Association of Noise Consultants Award 2026

On the 18th June at the Association of Noise Consultants annual conference held in Manchester, UK, the professional body awards for acoustics were handed out. Bickerdike Allen Partners LLC won the Vibration Prediction and Control award.  This was in association with University of Oxford, the National Portrait Galley and London South University. These were represented by David Trew, Catherine Higgitt, Professor Stephen Dance working as a multidisciplinary team from business, academic and governmental sectors. A great team !!

15th ICBEN Meeting in Copenhagen

On the 14-18th June 2026 the University of Copenhagen hosted the 15th International Conference on the Biological Effects of Noise. The largest ever effect saw this multi-disciplinary teams discuss the latest developments. Professor Stephen Dance gave an update to Team 1 "Noise Induced Hearing Loss"  on Music and Hearing Assessment using Otoacoustics Emissions. It was a fantastic few days with highly engaged professionals! Next time it's Auckland's turn :)

 

PhD Candidate Antonella Bevilacqua submits thesis

 

Former IOA Diploma and Masters student Antonella Bevilacqua has submitted her PhD thesis. Her title, "Acoustic assessment of Performing Arts Spaces: from Ancient Theatres to Modern Concert Hall" was undertaken by prior publication, in total 7 papers were selected for assessment. Professor Stephen Dance is the supervisor with the examination date set for 29 June 2026. Good luck Antonella!

First Audiometry Booth Testing

On the 8th June 2026 the Royce Institute funded Biobased Acoustic Additive Manufactured Metamaterial allowed us test the room acoustics of the paediatric audiometry booth at Sunrise House, Peckham, part of Guys and St Thomas's Hospital Foundation Trust. Special thanks go to Dr Bradford Backus of Audio3 and research assistant Ruben Vazquez-Amos. 

 

First In-person Meeting of EU Proxima

 

On the 5th June 2026 the first in-person meeting of EU Proxima proposal was held in Zurich. The bid combines expertise in aircraft emissions, health effects and biodiversity around airports across Europe. The bid includes LSBU, Trinity College Dublin and University of Basel and various SME and research institutes. We have 9 months to complete the proposal but had a great start thanks to Dr Karina Eikicke!

Alec Korchev submits his PhD thesis

On the 23rd May 2026 PhD candidate Alec Korchev submitted his thesis and Turnitin report. His thesis entitled, "Wind induced creaking noise in tall buildings" was undertaken and supported by Clarke Saunders and the Association of Noise Consultants. The supervisory team of Professor Dance, Ottavia Rispoli and Ed Clarke supported Alec over the past 4 years. Well done Alec!

 

International news... Depixen Visit

 

During the 20-22nd May 2026 Professor Stephen Dance visited the offices of Depixen in Istanbul. With the support of the British Embassy a link has been created to develop AI in Acoustics in the overall theme of Architecture.  Productive and informative meetings were held with an end goal set of further developing the software through a manufacturer neutral Product Catalogue, working alongside Ecophon. A very enjoyable few days in rainy Turkey!