (EAA) Annual Conference on Acoustics & Noise Control Engineering with the 46th Spanish Acoustic Conference (TECNIACUSTICA), making it one of the year’s most comprehensive gatherings dedicated to acoustics research and its real-world applications.

This four-day programme will include plenary keynote lectures, more than 50 structured technical sessions, poster presentations, and a technology exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in acoustics. Topics covered are wide-ranging, from building and environmental acoustics to physiological and virtual acoustics, including cutting-edge areas such as machine learning applications in acoustics. Prior to the main event, the EAA Summer School (20–22 June) will provide workshops on emerging topics for students and early-career researchers, enhancing the educational dimension of the conference.

The social programme is designed to complement the academic agenda, featuring concerts, jam sessions, local tours, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and community-building among delegates. The event’s organisers highlight the value of informal interactions alongside formal sessions, creating a dynamic environment for professional growth and exchange.

Among the highlights, the Acoustic Bulletin editorial team will participate actively and be available throughout the event at booth 26. They will engage with attendees on key themes such as how acoustics can improve health, learning, concentration, and comfort within built environments. Several papers from their network will be presented, providing insights into specialised topics:

• A study exploring how Virtual Reality is used in Dutch hospitals to simulate and assess acoustic environments, shedding light on patient-centred design approaches that could transform healthcare soundscapes.

• Research applying a simplified ISO 3382-3 prediction model to improve acoustic design in open-plan offices, demonstrating how practical assessments can enhance productivity and wellbeing.

• A case study on renovating an open-plan primary school in the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of activity-based acoustic design to meet the evolving needs of modern educational settings.

Forum Acousticum / Euronoise serves as an essential forum that not only promotes scientific exchange but also addresses critical European themes such as acoustical standardisation, regulation, research and development programmes, and professional certification. Its blend of conferences, exhibitions, and social events aims to sustain a vibrant community focused on advancing acoustics both as a science and a vital contributor to quality of life.

The event is expected to attract a diverse range of participants, including academic experts, industry leaders, and policymakers. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore advances such as machine learning in acoustic signal processing, exemplified by experts like Professor Mark Plumbley, whose work on audio analysis and automatic sound recognition showcases how artificial intelligence is transforming the field.

Moreover, the conference will touch on crucial environmental and physiological acoustic issues, reflecting growing concerns about noise pollution's impact on human and animal health—a focus shared by marine bioacousticians like Ana Širović, whose research on the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine life resonates with broader environmental acoustic challenges.

Forum Acousticum / Euronoise 2025 promises to be an engaging and essential event for anyone involved in acoustics, particularly those working to harness sound’s potential in health, education, occupational environments, and environmental stewardship. The blend of rigorous scientific content, practical case studies, and vibrant networking opportunities creates a platform that advances the discipline and its societal contributions.

Associations and trade bodies operating in acoustics and related sectors are encouraged to engage with the event, whether by attending, contributing research, or facilitating connections among their members. The event organisers and Acoustic Bulletin alike invite delegates to share ideas, explore collaborations, and discuss how acoustics can continue improving everyday life and workspaces worldwide.