IOA and NAS work towards a better sounding world

The John Connell Awards 2024 were hosted by The Lord Balfe, on behalf of the Noise Abatement Society, and took place at the Palace of Westminster 16 October 2024.

By Gloria Elliott OBE, CEO Noise Abatement Society, Chair and Co-Founder Quiet Mark

Above: Presentation at the John Connell Awards 2024 from the Noise Abatement Society to the Institute of Acoustics celebrating the IOA’s 50th anniversary. Pictured (L-R): Alistair Somerville (IOA Immediate Past President), Gloria Elliott OBE (NAS CEO), Jo Webb (IOA former President), David Waddington (IOA President), Gabrielle Edwards CBE (Director for Environmental Quality, Defra) and Stephen Turner (IOA former President)

The Noise Abatement Society was delighted to celebrate the Institute of Acoustics’ 50th anniversary at the John Connell Awards. Commemorating the IOA’s golden anniversary at the event, Gloria Elliott OBE, CEO of the NAS, said: “It is fitting to reflect on the IOA’s significant journey and work with the Noise Abatement Society. Over the past five decades, the Institute of Acoustics has evolved from a collection of specialist groups into a unified profession, embodying the culmination of decades of development in the field of acoustics.

“As documented by the IOA, its origins date back to the post-war period when acoustics lacked a unified representation. Visionary figures such as Alan Pickles and Bill Allen were instrumental in forming the Acoustics Group under the Physical Society, which eventually laid the foundation for what is now known as the IOA. Their efforts brought together diverse professionals including physicists, engineers, musicians and architects, fostering collaboration and advancing the science and application of acoustics. Over the last decade in particular the Noise Abatement Society has had the privilege of working closely with the Institute of Acoustics and has witnessed firsthand their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in acoustics. Their sponsorship of the Innovation Award at the annual John Connell Awards over several years is but one example highlighting the IOA’s dedication to championing the ever evolving state of the art of what is possible in the field.

This celebration not only marks 50 years of the IOA’s excellence and contributions to the multi- faceted world of sound but also marks the ongoing collaboration between our two organisations, united in the pursuit of a better sounding world.”